A recent study conducted by Wethrift, an online discount platform, has placed Maryland as the seventh most takeout-obsessed state in the U.S., highlighting the state’s deep connection with convenient dining options. The analysis reviewed a variety of factors, including the number of takeout establishments, search volume for takeout, Yelp restaurant ratings, and overall spending on takeout meals.
The study reveals that Maryland has a strong takeout culture, supported by 88.49 takeout establishments per 100,000 residents and a takeout search volume of 12,770.32 per 100,000 residents. The annual takeout expenditure for Maryland residents amounts to an average of $4,565, underscoring the state’s preference for quick and diverse dining options.
Takeout Culture in Maryland
Wethrift’s study analyzed trends across all 50 states, ranking them based on a calculated “takeout obsession score.” Maryland received a score of 64.24, securing its spot at number seven. According to the study, Hawaii topped the list with a perfect score of 100, followed by Connecticut, Colorado, and Nevada. Maryland’s rank is particularly notable given the state’s modest population size compared to larger states like New York, which ranked just above it in sixth place.
Nick Drewe, CEO and consumer trend expert at Wethrift, offered insights into Maryland’s place on the list. “Maryland’s thriving takeout culture is a testament to its diverse food scene and the convenience that residents value. Whether it’s grabbing iconic crab cakes from Faidley’s Seafood or indulging in an array of international cuisines, Marylanders have integrated takeout into their everyday lives,” Drewe said.
He added that takeout provides Marylanders with an opportunity to explore various culinary flavors without the time or effort required for cooking, making it an essential aspect of their busy lifestyles. “The data shows that convenience and great food are top priorities for the state’s residents, cementing Maryland’s position as a top takeout state,” Drewe concluded.
Takeout Spending and Demand
The study points to a significant financial investment by Marylanders in takeout meals, with residents spending an average of $4,565 annually. This figure places Maryland slightly above neighboring New Jersey, whose residents spend $4,534 annually on takeout, but below states like Georgia and Colorado, where residents spend $4,789 and $5,322, respectively. Despite the high expenditure, Maryland’s Yelp ratings for takeout establishments remain high, with an average score of 4.298.
In addition to spending, the demand for takeout in Maryland is evident in online search behavior. The state registered 12,770.32 takeout-related searches per 100,000 residents, a strong indication of Marylanders’ interest in ordering meals from their favorite establishments. For comparison, Hawaii, the top-ranked state in the study, saw an astronomical 37,578.57 takeout searches per 100,000 residents.
Top 10 Most Takeout-Obsessed States
The study found that the top 10 most takeout-obsessed states include:
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Georgia
- Maine
These states scored highly based on various factors, such as the number of takeout establishments, online search volume, and spending habits. The states’ unique food cultures and busy lifestyles seem to contribute to their high rankings on the list.
Diverse Food Scene
One of the key reasons for Maryland’s strong takeout culture is the diversity of its food options. The state is known for its seafood, especially its crab cakes, which are a staple in many takeout orders. In addition, Maryland’s residents have access to a wide variety of international cuisines, from Asian to Mediterranean, which further fuels the state’s takeout obsession.
This diversity and accessibility to different culinary options make takeout an appealing option for many Marylanders, particularly those with busy schedules who prioritize convenience. The state’s spending habits reflect a willingness to invest in quality and variety, contributing to its overall ranking in the study.
Methodology
Wethrift used a comprehensive approach to compile its findings. The number of takeout establishments per state was sourced from the United States Census Bureau. Google Keyword Planner data was used to assess the search volume for 14 takeout-specific keywords across all 50 states, while taking into account home-cooking related keywords as negative indicators. Yelp was used to determine the average rating of takeout restaurants, while the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis provided data on takeout spending per state.
All data was adjusted to account for population size, and Wethrift used a process of min-max normalization to calculate the final takeout obsession scores, ensuring that each metric had an equal impact on the results.
