Discover the State with the Fewest Fast Food Chains: A Surprising Reveal by Chowhound!

Fast food is popular in many states, but some love it more than others. Research from Zippia shows that Alabama, Nebraska, and West Virginia top the list for fast food restaurants per person. In Alabama, there are 6.3 fast food spots for every 10,000 people. That’s a lot of burgers and fries!

On the flip side, Vermont is at the bottom of this list. The Green Mountain State boasts only 1.9 fast food restaurants per 10,000 residents. Instead of fast food, Vermont is known for its cheddar cheese and maple syrup. If you’re craving chains like Chick-fil-A or Sonic, you won’t find them here. For those, you’d have to head to Massachusetts.

The reason for the lack of fast food options could be Vermont’s smaller population. People here tend to prefer small, local businesses. Vermont is famous for its farm-to-table scene, offering fresh produce, meat, and cheese that reflects its diverse and unique food culture. This makes fast food less appealing.

Fast food preferences can vary greatly, even among states with large populations. For example, New York and New Jersey rank near the bottom for fast food consumption. Many states in the Northeast, like Connecticut and Rhode Island, also eat less fast food. This trend suggests that the Northeast has a different take on food than other regions, particularly the central and southeastern parts of the country.

Vermont will likely remain at the bottom of the fast food list, partly due to its small population and its 1968 ban on billboards, which reflects a local preference for a quieter lifestyle that doesn’t rely heavily on advertising. So, if you’re visiting Vermont for skiing or leaf peeping, it might be wise to pick up your fast food before entering the state.