Pennsylvania, PA — As football fans across the country stock up for the playoffs and start planning their Super Bowl spreads, they likely don't realize that their coffee tables are paying homage to the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania, PA — As football fans across the country stock up for the playoffs and start planning their Super Bowl spreads, they likely don't realize that their coffee tables are paying homage to the Keystone State.While Philadelphia gets the national glory for cheesesteaks, the quiet borough of Hanover, PA (York County) holds a much crunchier, more lucrative title: The Snack Food Capital of the World.
Whether you are rooting for the AFC or the NFC this post-season, here is why your snack bowl is almost certainly rooting for Pennsylvania.
The "Pretzel Belt" Dominance
If you pick up a pretzel anywhere in the United States, there is an 80% chance it was baked in Pennsylvania.
The region stretching from Hanover to Lancaster to Reading is known industrially as the "Pretzel Belt." It is the epicenter of salty dough production, owing its success to the Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants who brought their baking traditions (and love for bretzels) to the area in the 1800s.
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The Consumption Gap: We don't just bake them; we eat them. The average American consumes about 2 pounds of pretzels a year. The average Philadelphian? They crush nearly 12 pounds per year.
The Big Brands Are Neighbors
You might think of Lay's or Doritos as the giants, but when it comes to the hard, crunchy snacks essential for dip, Pennsylvania is the heavyweight champion. Look at the back of the bag next time you are at the grocery store—you will likely see one of these local zip codes:
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Utz: Founded in Hanover in 1921. What started in a home kitchen is now a publicly traded empire that produces over 3.3 million pounds of snacks per week.
- Snyder’s of Hanover: The global king of hard pretzels, still operating its massive bakery in York County.
- Herr’s: Based in Nottingham (Chester County), famous for its endless flavor varieties.
- Martin’s: The "Kettle Cook'd" legend based in Thomasville.
Why Pennsylvania?
It isn't just about German heritage; it's about geography. Hanover sits in a "Goldilocks" zone for snack makers. It has historically had easy access to the wheat and flour from PA farms, potatoes from local fields, and rail lines to ship the final product to major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York.
The "Chip" Challenge
While you watch the games this weekend, take a closer look at your potato chip. Pennsylvania is also the #1 state for potato chip manufacturers. We have more independent chip companies than any other state in the union. In fact, many "store brand" chips sold nationwide are quietly contract-manufactured right here in PA factories.
The Bottom Line
When the Big Game kicks off in February, the players on the field might be from anywhere. But the MVPs on your table—the pretzels, the chips, and the cheese curls—are almost certainly Pennsylvania natives.
Eat up, PA. You’re supporting the home team.
