As the fall season begins, pumpkin dishes become increasingly popular across the United States. Families make sweet and savory pumpkin recipes at home, coffee shops add the popular ones to their menus, and Google searches are filled with pumpkin-related search intent. To celebrate the fall season, Coffeeness reviewed a year of Google Trends data across all 50 states of America, comparing more than 30 pumpkin-based foods and drinks.
The state-by-state breakdown shows that the most popular foods people love include pumpkin bread, muffins, and cookies, but other dishes also rank first depending on where you live.
What are the top pumpkin foods across the USA?
Americans enjoy their pumpkin foods throughout Fall; here are the most popular ones:
Pumpkin bread
Pumpkin bread is America’s most searched pumpkin treat, showing particularly strong interest across the South and Mountain West regions. It is the most popular choice in 20 states. The loaf is known for its moist texture, warm spices, and comforting flavor.
Most recipes use cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended with pumpkin puree. Some top their pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting to enhance the flavors. It’s a staple during the season that is served at breakfast tables, and even at Thanksgiving dinners.
As Arne Preuss, Coffeeness CEO, commented, “The data tells such a compelling story about American food culture—pumpkin bread’s dominance in 20 states suggests that despite all our pumpkin innovations, the U.S. is still a nation that craves homestyle comfort food.”
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin muffins lead in 11 states, including California, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, possibly reflecting a busy lifestyle and a culture of grab-and-go breakfasts. A muffin paired with morning coffee has become a Fall ritual for many.
Bakeries now also offer variations including chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, cream cheese-filled versions, and healthier alternatives with whole grains.
Pumpkin cookies
Pumpkin cookies are widely popular in eight states, including Arizona and Utah. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds: the beloved American cookie tradition and the seasonal appeal of pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin cookies stay soft longer than traditional cookies due to the natural moisture content in pumpkin puree.
Many people have their own version, but our favorite is the snickerdoodle pumpkin cheesecake cookie, which is incredibly delicious and has a tangy, creamy cheesecake filling.
Pumpkin soup
People in Florida, Michigan, New York, and Texas love pumpkin soup, as indicated by search trends. Many American versions incorporate local ingredients and are prepared in various ways. Some regions combine roasted pumpkin and vegetables, while others add cream or coconut milk for a more decadent and creamy texture. People of Florida may even add citrus, while Texas’s version features southwestern spices.
Pumpkin seeds
Hawaii, Louisiana, and Mississippi list roasted pumpkin seeds as their favorite. This protein-packed snack is simple to make and often prepared at home after carving pumpkins.
You can season them with salt and spices for added flavor. They also appeal to health-conscious buyers since they’re high in protein and one of the best plant-based sources of magnesium.
Pumpkin pie
It’s estimated that Americans consume over 50 million pumpkin pies during Thanksgiving week alone, but they are less prominent outside of the holiday season. Pumpkin pie is primarily loved in North Dakota and Wyoming, but has been overshadowed by more modern, convenient pumpkin treats in most states.
This classic dessert, with a flaky pastry crust, has been a Thanksgiving staple since colonial times. The pie is usually made with spiced pumpkin custard baked into a crust. While the pumpkin pie is not as easy to make as pumpkin muffins or cookies, it remains one of the most loved desserts during the holidays.
Pumpkin spice latte
South Dakota is the only state where the pumpkin spice latte tops the list of most searched foods. The drink became widely popular during the fall season when Starbucks launched it in 2003, and it remains a staple in coffee shops.
Fun fact: The original pumpkin spice latte didn’t actually contain any pumpkin—it was just pumpkin pie spices — until Starbucks added pumpkin puree to the recipe in 2015, following years of customer requests and social media campaigns demanding “real pumpkin.”
Other popular pumpkin foods
Pumpkin dishes are not limited to breads, pies, or muffins. Americans also try many other recipes using pumpkin during the fall season.
Pumpkin Brownies: These brownies, made with creamy pumpkin puree sandwiched between fudgy brownie layers, are the perfect fall treat for all ages.
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Turnovers: These pastries are filled with spiced pumpkin puree and baked until golden brown. They can be dusted with sugar and are often enjoyed warm, either on their own or with ice cream.
Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts: They are packed with pumpkin, spiced with all the best iconic fall flavors, and coated in a simple cinnamon sugar mixture. And because these donuts are baked, not fried, they are effectively cake donuts, which makes them a bit healthier and easier to make.
Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes: These mini cakes are baked in ring-shaped pans, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. They are made with spiced pumpkin and topped with a maple glaze or powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk: This variation of pumpkin pie features sweetened condensed milk incorporated into the filling, resulting in a creamier texture and a sweeter flavor. It is an ideal option for Thanksgiving tables when you don’t want the traditional pie.
What are the top pumpkin-producing states in the U.S.?
Many regions in America are known for producing pumpkins, but six states account for most of the crop. Illinois produces more than half of the pumpkins grown nationwide, while California, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington make up the rest of the top six.
These states help sustain the demand each fall as families and businesses prepare their kitchens for the classic pumpkin dishes that are popular nationwide.
Methodology and sources for the ranking
This ranking was determined using Google Trends data collected over the past 12 months, focusing on relative search interest in a list of 30+ pumpkin-based foods and beverages. Each state’s most-searched pumpkin food was identified based on peak search interest compared across all options.
Search terms analyzed include both traditional and modern pumpkin items — from pumpkin pie and muffins to pumpkin spice lattes and savory dishes like pumpkin ravioli and curry. Results reflect the dominant pumpkin preference in each state for 2025.