Louisiana’s Seafood Cravings Are Unlike Anywhere Else in The Country

Some of my coworkers think I'm a little nutty. And they are probably right. I love food. It's pretty normal for me to start thinking about what I'm having for supper while I'm at lunch. For a long time, I thought that was crazy. But it turns out, I am not alone.

A new study by EveryPlate shows Louisiana folks have some pretty serious cravings. The study shows the average person has at least 2 serious food cravings a day. But I know that number is higher for me. And what are we craving?

What Do Louisiana Residents Crave?

The numbers show folks in Louisiana crave seafood more than anything else. I know that sounds weird, but I can testify it's true. In Texas, the top food craving is fast food. Arkansas residents want comfort food.

Not me. I want shrimp and crawfish and crabs. I even had such a craving for soft shell crabs earlier this month, I drove all the way to Lafayette to grab some. Now, that's only part of the story. One of my brothers lives in Baton Rouge and we are trying to meet up somewhere in the state to have lunch every so often. When I tried to order my favorite soft shell crabs at my favorite local spot, the told me they no longer serve them. I was devastated. So I decided Prejeans would be a good spot to meet up with my brother to satisfy my craving.

Louisiana leads the nation when it comes to craving seafood.

Read More: Best Chefs in Louisiana

How Long Can You Hold Off a Craving?

This new report says about 60% of us give in to our cravings after about an hour. I crater much sooner than that. 21% say they give in within about 15 minutes. I'm definitely in that group. I've even been know to crash a crawfish boil if I drive by and see some folks boiling up some mudbugs.

READ MORE: Favorite Comfort Food in Louisiana

How Often Do We Crave Crustaceans?

This report says 13% of folks in Louisiana are dreaming of seafood at any given moment. The cool thing about this report shows we actually cook what we are craving at home rather than hitting a drive-thru line.

What Cravings Do to Us

I think the worst part about this report is what it shows about our planning. 35% of folks say the cravings that hit them almost always dictate what they buy at the grocery store.
I will admit to this one too. I get a craving every now and then for muffulettas and I make a pretty good one. But if you go out and buy everything you have to put on a muffuletta, let me tell you, it will cost a pretty penny. Probably best to order this one from one of your favorite spots.

EveryPlate's Benjamin Grebel says “in an era of convenience, it’s refreshing to learn that two-thirds of Americans would prefer to satisfy their cravings at home rather than turn to takeout. It proves that people know their own tastes better than anyone; all it takes is a little extra confidence in the kitchen to bring those favorite flavors to life.”

Soul Food Rules in Some States

Folks in Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina put soul food at the top of their craving list. Texans also like spicy foods and get cravings for something hot and spicy on the regular.