The Most Surprising Dishes From Every State That People Actually Eat

Food plays such a central role in our lives. From keeping us nourished and alive to helping define parts of our cultures, it's something that we definitely couldn't live without. The great thing about it is that there's a wide variety in what people eat around the world.

Some of these dishes are on the weird and wonderful side, and we're not just talking about ones outside of the US. Every state seems to have at least one unique or surprising food that you might not see anywhere else. Trying them all out is a challenge worth accepting.

Alabama's white barbecue sauce isn't as thick and sticky as traditional sauce

People across the United States love barbecue food. However, it's down in the South where the love for this really blossoms. So, it's no great surprise that when it comes to unique food in Alabama, it's very barbecue oriented. An excellent example is their white barbecue sauce, which is nothing like the thick, brown sauce most people are accustomed to.

This stuff isn't as thick and sticky as traditional barbecue sauce, which is why it's typically used more for drizzling on food. It's made with a combination of vinegar, mayonnaise, and barbecue seasonings, and the people of Alabama reportedly swear by it. Well, if it has their approval, we see no reason not to get behind it too.

Akutaq mixes berries with whipped fat for a cold Alaskan delicacy 

What immediately comes to mind when you think of Alaska? Most people probably think of the cold, what with part of the state being within the Arctic Circle. Given that the region doesn't tend to be on the warmer side, it probably makes sense that some of their most notable and unique dishes are chilled too.

Akutaq is one of the more surprising dishes from the United States, as it combines mixed berries with whipped fat. The presence of the latter is what makes this frozen dish so intriguing, although we can see why it's used. With Alaska having such harsh conditions sometimes, the fat probably goes some way to keeping the locals warm.

Cactus fries are a deep-fried specialty in the state of Arizona

When it comes to plants, there are a fair few you can eat, provided you prepare them in the right way. However, most people probably don't think cacti are included on that list. The residents of Arizona know differently, though, given that one of their unique US dishes is cactus fries, which are made with real cactus.

Plenty of prepwork goes into making cactus fries to ensure that all those needles are gone before someone eats them. Effectively, though, this food is just deep-fried cactus, and it's presumably more appetizing than you might think. The people of Arizona probably wouldn't consider it one of their specialties if it didn't taste good to them.

The people of Arkansas apparently like their gravy to be in chocolate form

These unique dishes from US states aren't necessarily all that bizarre; they're just not really seen in other parts of the world. Take chocolate gravy, for example, which has apparently become a favorite of many in Arkansas. Chocolate that works as gravy isn't that weird of a concept. In fact, it sounds pretty delicious if you have a sweet tooth.

The dish is made using cocoa powder, flour, sugar, and fat, and it's poured on biscuits in Arkansas. There's no time of day where this stuff isn't appropriate to eat because it works as a morning treat, a midday snack, or an evening dessert. Just be prepared for a sweet taste when you take a mouthful.

California combines sweet and savory into one dish with the donut burger

Do you love donuts? What about burgers? If you answered yes to both of those questions, California has something that might appeal to you. We're not sure where else in the world would think to combine these two foods together, making this one of the most surprising dishes from the United States. It's definitely an experience to eat.

A donut burger is basically just a burger where the buns are replaced with donuts, which may or may not sound delicious. It's not necessarily the easiest thing to eat, and the combination of sugar, salt, and burger juices might not appeal to everyone. For others, though, the mixture of savory and sweet makes this the best of both worlds.

Colorado's Rocky Mountain oysters are the private parts of various animals

With a name like Rocky Mountain oysters, it's perhaps no surprise that one of the unique dishes from the US finds its home in Colorado. Then again, it seems the name of this dish is quite a misleading one. That's because there aren't actually any oysters in it. If these aren't mollusks, though, then what are they?

Well, Rocky Mountain oysters are apparently made from the private parts of various different animals. Bulls, pigs, and sheep are used for this, although which animal you get typically depends on the restaurant you go to. The thought of eating any animal's private parts might not seem appealing, but when deep-fried, they're good enough for many in Colorado.

Clam is the pizza topping of choice in Connecticut

The debate of what's suitable to go on pizza is one that's raged for years and always sparks plenty of discussion. There are some ingredients, like chicken or ham, that people generally don't have an issue with. Well, unless they don't eat meat. Other foods, such as pineapple, tend to be more divisive. We'd say that clams are the same.

Of course, the people of Connecticut might disagree with that, given that one of their unique dishes is clam pizza. We suppose if people can put anchovies on a pizza, clams aren't really that different. Both bring a salty kick to the dish, one that evidently appeals to plenty of citizens in the state of Connecticut.

Delaware's contender for surprising dishes is basically fried meat scraps

Some of these surprising dishes from the United States definitely don't appeal to anyone who's a vegetarian or vegan. Scrapple is another example of that, with the dish reportedly being a delicacy in Delaware. Referred to as a meat cake, it certainly wouldn't please anyone who prefers to steer clear of anything with animal products in it.

That's because scrapple is reportedly made from pork scraps that most people don't typically eat. These are thrown in with other meat scraps and cornmeal to create a dish that absolutely earns the title of one of the more unique US dishes. There's clearly an audience for this fried food, though; otherwise, it wouldn't be a Delaware delicacy.

Florida makes use of its large alligator population with fried gator tail

Florida and alligators are pretty much synonymous with each other. Most people know that if you visit the southern state, you have to keep an eye out for these potentially dangerous but usually peaceful animals. It's not just in the wild that you'll encounter gators, though. You might also find them served to you at a restaurant.

With the animals being so prominent in Florida, we suppose it makes sense that fried gator tail is one of the state's delicacies. One of the most unique dishes from the US, the taste is apparently not that different from chicken. The meat is only taken from the animal's tail, too, so there's no worry about munching on anything unpleasant.

Georgia's pear salad is potentially one of the healthier unique dishes

Some of the unusual dishes definitely can't be considered healthy. However, a unique dish from Georgia could potentially be considered an exception to that. That's because it's pear salad, which certainly sounds pretty healthy right off the bat. Of course, this dish isn't simply a case of people adding chopped pairs to a bowl of salad.

Pear salad actually involves taking canned pears and slicing them in half. These are then covered with a dollop of mayonnaise - perhaps not the healthiest choice - with a cherry on top. A sprinkling of cheese finishes the dish, which might be a little different from what the name conjured up. The people of Georgia apparently love it, though. 

The Hawaiian dish of poi might look like strawberry yogurt, but it's typically more sour

Hawaii can sometimes feel so far removed from the rest of the US that people forget it's one of the 50 states. However, it's definitely part of this great nation, and so too are some of the unusual US dishes that people consider a delicacy here. Easily one of the most unique foods available in Hawaii is poi.

Some say that this dish has the look of strawberry yogurt. However, once you take a mouthful, that comparison apparently goes away. It seems that poi can be quite sour, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's likely the result of the creation process, with the dish reportedly coming about through the fermentation of the stem of the kalo plant.

The ice cream potato in Idaho is a deceptive dessert that's sweeter than it appears

Dessert lovers have a lot to be happy about with various unique dishes. There are plenty of states where some of the standout delicacies are more sweet than savory, and Idaho is one of the best. That's because this is where you can buy an ice cream potato, which isn't as bizarre as it might sound.

While the dish might look like a potato covered in whipped cream, nuts, and chocolate sauce, that isn't actually the case. The "potato" is thick ice cream made to look like a tuber with the help of some cocoa powder. Once you bite into it, you'll realize it's a sweet treat and probably get a toothache right after.

Illinois' horseshoe dish is a mountain of carbs on one plate

If someone asked whether or not you wanted to eat a horseshoe, you'd probably be a little confused. That is unless you're from Illinois, where this is the name given to one of their surprising delicacies. What you actually get with this dish can differ between restaurants, but it wouldn't be a horseshoe without some recurring ingredients.

Apparently, if you order a horseshoe, you're almost guaranteed to receive two slices of Texas toast. These will be covered in hamburger parties, French fries, and probably enough cheese sauce to drown it all. That alone makes this a very carb-heavy dish before you add on any of the other extras that might come with it. We don't mind, though.

Indiana has the roast beef Manhattan, which seems to be two meals in one

For a dish to be considered some of the most unique food from US states, it has to be pretty out there. We'd say that the roast beef Manhattan, which is a popular staple in Indiana, fits the bill. After all, it seems to combine two different meals in one, which you might consider a blessing or a curse.

This dish is effectively a roast beef sandwich, but with a bunch of mashed potatoes and gravy piled on top. While the former might seem like a suitable lunchtime meal, the latter definitely feels better suited to an evening meal. That's not to say that the combination doesn't work, though. It's one of the most delicious dishes in Indiana.

Dutch letters are apparently the pastry of choice in Iowa

Parts of the United States are heavily influenced by other countries around the world. For instance, Iowa has quite a strong connection to the Netherlands, with the state pretty steeped in Dutch history. You can see that in one of Iowa's most unusual dishes, which was apparently introduced to the state by Dutch immigrants in the 1800s.

These are Dutch letters, which are effectively pastries made in the shape of an "S." The letters have almond paste inside, which apparently then oozes out of both ends. Most who have eaten these pastries say they're delicious. So, it's perhaps no wonder they've become such a central part of the state's food culture after all these years.

Kansas is the home of bierocks, which people love to experiment with across the state

When Dorothy Gale said there's no place like home, she was right. There's a lot to love about Kansas, especially the food there. One of the more unusual US foods from this state is bierocks, which are sometimes referred to as "cabbage rolls." That might give you an idea as to what goes into these savory pastries.

Ground beef, cabbage, and onions make up the filling of this dish, although other ingredients like carrots are sometimes added too. You can actually find a fair few variations of bierocks across the state, with people opting to put their own spin on this beloved food. We imagine that each version is probably pretty delicious.

Wilted lettuce is Kentucky's less healthy take on salad

It can be tough trying to be healthy. You know you should often eat better, but some foods that are good for you just don't always taste that great. The people of Kentucky apparently know that well, given they've found a way to spice up what might otherwise be a pretty bland dish. We're referring to their wilted lettuce.

It's called wilted because that's apparently what the lettuce leaves do when people add things like bacon grease to the salad. It's how the locals in Kentucky make the dish taste better, though. They might lose some of the healthy properties of this food in the process, but at least eating it doesn't feel like a punishment anymore.

Louisiana seems to stuff as many ingredients as possible into the po'boy

To anyone who says that you can have too much in one meal, we say otherwise. Much like the people of Louisiana, we agree that sometimes less is not more - more is more! It's here that you'll find another of these unique dishes from US states in the form of the po'boy. In this dish, you can't have "too much."

The po'boy is basically a sandwich whose fillings can include things like fried seafood, roast beef, and pickles. There's also typically lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, melted butter, and maybe even some mustard. All these ingredients might make it hard to eat the sandwich without a knife and fork, but the delicious taste is still worth it.

Maine has a treat that's both sweet and savory in the form of Needhams

Generally speaking, food is either sweet or savory. Mixing the two things together doesn't happen that often because the results can usually be quite divisive. That's not to say that people haven't made dishes that technically qualify as both sweet and savory. It's just that only a select few have made a positive impression, like Needhams in Maine.

These treats are primarily sweet because chocolate and coconut are two of the main ingredients. They certainly don't look like much of a savory item on the outside, but they do contain one ingredient that you wouldn't typically find in a dessert - potatoes. Apparently, these are needed to help bind the coconut together, so they're an essential ingredient.

Muskrat is sometimes the meat of choice in states like Maryland

Unless you're a vegetarian or vegan, the idea of eating animals isn’t usually that big of a deal. However, there are some creatures that are generally considered more acceptable to eat than others. While people don't typically make a fuss over a plate of chicken, pork, or beef, they might be less receptive to being served something like muskrat.

Believe it or not, though, this is one of those unusual dishes that you can find in parts of the US. Maryland, to be precise. Hunting muskrats is pretty common in this state, so it's maybe no surprise that a fair few locals eat them from time to time. How they're cooked and served varies from person to person, though.

The preferred sandwich in Massachusetts is the fluffernutter

These surprising foods from US states may not seem as unusual to some people as they do to others. For instance, there are probably plenty of people who can't get their heads around a sandwich made with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. In places like Massachusetts, though, this dish is a perfectly valid meal to eat.

It's called a fluffernutter, and it's definitely one of the easiest of these unique US dishes to make. As long as you have the three necessary ingredients, you can put it together in seconds. It might take a while to eat, given the consistency of the peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, but you should never rush a meal anyway, right?

People in Michigan drink Faygo flavored soda like its water

When we talk about unusual dishes from the United States, we mainly focus on food. However, with Michigan, the unique thing that stands out the most is actually a beverage. This is Faygo, a flavored soda that many people seem to drink like it's water. This stuff isn't hard to get hold of and comes in a variety of flavors.

If you go to Michigan and you don't indulge in one of these drinks, you definitely seem to be missing out. Of course, it might take you a while if you decide to try out each flavor. If there's one to prioritize over the others, it's apparently the cotton-candy flavored Faygo, as this is what seems most popular.

Grapes, sour cream, and walnuts are Minnesota's favorite salad ingredients

What should you put into a salad? Well, that depends on what sorts of things you like. Ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce leaves are usually solid choices that will appeal to most people. Some might say that as long as the food is healthy, you can work it into a salad. Is that why grape salad exists?

This is something you get in Minnesota, with grapes - unsurprisingly - being one of the key ingredients. If you can't imagine eating this fruit with a typical salad, what about one with walnuts and sour cream? These are apparently the other main ingredients in this dish, which has made its mark on the people of Minnesota.

Mississippi answered the question of what pickles flavored with Kool-Aid would taste like

When you're next in Mississippi, be sure to look out for one of their unique specialties. You'll know when you see them because they're not a creation most people would even think existed. We're referring to koolickles, which are what you get when you combine pickles with Kool-Aid. Yes, someone in Mississippi really thought these would go together.

However, as strange as it might seem, they evidently weren't wrong. People seem to love pickles that taste like Kool-Aid, particularly the ones that are cherry flavored. While this is definitely one of the most surprising foods from US states, we can't say we're not intrigued by the Mississippi koolickles. Everything's worth trying out once, right?

Missouri has seemingly reinvented ravioli by putting it in a deep fryer

It's not uncommon to find deep-fried dishes across the United States. People will seemingly deep-fry all sorts of foods to see whether or not it makes them taste better, and that includes ravioli. Missouri is the place where this is seemingly the most popular, to the point that it's considered one of the state's specialty dishes.

Making toasted ravioli seems easy enough. You simply cover meat-filled ravioli in breadcrumbs, then fry it. Once it's ready to save, you just sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and put a little tomato dipping sauce on the side. Given that ravioli has been around for centuries, we appreciate that Missouri has found a way to reinvent it.

Pasties with tons of gravy are a popular dish in Montana

The further north that you travel in the United States, the colder it typically becomes. So, if you live in Montana, you probably spend a decent portion of the year feeling a little chilly. Perhaps that's why one of the more surprising dishes from this state is quite a hearty meal? We're talking about their pasties.

Although pasties - which contain meat, potato, and vegetables within a thick pastry - aren't necessarily unique to Montana, most don't eat them the way they do here. Generally speaking, people love to cover their pasties in tons of gravy here, to the point that they can't even really see what they're eating. Well, gravy does make most things taste even better.

Eating chili with a cinnamon roll is quite common in Nebraska

Cinnamon rolls on their own are pretty delicious, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The same can be said for chili, which is easy to adapt to whatever someone's spice preference might be. While both of these foods are great stomach-fillers, we can't say that we've ever thought about having them in the same meal.

Can you tell that not everyone is used to sweet and savory? If they were, this kind of thing would probably be totally normal. Apparently, many kids in the state learn to love eating chili with a cinnamon roll because it's such a common lunchtime meal. We guess this is another example of a winning combination.

Buffet food is often the go-to meal in Nevada, likely because of Las Vegas

Eating in Nevada is an experience like no other. The state is home to Las Vegas, a place where 24/7 service is more prevalent than anywhere else in the United States. It's not uncommon for people to stay up all night betting money or enjoying a show, meaning they need food at all hours of the day.

Is that why buffet food is so popular? This might not be a single dish, but there isn't really anywhere else that you get such an excessive and extravagant selection of food available. Buffet culture has definitely impacted Nevada's range of delicacies over the years, and with Vegas' continued popularity, we doubt that will change anytime soon.

New Hampshire donuts are apparently sometimes made using apple cider

Donuts are one of those sweet treats that definitely aren't restricted to one part of the world. We typically wouldn't consider them to be one of the more unusual US dishes around, but some states do have their own take on these snacks. New Hampshire is one of them, with the state combining them with a popular beverage.

Here, it's supposedly common practice for donuts to be made with apple drinks. Rather than being added afterward, as you might with icing or sprinkles, this ingredient is poured into the donut mixture. So, that familiar flavor is present in every single bite of these delicious donuts. It gives the treat a kick that definitely isn't unwelcome.

New Jersey locals are typically fans of the state's Taylor Pork Roll

When it comes to people's favorite meat, pig products typically fare well with most of the meat-eating population. They may not always be everyone's number one, but they're beloved enough that few generally complain when they're used in a dish. At least, that seems to be the case in New Jersey, where pork takes pride of place in some foods.

An example of this is their Taylor Pork Roll. Reportedly popular with many locals, the dish typically combines processed meat with egg and cheese. It's not unlike something that people might have in a breakfast sandwich. However, it utilizes meat that's local to New Jersey, and you can enjoy it at any time of the day.

The green chili sundae is New Mexico's spicy take on a popular dessert

You generally can't go wrong with ice cream. When it's warm outside, this treat is an excellent way to cool down. Even if the temperature is mild, it's still a delicious dessert, especially as you can have it in many different flavors or with a bunch of toppings. Of course, not all ice cream is to everyone's taste.

Something that might be quite divisive is the green chili sundae that's quite popular in New Mexico. It's a combination of frozen vanilla custard with salted pecans and green chilis because who doesn't like some spice with their sweet treat? We suppose your thoughts on this might depend on how hot you like your food to be.

New York's garbage plates are a lot more appetizing than they sound

We need to have a word with whoever named one of New York's most unusual dishes because the title doesn't do it justice. If you heard someone talking about garbage plates without seeing what they were referring to, you probably wouldn't think the dish was very appetizing. However, this dish isn't just something people pulled out of the trash.

Typically featuring a mixture of macaroni salad, French fries, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, onions, mustard, and hot meat sauce, it's a wild ride. If you eat this, you won't need any food for the rest of the day - or maybe even the week. We can assume it tastes much better than garbage, even if it looks a bit messy.

Livermush is a North Carolina meat product you might not be familiar with

Just when you think you've heard of all the meats in the world, someone comes out with something completely from left field. To the people of North Carolina, livermush probably seems like old news because they've grown up around it. For other parts of the United States, though, it may well have not existed before today.

Easily one of the more unusual foods of the US, livermush is a blend of ground pigs liver, cornmeal, spices, and seasoning. On its own, it might not seem that appealing to everyone, but that's why it's commonly served with pickles and onions. These help to accentuate the flavors of what is definitely a unique creation.

Lutefisk is a Nordic specialty that North Dakota has taken a shine to

Lutefisk technically isn't something that's unique to North Dakota. Nordic countries also have the dish, with it proving pretty popular in that part of the world. However, when it comes to unusual foods from US states, North Dakota seems to be the only place where lutefisk has really made its mark. What exactly is it, though?

It's a white fish dish that is apparently soaked in lye and saltwater before it's served with not much else. The food is seemingly enough of a taste sensation that it doesn't really require any other ingredients to make it pop. It's well worth a try if you enjoy dishes that scream they came from the water.

Skyline Chili in Ohio has a chili dish that's hidden beneath a mountain of cheese

Ohio isn't short of things to see and do, but if you're going to visit the state, a trip to Skyline Chili is a must. After all, it's here that you'll find one of Ohio's most unique dishes. Their take on chili is quite a thing to behold, especially if you're someone that loves cheese.

A mountain of this stuff sits atop a plate of spaghetti and chili meat sauce, making it quite the carb loader. With onions and red beans also thrown in for good measure, this is a dish that won't leave you feeling hungry afterward. Some people think this dish has too much cheese, but we'd care to disagree.

Lamb fries in Oklahoma are apparently a lamb's deep-fried private parts

It turns out that several states in the US don't think that eating an animal's private parts is that unusual. In Oklahoma, it's apparently reasonably common for locals to dine on these parts of a lamb, although not in their natural state. What's actually served to customers could easily be mistaken for something much more innocent.

As with plenty of surprising foods from US states, the private parts are coated in breadcrumbs and tossed in the deep fryer, so they're nice and crispy on the outside. If done well, these lamb fries should still be juicy on the inside. They reportedly go well with a tomato sauce or some cream gravy, depending on the restaurant's preference.

Oregon is home to Blue Star Donuts, which has some unusual donut creations

We have to admire anyone who's able to take donuts and do something different with them. These treats are eaten all over the world, so people have to get pretty creative if they want theirs to stand out. Fortunately, Blue Star Donuts in Oregon seems to have done a decent job of that, going by what they sell.

Their delicious range of donuts includes the Passion Fruit Cocoa Nib, the Pear-Lavender Brûlée, the Mexican Hot Chocolate, and the Meyer Lemon and Key Lime Curd. Some of their creations are more on the adult side, thanks to the drinks they use while making them. So, these donuts can offer quite the dining experience with friends.

Creamed chipped beef is one of the more divisive dishes Pennsylvania has to offer

With many of these unusual dishes, what people think about them tends to be influenced by where they live. For instance, someone from Pennsylvania probably is more likely to be a fan of creamed chipped beef. Even if they don't particularly like it, they might not think it that strange because they're used to it.

However, those outside of Pennsylvania might be more resistant to the dish, which features dried beef drenched in a white sauce on two slices of toast. This combination results in quite an unexpected mouth sensation, which is bound to appeal to some more than others. Whether you like it or not, though, you can at least admit it's pretty unique.

The slimy chop suey sandwich from Rhode Island supposedly tastes better than it looks

You should never judge a book by its cover, and that goes for food too. Sometimes, dishes don't always look super appealing, but that doesn't mean they're not delicious. It can just be hard to make things appear appetizing sometimes. The chop suey sandwich is a good example of that because this doesn't get our stomachs rumbling.

However, while this food might look slimy, it wouldn't be a Rhode Island specialty if the taste wasn't appealing to plenty of people. The combination of chicken or pork, onions, celery, and bean sprouts in a soy gravy is seemingly delicious. It might be a mess to eat and one of the most unusual US dishes, but it's worth trying.

South Carolina has one of the most divisive unique dishes in the form of chitlins

It's usually a good idea to know what's in the food you eat. After all, if you want to stay healthy, an understanding of what's going into your body is essential. However, sometimes knowing what's in a dish can turn it from a delicious meal into something quite nauseating. That's how some people feel about chitterlings or chitlins.

A relatively popular choice in South Carolina, the thing that typically puts people off this food is the fact that it's pig's intestines. It's a part of the animal people usually aren't hungry for, so they're reluctant to eat it, whether it be boiled, battered, or fried. At least they don't usually look like what they actually are.

Chislic is a delicious and uncomplicated dish that's popular in South Dakota

Not all of these unique foods from US states are super out-of-the-box. Some of them keep things relatively simple but still delicious, like South Dakota does with chislic. Rather than trying to reinvent anything, this dish just takes cubes of meat, puts them in a deep fryer, then attaches them to a skewer for easy consumption.

Usually, chislic will be served alongside garlic salt and crackers so that people can make miniature sandwiches with the food available to them. Again, it's nothing particularly out of the ordinary, but after seeing some of these unusual US dishes, we're okay with that. A delicious meal that isn't too complicated sounds perfect to us.

The slug burgers in Tennessee are a vegetarian-friendly option for burger fans

After seeing what's in some of the most unique food of the United States, we don't love that one of Tennessee's specials is called the slug burger. Fortunately, its name doesn't derive from the use of slugs in the dish. The burgers are actually soy burgers that have been deep-fried and served with onions, pickles, and mustard.

The use of soy burgers means that this dish is vegetarian-friendly, which isn't the case with a lot of the other unusual food from US states. So, anyone who's hungry for some meat-free options might benefit from a visit to Tennessee. We promise that there aren't any slugs in these burgers… That we're aware of.

In Texas, butter can be a cooking ingredient and a snack if you deep fry it

Butter is one of those foods that you might make frequent use of if you cook. After all, it's good for things like oiling up a pan, so the food stays moist and doesn't stick to the sides. However, just because it's a popular ingredient, that doesn't mean we'd ever think to deep fry it and then eat it.

That's what they do in Texas, though. People will coat sticks of butter in batter or breadcrumbs and then toss them in the fryer to get nice and crispy. We don't even want to know what a doctor would say about eating this. Hopefully, anyone who does enjoy it does so in moderation for the sake of their health.

Jello salad in Utah sometimes comes with some unexpected additions

For a state to adopt something as its official snack, it's got to be delicious. Well, if you're a fan of Jell-O, then you'll likely agree with Utah's decision to give this food that prestigious title. People evidently love the stuff there, so much so that it's used in some unexpected and unique US dishes.

Jello salad isn't necessarily something that only people in Utah eat. However, in this part of the nation, you're seemingly more likely to encounter some questionable ingredients in a jello salad. Things like carrots and other vegetables are supposedly free game in this dish, because why not? Well, as long as people enjoy it, that's all that matters.

In Vermont, eating snow with a donut and a pickle is common behavior

You've got to be prepared for cold weather when you visit Vermont. It's one of the coldest states in the US and typically sees plenty of snowfall every year. Fortunately, it appears that the locals have a way of dealing with this - they eat it. Yes, there are people in Vermont who legitimately eat snow.

In fact, so many people do this that it's resulted in some unique US dishes. One of the most intriguing is the sugar on snow supper, which is basically a bowl of snow with some maple syrup to pour on top. It also apparently comes with a donut and a pickle, resulting in some interesting flavor combinations.

People in Virginia use up what they can to make Brunswick stew

You typically can't go wrong with a stew. One of these on a cold day is the perfect way to warm up. It's also great if you're feeling sick and need something to perk you up. So, with that in mind, we love that one of Virginia's most notable dishes is a bowl of Brunswick stew.

Unlike a lot of these unique foods from US states, the ingredients for Brunswick stew can vary quite a bit between cities. That's because the purpose of this dish is apparently to try and use up the stuff that's been sitting around waiting to be cooked. This can be risky, but it does usually lead to some delicious meals.

Washington has one of the most unusual ingredients in the form of geoducks

When you see a geoduck for the first time, you might be very confused about what you're looking at. In its natural state, it definitely bears a resemblance to something you wouldn't think is appropriate to eat. However, a geoduck isn't anything rude; it's just a large saltwater clam with an unfortunate appearance. It tastes pretty great, too.

The citizens of Washington seem to agree with that for the most part, given that this is where geoduck is quite a popular addition to various dishes. With or without the exterior present, this stuff makes for some unique dishes. However, if you want the food to be a real talking point, including the exterior is a must.

Squirrel is a reasonably popular choice of meat in West Virginia

It seems that people across the United States love to experiment with different meats. Well, we suppose that just because some animals aren't consumed as much as others, that's not necessarily because they don't work well in a dish. The people of West Virginia certainly seem to have found something tasty in squirrels that others haven't.

Like with other meats, there are different ways to cook and serve it. In this state, it's apparently quite common to fry it so that the food has quite a crunch to it. Sometimes, it's served whole, while other times, it's shredded and offered up with a side of things like mashed potatoes and gravy.

Wisconsin burgers hit different when they're made with heaps of butter

Given the prevalence of cows in Wisconsin, it makes sense that some of the more surprising dishes from this state are burgers. Of course, burgers on their own aren't that unusual, so what is it that people in Wisconsin do to make them unique? Well, adding a heap of butter to the mix is probably the best example.

The rest of the dish is no different from what you'd expect if you ordered a beef burger at a restaurant. However, the butter turns it into something completely new simply because there's so much of it. Don't be surprised if your plate is swimming in the stuff by the end because it's oozed out of the burger.

Chuckwagon breakfasts are apparently cooked over a fire in Wyoming

Cowboys and Wyoming typically go hand-in-hand. So, it makes sense that one of the more unusual US dishes from here relates to those horse-riding men and women. We're talking about the chuckwagon breakfast, which is typically cooked in the way that most cowboys tend to make things - over a fire. The result is something pretty special.

If you ever want to make a chuckwagon breakfast yourself, you'll need meat, mashed potato,  and whatever else you feel would work well with these ingredients. As long as it can be safely cooked over a fire, it might be worth trying as part of this beloved dish. You should soon see why the people of Wyoming love this creation.