The Weirdest Official State Symbols in America
State birds and flowers sound normal. Then you meet the official symbols that are a dessert, a drink mix, a seafood appetizer, a medieval sport, and a dinner question. Every one of them was voted into law for real, and each one tells you something about the state that picked it.
Here are the strangest official state symbols in America, and the stories behind them.
Utah and Jell-O
In 2001, Utah made Jell-O its official snack food. The wobbly dessert had become such a part of Utah culture that lawmakers gave it an official title. It is still the most famous food symbol in the country, and the first one most people think of when they hear the words “weird state symbol”.
Nebraska and Kool-Aid
Nebraska went one better and picked a drink. Kool-Aid became the official soft drink of Nebraska in 1998. The drink was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927, so the state was really honoring one of its own inventions. Every year, Hastings still celebrates that history.
Rhode Island and calamari
Rhode Island named calamari its official state appetizer in 2014. The wording of the law matters here: it says “calamari”, not “fried calamari”. That one word covers the whole dish, however a restaurant serves it, and it honors the local squid fishing industry that brings it to the table.
Maryland and jousting
Maryland was the first state to name an official sport, and it picked jousting in 1962. Yes, the medieval tournament sport with lances and horses. Jousting tournaments had been a Maryland tradition for generations, so the state made the tradition official instead of picking something ordinary.
New Mexico’s official question
New Mexico is the only state with an official state question: “Red or Green?” It is the question every visitor gets asked about chile sauce on their food. The state even gave the question an official answer: “Red and green or Christmas”. That means both sauces, one on each half of the plate.
Ohio and tomato juice
Ohio made tomato juice its official beverage in 1965, the first known state beverage. Other states later picked drinks of their own, but Ohio got there first, with a juice that came straight from its farms and canneries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has Jell-O as an official symbol?
Utah. Jell-O became Utah’s official snack food in 2001.
Is calamari really Rhode Island’s state appetizer?
Yes. Rhode Island named calamari its official state appetizer in 2014, and the law says “calamari”, not “fried calamari”.
Which state made jousting its official sport?
Maryland, in 1962. It was the first state to name an official sport.
What is New Mexico’s official state question?
“Red or Green?” The official answer is “Red and green or Christmas”, meaning both chile sauces.
Which state has Kool-Aid as its official drink?
Nebraska, since 1998. Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927.
Weird symbols are the best kind of quiz material because nobody expects them. A dessert, a drink mix, and a dinner question are all real answers, voted into law. For more state games, visit the us states quiz homepage.
