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The 6 most partisan food products in America

U.S. shoppers are especially divided on staples like burgers and hot dogs

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An Oscar Mayer logo at a grocery store in San Rafael, California.
An Oscar Mayer logo at a grocery store in San Rafael, California.
Image: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

In today’s polarized climate, brands face more than just competition on quality and price — they also face a complex political landscape.

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Even the food we eat has become a battleground for ideological conflict, especially as Americans increasingly scrutinize the political and social stances of certain brands.

Take, for example, the backlash against Bud Light for partnering with a transgender woman, or the strong partisan identity of companies like Chik-Fil-A. Food choices are increasingly statements of value and beliefs, rather than just preferences for taste and quality.

To understand how brands align with political ideologies, market research firm YouGov compiled a report that draws on surveys from over 360,000 Americans over the past 12 months. The report aims to pinpoint which brands are strongly aligned with either liberals or conservatives and which have successfully attracted both groups. It also examines which industries are most vulnerable to the effects of political polarization.

We’ve compiled a list of the most partisan food companies, including the percentage of respondents from both liberal and conservatives groups who would consider purchasing items from these brands the next time they’re in the grocery aisle.

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Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean Turkey sausage links in Colonie, N.Y.
Jimmy Dean Turkey sausage links in Colonie, N.Y.
Image: Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union (Getty Images)
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 28.1%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 42.6%
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Packages of Oscar Mayer Classic wieners are displayed at Scotty’s Market in San Rafael, California.
Packages of Oscar Mayer Classic wieners are displayed at Scotty’s Market in San Rafael, California.
Image: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 24.1%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 34.2%
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Hillshire Farms

Hillshire Farms

Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links
Hillshire Farm Beef Hot Links
Screenshot: Courtesy of Hillshire Farms
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 27.3%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 36.5%
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“Impossible Foods” burgers made from plant-based substitutes for meat products sit on a shelf for sale in New York City.
“Impossible Foods” burgers made from plant-based substitutes for meat products sit on a shelf for sale in New York City.
Image: Angela Weiss / AFP (Getty Images)
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 15%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 3.8%
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Beyond Meat products in Chicago, Illinois.
Beyond Meat products in Chicago, Illinois.
Illustration: Scott Olson (Getty Images)
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 14.2%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 4.2%
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Silk

Shelves of lactose free milk for sale inside the Publix grocery store at Marco Island.
Shelves of lactose free milk for sale inside the Publix grocery store at Marco Island.
Image: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group (Getty Images)
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. liberals: 18.3%
  • Purchasing consideration of U.S. conservatives: 11.8%
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