Root beer, the classic beverage made from the root bark of the sassafras tree, has been a beloved non-alcoholic drink for over a century. Louisiana residents have a particular affinity for it, especially on hot days when a refreshing root beer float hits the spot. Walmart, the retail giant, recently conducted a survey analyzing the top 25 items purchased from their website in each state. Surprisingly, root beer extract ranked among the most popular items in Louisiana.

The survey, based on orders from 2017, was highlighted on delish.com, revealing unique top sellers from every state. Alabama’s top item was crayons, while Mississippi favored air fryers. Texas residents displayed a love for television wall mounts, perhaps to enhance their viewing experience of the Cowboys on Sundays. Some top items were more expected, such as Green Bay Packers bath mats in Wisconsin and Peanut M&M’s in Colorado, catering to those snack cravings.

Louisiana’s love for root beer flavor is evident in the survey. Root beer extract is not only used in making carbonated sodas but is also a popular ingredient in baking and can even be enjoyed hot. However, the days of using the actual root bark have passed due to the discovery of carcinogens in it. Now, most Louisianians know that sassafras leaves are best used to make gumbo filé, a staple in the local cuisine.

Barq’s, a well-known brewing company, has been satisfying Louisianians’ root beer cravings since 1989. Zatarain’s, another local brand, has been marketing root beer concentrate since 1889. Additionally, several local breweries have expanded their product lines to include family-friendly root beer varieties.

To explore the full list of top items purchased in each state, you can check out the survey here. Root beer lovers and curious shoppers alike may find it intriguing to see what products rank as the most popular. While root beer may not be at the top of everyone’s list, it’s clear that in Louisiana, this old-fashioned beverage continues to delight taste buds and provide a refreshing option for those seeking something different from the usual array of beverages.