Skip to Content

Coke Or Pepsi? One Study Reveals Every State’s Favorite Soft Drink

Coke Or Pepsi? One Study Reveals Every State’s Favorite Soft Drink

The age-old cola war just got a plot twist—researchers have mapped out which soda reigns supreme in every state, and the results are spicier than a habanero-infused soft drink.

Turns out, your ZIP code might predict your soda preference better than your taste buds.

Grab your popcorn (and a cold beverage), because this fizzy feud is about to get carbonated.

1. Alabama Adores Mountain Dew

Alabama Adores Mountain Dew
© KSL News

Y’all won’t believe it, but Alabama residents crave that neon green citrus kick more than any other soda!

The state’s outdoor culture perfectly pairs with Mountain Dew’s energetic branding.

2. Alaska Chills With Coca-Cola

Alaska Chills With Coca-Cola
© cocacolastore

In the Last Frontier, nothing beats classic Coca-Cola!

Perhaps the nostalgic warmth of this iconic beverage helps Alaskans cope with those long, frigid winters up north.

3. Arizona Selects Dr Pepper

Arizona Selects Dr Pepper
© drpepper

Whoa – desert dwellers have spoken! Dr Pepper’s complex 23-flavor blend proves perfect for Arizona’s sophisticated palates. The bold taste stands up nicely to those scorching summer temperatures.

4. Arkansas Picks Sprite

Arkansas Picks Sprite
© yousafchef

Holy refreshment, Batman! Arkansas folks can’t get enough of Sprite’s crisp lemon-lime goodness. The clean, refreshing taste makes it a natural companion for the state’s famous Southern cooking.

5. California Sips On La Croix

California Sips On La Croix
© LaCroix

Gasp! Health-conscious Californians have embraced La Croix as their top choice.

Though technically sparkling water, this zero-calorie fizzy sensation has dethroned traditional sodas in the Golden State.

6. Colorado Reaches For Pepsi

Colorado Reaches For Pepsi
© www.wpbpepsi.com

Would you believe it? Mountain-loving Coloradans prefer Pepsi’s slightly sweeter cola profile! Maybe those extra sugar grams provide quick energy for all that hiking and skiing.

7. Connecticut Chooses Fresca

Connecticut Chooses Fresca
© Southern Living

Zounds! Connecticut’s refined residents gravitate toward Fresca’s sophisticated grapefruit flavor. This zero-calorie option appeals to the state’s health-conscious yet traditional sensibilities.

8. Delaware Delights In Mello Yello

Delaware Delights In Mello Yello
© UNITED DSN

Get this – tiny Delaware shows massive love for Mello Yello!

The citrus soda’s bright flavor and energetic vibe resonate with residents of America’s first state.

9. Florida Fancies Fanta Orange

Florida Fancies Fanta Orange
© Los Tanitos

No way! The Sunshine State appropriately gravitates toward sunny Fanta Orange. The tropical vibes and citrus kick perfectly complement Florida’s beachy lifestyle and orange-growing heritage.

10. Georgia Gravitates To Coca-Cola

Georgia Gravitates To Coca-Cola
© Mental Floss

Well, duh! Georgia proudly supports homegrown Coca-Cola, headquartered in Atlanta since 1886.

This state loyalty runs deep – ordering a Pepsi might raise eyebrows in certain establishments!

11. Hawaii Hankers For Passion Fruit Fanta

Hawaii Hankers For Passion Fruit Fanta
© Rare Munchiez

Cowabunga! Hawaiians embrace the tropical Passion Fruit Fanta variation. The exotic flavor profile matches the islands’ lush environment and fruit-forward culinary traditions.

12. Idaho Indulges In Mtn Dew Code Red

Idaho Indulges In Mtn Dew Code Red
© Food & Wine

Holy potatoes! Idaho’s rugged outdoorsy types prefer the cherry-infused kick of Mtn Dew Code Red. The bold, energizing flavor fuels everything from potato farming to mountain adventures.

13. Illinois Insists On RC Cola

Illinois Insists On RC Cola
© Amazon.com

Great Scott! Illinois shows surprising loyalty to underdog RC Cola. The vintage brand’s nostalgic appeal resonates particularly strongly in Chicago, where it maintains cult-like status.

14. Indiana Idolizes Sun Drop

Indiana Idolizes Sun Drop
© Walmart

No kidding! Hoosiers have a special place in their hearts for citrusy Sun Drop. The lemon-lime soda’s bright flavor provides the perfect refreshment after a day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

15. Iowa Enjoys A&W Root Beer

Iowa Enjoys A&W Root Beer
© bluebellicecream

Heavens to Betsy! Iowa’s heartland values align perfectly with A&W’s classic root beer. The creamy, vanilla-tinged soda evokes nostalgic small-town America, much like Iowa itself.

16. Kansas Craves Cheerwine

Kansas Craves Cheerwine
© Cheerwine Merch

Hold the phone! Despite originating in North Carolina, cherry-flavored Cheerwine has found a surprising fanbase in Kansas. The unique taste stands out in America’s breadbasket.

17. Kentucky Kicks Back With Ale-8-One

Kentucky Kicks Back With Ale-8-One
© Ale-8

Well, I’ll be! Kentucky proudly supports its homegrown ginger-citrus soda, Ale-8-One. Founded in Winchester in 1926, this regional specialty remains virtually unknown outside the Bluegrass State.

18. Louisiana Loves Big Red

Louisiana Loves Big Red
© Brandclub

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Louisiana’s vibrant culture embraces Big Red’s unique cream soda flavor. The sweet, bright red beverage pairs surprisingly well with spicy Cajun cuisine.

19. Maine Maintains Moxie Loyalty

Maine Maintains Moxie Loyalty
© Graffam Bros Seafood

Ayuh! Maine’s independent streak shows in their devotion to Moxie, their official state soft drink. The distinctively bitter, medicinal flavor isn’t for everyone – but Mainers wouldn’t have it any other way!

20. Maryland Marvels At Pepsi

Maryland Marvels At Pepsi
© Creative Review

For real? Maryland bucks the East Coast Coca-Cola trend with strong Pepsi preference! From Ocean City beaches to Baltimore harbors, that distinctive blue can reigns supreme.

21. Massachusetts Makes Do With Polar Seltzer

Massachusetts Makes Do With Polar Seltzer
© Polar Seltzer

Wicked awesome! Massachusetts residents favor locally-produced Polar Seltzer over traditional sodas. The Worcester-based company’s seasonal limited editions create genuine excitement throughout New England.

22. Michigan Mandates Vernors

Michigan Mandates Vernors
© Heart of Michigan

Oh my goodness! Michigan stands firmly behind Vernors, America’s oldest surviving ginger ale. Created in Detroit in 1866, this uniquely aged, barrel-mellowed soda remains a source of state pride.

23. Minnesota Moves Toward Tab

Minnesota Moves Toward Tab
© Food Dive

You betcha! Minnesota shows surprising loyalty to Tab, the cult-favorite diet cola. Despite Coca-Cola discontinuing it in 2020, devoted Minnesotans still hoard remaining supplies of this zero-sugar pioneer.

24. Mississippi Magnifies Mountain Dew

Mississippi Magnifies Mountain Dew
© KSL News

Well, I declare! Mississippi’s outdoor culture perfectly aligns with Mountain Dew’s high-energy image. The citrus soda’s caffeine kick helps power through humid southern days.

25. Missouri Mentions Barq’s Root Beer

Missouri Mentions Barq's Root Beer
© Amazon.com

Hot diggity dog! Missouri’s show-me state attitude appreciates Barq’s bold root beer bite. The soda’s caffeine content – unusual for root beer – gives it an edge over competitors.

26. Montana Muses Over Hires Root Beer

Montana Muses Over Hires Root Beer
© Etsy

Holy cow! Montana’s frontier spirit connects with Hires, America’s original root beer. The authentic, herbal flavor profile appeals to the state’s appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.

27. Nebraska Necessitates Nehi

Nebraska Necessitates Nehi
© Amazon.com

Goodness gracious! Nebraska’s heartland values align with Nehi’s nostalgic fruit flavors. The vintage brand’s grape variety proves especially popular throughout the Cornhusker State.

28. Nevada Nominates Diet Coke

Nevada Nominates Diet Coke
© Gordon Food Service Store

What happens in Vegas… includes drinking lots of Diet Coke! Nevada’s 24/7 lifestyle benefits from this zero-calorie caffeine source. Casino workers particularly depend on its energizing effects.

29. New Hampshire Nods To Moxie

New Hampshire Nods To Moxie
© Coca-Cola.com

Live free and drink Moxie! New Hampshire shares neighboring Maine’s appreciation for this distinctive bitter soda. The robust flavor matches the state’s rugged, independent character.

30. New Jersey Jumps For Frank’s Black Cherry

New Jersey Jumps For Frank's Black Cherry
© DoorDash

Fuhgeddaboudit! New Jersey embraces locally-bottled Frank’s Black Cherry Wishniak. This regional specialty maintains cult status along the Jersey Shore and throughout Philadelphia’s neighboring suburbs.

31. New Mexico Nominates Jarritos Mandarin

New Mexico Nominates Jarritos Mandarin
© Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill

¡Ay caramba! New Mexico’s rich Hispanic heritage influences its preference for Mexican-born Jarritos. The mandarin flavor’s vibrant orange color echoes the state’s famous sunsets.

32. New York Nips At Manhattan Special

New York Nips At Manhattan Special
© Allrecipes

Fuggedaboutit! New Yorkers show hometown pride with Manhattan Special, a coffee-flavored soda brewed in Brooklyn since 1895. This espresso soda fuels the city that never sleeps.

33. North Carolina Nurtures Cheerwine

North Carolina Nurtures Cheerwine
© Cheerwine Merch

Bless your heart! North Carolina proudly supports homegrown Cheerwine, created in Salisbury in 1917. This cherry-flavored cult soda remains family-owned and deeply connected to state identity.

34. North Dakota Drinks Orange Crush

North Dakota Drinks Orange Crush
© Walmart

You don’t say! North Dakota’s preference for Orange Crush defies regional trends. The bright citrus flavor provides welcome contrast to long winter months in this northern prairie state.

35. Ohio Orders Cherry Coke

Ohio Orders Cherry Coke
© The Bottle Club

For crying out loud! Ohioans show particular fondness for Cherry Coke above all other sodas. The sweet cherry twist on classic cola perfectly complements Cincinnati chili and Cleveland pierogies.

36. Oklahoma Opens Dr Pepper

Oklahoma Opens Dr Pepper
© Southern Living

Well, shut my mouth! Oklahoma shares Texas’s regional passion for Dr Pepper. The 23-flavor blend has developed almost religious devotion throughout this part of the southern plains.

37. Oregon Orders Jones Soda

Oregon Orders Jones Soda
© Nystrom Orchard

Far out! Progressive Oregonians embrace Jones Soda’s quirky flavors and indie vibe. The Seattle-based company’s craft approach and sustainable practices align perfectly with Oregon’s eco-conscious ethos.

38. Pennsylvania Prefers Birch Beer

Pennsylvania Prefers Birch Beer
© Rocky Mountain Soda

Holy smokes! Pennsylvania stands behind various regional birch beer brands. This root beer cousin, with its distinctive wintergreen notes, connects deeply to the state’s German and Dutch heritage.

39. Rhode Island Relishes Coffee Milk

Rhode Island Relishes Coffee Milk
© Allrecipes

Get outta town! Tiny Rhode Island’s official state drink isn’t technically soda but coffee milk – sweet coffee syrup mixed with milk. Locals consider this unique beverage category superior to carbonated options.

40. South Carolina Savors Blenheim Ginger Ale

South Carolina Savors Blenheim Ginger Ale
© yeg exotic

Land sakes alive! South Carolina proudly supports Blenheim Ginger Ale, produced in the state since 1903. The spicy, nose-tingling kick of the “hot” variety remains unmatched in the soda world.

41. South Dakota Seeks Sun Drop

South Dakota Seeks Sun Drop
© Walmart

Well, I’ll be! South Dakota’s preference for citrusy Sun Drop stands out in the northern plains. The highly-caffeinated lemon-lime soda provides welcome energy during harsh winter months.

42. Tennessee Takes To Mountain Dew

Tennessee Takes To Mountain Dew
© Amazon.com

Shut the front door! Tennessee embraces Mountain Dew, which was actually invented in Knoxville in the 1940s. The citrus soda’s southern roots run deep in Volunteer State culture.

43. Texas Treasures Dr Pepper

Texas Treasures Dr Pepper
© go.5sushibrothers.com

Well, butter my biscuit! Texas shows fierce loyalty to Dr Pepper, created in Waco in 1885. Many Texans consider ordering any other soda a minor form of treason.

44. Utah Upholds Swig Dirty Diet Coke

Utah Upholds Swig Dirty Diet Coke
© Today Show

Oh my heck! Utah’s predominantly Mormon population avoids caffeine but embraces “dirty soda” – Diet Coke with coconut syrup and lime. Local chain Swig pioneered this unique mocktail phenomenon.

45. Vermont Values Maple Soda

Vermont Values Maple Soda
© Beverage Warehouse

Jeezum crow! Vermont’s artisanal values shine through in their preference for locally-produced maple sodas. Small-batch producers infuse real maple syrup into carbonated beverages for a truly regional taste.

46. Virginia Vouches For Northern Neck Ginger Ale

Virginia Vouches For Northern Neck Ginger Ale
© WTVR.com

Bless your heart! Virginia loyally supports Northern Neck Ginger Ale, produced in the state until 2020. Despite discontinuation, passionate fans continue petitioning Coca-Cola to revive their beloved local brand.

47. Washington Wants Jones Soda

Washington Wants Jones Soda
© Jones Soda

No way, dude! Washington naturally supports Seattle-based Jones Soda Co. The company’s photo-customized labels and inventive limited-edition flavors (like turkey and gravy) epitomize Pacific Northwest quirkiness.

48. West Virginia Welcomes Mountain Dew

West Virginia Welcomes Mountain Dew
© KSL News

Shoo-wee! West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and outdoor lifestyle perfectly align with Mountain Dew’s energetic image. The state consistently ranks among the highest per-capita Mountain Dew consumers.

49. Wisconsin Wants Jolly Good

Wisconsin Wants Jolly Good
© Milwaukee Record

Holy mackerel! Wisconsin rallied to bring back beloved regional brand Jolly Good Soda after it disappeared in 2007. This comeback story demonstrates the passionate soda loyalty found in America’s Dairyland.

50. Wyoming Yearns For Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water

Wyoming Yearns For Coors Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water
© VinePair

Well, I’ll be darned! Wyoming’s rugged individualists prefer Coors’ non-alcoholic offering – Rocky Mountain Sparkling Water. The clean, refreshing taste mirrors the state’s pristine wilderness aesthetic.