NEW JERSEY — Guinness is the most popular beer in New Jersey, according to a new analysis by Innerbody Research that examined beer-related Google search trends across the country.
The study analyzed a year’s worth of Google Trends search data across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to determine each state’s favorite among 36 prominent beers and measure overall interest in beer.
In New Jersey, Guinness came out on top. The Irish stout also ranked as the favorite in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maryland, creating what researchers described as a distinct East Coast cluster.
Despite the Garden State’s preference for Guinness, New Jersey ranked relatively low when researchers measured overall beer search interest. New Jersey placed No. 34 among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., with a search interest index score of 39.14.
Wisconsin ranked as the nation’s most beer-interested state for the second consecutive year, recording a search interest score of 98.53. Wyoming ranked second, followed by Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.
Nationally, Michelob Ultra was ranked as America’s most popular beer. Bud Light placed second, followed by Stella Artois, Budweiser and Guinness.
Michelob Ultra was also the favorite beer in Alabama, Nevada and Oklahoma, while Stella Artois led more states and jurisdictions than any other beer, topping the rankings in 12, including New York.
The results also showed a strong preference for light beer nationwide. Five of the eight highest-ranked beers were light varieties: Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Coors Light, Busch Light and Miller Lite.
Researchers said the rankings are based on online search interest and should not be interpreted as beer sales or consumption figures. The analysis used Google Trends data to examine the regional breadth, intensity and significance of searches for the 36 beers included in the study.
