Beer has played a significant role in American history. It was widely consumed during colonial times and continues to impact the culture today. A new study has identified which states show the most interest in beer, illuminating the ongoing popularity of this beverage.
Wisconsin Leads the Way
The recent analysis by Innerbody Research, based on a year’s worth of Google Trends data, crowned Wisconsin as America’s beer capital once again. This marks the second consecutive year the state has topped the rankings. The Midwest overall has been dubbed “America’s beer belt.” Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Missouri all feature prominently in the top 10, while every Midwestern state finishes in the top 20.
Bart Watson, president and CEO of the Brewers Association in Colorado, emphasizes the Midwest’s deep-rooted beer culture, highlighting its long history of production and recent revival through craft brewing.
Regional Interests
The state of Wyoming follows closely behind Wisconsin, taking second place. Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa secure the third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively. Conversely, states along the Pacific coast such as Alaska, Washington, California, Oregon, and Hawaii show less interest in beer searches.
The Role of Brands
Regional loyalty to specific beer brands remains strong. Jean-Pierre H. Dubé, a marketing professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, notes that local dominance is usually influenced by the order of market entry. For instance, Miller leads in Wisconsin due to its early presence, while Budweiser holds sway in St. Louis.
Interestingly, Michelob Ultra generates the most search interest and dominates in states like Alabama, Nevada, and Oklahoma. Watson notes the appeal of light beers and options with lower calories and ABV among beer drinkers.
Popular Choices
Stella Artois is a favorite in various states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and others. In the U.S., Stella is often seen as a premium beer, contrasting with its reputation in Belgium.
Dubé’s research indicates that beer preferences often form around beers encountered during young adulthood, with many Americans maintaining a preference for local brands like Miller, Budweiser, and Samuel Adams.
Market Trends
This year, Beer Marketer Insights reported that Michelob Ultra surpassed Bud Light and Modelo Especial to become the top-selling beer in the U.S. by volume. However, Watson warns that sales and search metrics aren’t perfectly aligned, with new interest and overall brand strength telling a part of the story.
At the end of the day, beer is supposed to be fun, best enjoyed with friends and family.
Teresa Mull contributed to this reporting from the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.