Revealing Which Bizarre Walmart Product Is The Most Popular In Each State

By David Whittaker - January 30, 2018 · Social

After collecting data for all of 2017, Walmart has released a list of the most bizarre hottest-selling products for each state and we’d like to shed some light on these unusual top-sellers, and maybe provide some insight into America’s consumer trends.

Alabama – Crayons

Apparently folks from Alabama are creative and love to color, as Walmart listed crayons as one of their hottest-selling items. Maybe they are using crayons to write heartfelt Mother’s Day cards. We just hope they’re listening to the box and not eating them!

Colorado – M&M’s Peanut Chocolate

There must be something in that cool Rocky Mountain air that’s causing Colorado’s Walmart shoppers to buy peanut M&M’s like they’re going out of style. From time to time we all get that craving for a little something sweet, but according to Walmart’s 2017 numbers, Coloradans experience that hunger just a bit more than in other parts of the United States. It seems that perhaps the most likely justification of this phenomenon could be an unusually low proportion of peanut allergies.

Nebraska – Pressed Makeup Powder

With pressed makeup powder being one of Nebraska’s highest-selling items, it’s safe to say that Nebraska’s women probably spent all of 2017 looking fabulous. While you might have thought the only things people buy in Nebraska were corn-seeds, overalls, and bales of hay, it turns out there are more things to do in the Cornhusker State than just farm. Whenever the ladies of Nebraska hit the town, they make sure to look their best and apply their pressed makeup powder.

Indiana – Instant Coffee

Indiana residents want their coffee, and they want it instantly. They want to drink coffee without even having to leave the house. Why should they have to wait in line at Starbucks for some hipster barista with purple hair to finishing ranting about their indie-band, only to serve an over-priced cup of coffee with their name spelled wrong? Walmart shoppers in Indiana understand that the best coffee is a fast coffee. That’s why Indiana’s Walmart sold lots of instant coffee in 2017.

Delaware – Spiced Jelly Candy

Walmart’s data has shown us yet another state with a sweet tooth. These delicious and colorful treats are spiced jelly candies, and the state that indulges the most in them is Delaware. While they may be tasty and fun, these bad boys will inevitably lodge themselves between your teeth and gums and wreak havoc on your pearly whites. This is why we hope floss also made Delaware’s list of hottest Walmart products. If not, Delaware’s dentists must be working around the clock.

Wyoming – Flannel Shirts

Wyoming is either full of lumberjacks or hipsters, because among their top-selling items of 2017 were flannel shirts. Whether they wear them while they’re chopping wood, building a house, jamming in their weekly drum circle, or working on their novel at a local coffee shop where everyone can see, the people of Wyoming are rocking those button-down checkered patterns like its no one’s business. While there is no available data, we bet that the second highest-selling product in Wyoming was a beard trimmer.

North Dakota – Watermelon Flavored Gum

If you every ask anyone from North Dakota for a piece of their watermelon gum and they tell you that they just finished their last piece, they’re probably lying. At least that’s what we’re taking out of Walmart’s statistics. Those brightly colored racks you see as you patiently wait your turn to pay for the items you actually came to Walmart to buy, are all part of gum companies’ brilliant marketing tactics. Their strategies have clearly been working in North Dakota.

Oklahoma – BBQ Sauce

Whether it was Sweet Baby Ray’s, Jack Daniels, or Heinz, residents of Oklahoma were consuming barbecue sauce in 2017 by the bucket. And honestly, can you blame them? Barbecue sauce is the perfect wing-man for any sandwich, burger, or fries. Considering that Oklahoma is renowned for their delicious barbecue, it makes sense that one of their hottest-selling Walmart items of 2017 was the sweet, and smokey bbq sauce. Maybe in 2018, they’ll step their game up and upgrade to homemade BBQ sauce.

Maryland – Glue Sticks

Maryland’s arts and crafts game was stronger than ever in 2017. On Walmart’s list of top-selling products according to state, Maryland had a pretty interesting result, buying glue sticks more than just about anything else. Glue sticks are great for quick and fun kids’ projects. Using glue sticks also limits cleanup so they’re quick and fun for mom as well. Most glue sticks are non-toxic but take our word for it: it’s still not a good idea to eat them!

New Hampshire – Cinnamon Flavored Tooth Paste

Walmart’s data on New Hampshire’s shoppers is a bit strange, with an oddly-specific top-seller. Apparently, New Hampshire residents have great dental hygiene, with their top-selling product being cinnamon flavored toothpaste. Cinnamon boasts a number of health benefits including lowering cholesterol, and having antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, consuming too much cinnamon can be toxic and cause digestive issues. New Hampshire residents know that a natural cinnamon toothpaste is a great way to get the health benefits of cinnamon without overdoing it.

Arizona – L.O.L. Surprise! Dolls

These adorable little munchkins are a top seller in Arizona. The L.O.L. Surprise! Doll is probably your little niece’s newest obsession, and that may or may not have been a hint for next Christmas. Each exclusive doll comes with 9 different L.O.L. Surprises containing mix and max accessories, allowing children to customize their doll-having experience. Each doll also has its own unique personalities and interests. It’s no surprise to us that these toys have been flying off Arizona’s Walmart shelves!

Washington – Vanilla Frosting

Frosting isn’t just for birthdays anymore. Residents of Washington are using frosting on daily basis, according to Walmart’s study. Perhaps they have officially decided that baked goods aren’t just for special occasions anymore and that they can be given for even the most mundane routine events. For example, nothing says good job like the “congratulations on remembering your dentist appointment” cake. And nothing says condolences like the “I’m sorry you got another parking ticket but I told you not to park there” cupcake.

Minnesota – Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Walmart customers in Minnesota bought Flamin’ Hot Cheetos more than any other product last year. The cheese-flavored spicy snack actually has an interesting backstory. Richard Montanez, a Frito-Lay janitor, noticed that the company had no snacks catered towards a latino consumer. After utilizing a broken machine in the factory, Montanez took some regular Cheetos home and dusted them with his homemade chili powder. His creation eventually made its way to the CEO and was a big hit. Minnesota certainly appreciates the ambition of Montanez.

Nevada- Dog Treats

According to Walmart’s data, it seems that dogs living in Nevada had a great year in 2017. Hat’s off to Nevada’s residents for not only saying the words “who’s a good boy?” but for actually putting their money, and dog treats, where their mouths are and rewarding their furry companions for their fancy tricks and endless unconditional love. In 2017, Nevada’s dog owners made a silent pact that every “sit”, every “stay”, and every “roll over” would be compensated justly and fairly.

North Carolina- Mayonnaise

North Carolina should seriously consider trying some healthier condiments. While mayonnaise may be a delicious addition to any sandwich, exceeding the recommended serving size of one tablespoon can be rather detrimental to one’s health. With very high fat and sodium levels in a calorically-dense food, going overboard can easily double the calorie, sodium and fat contents of your typical turkey sandwich. On the other hand, if used in moderation mayonnaise can be a good source of vitamin E and unsaturated fat.

Kansas – Ozark Trail Tumblers

It’s clear to us that Kansas residents mean business. They are clearly a smart and hard-working group of people. Anyone who drinks their coffee on the go out of these Ozark Trail vacuum insulated stainless steel tumblers is clearly a winner in life. Ozark Trail has revolutionized the coffee-drinking game with these heavy duty thermoses that can keep drinks hot or cold for hours on end, and it seems as though Kansas is the only state to have taken notice.

Iowa – Water Softening Crystals

Residents of Iowa are improving their home life, one bag of water softening crystals at a time. Water is “hard” when it has absorbed various minerals by moving and filtering through limestone and chalk deposits. While hard drinking water may have some health benefits, it is not ideal for other aspects of home life. These water softening salt crystals soften water by removing iron, calcium, magnesium and barium. This effectively provides spot free dishes, soft and comfortable laundry, and longer pipe and appliance life.

Maine – Brownie Mix

The first brownie ever made was actually a mistake. The baker didn’t use enough baking soda and the final product reflected this as an unleavened, fudgy, cake-like treat. While December 8th may be National Brownie Day, residents on Maine seem to celebrate this fantastic holiday all year round, as their Walmart shopping history shows. Whether its a birthday, graduation party, or a family dinner, there’s really no bad time to make a batch of brownies, and our friends from northern New England totally get this.

Arkansas – Chocolate

We’re definitely with you on this one, Arkansas. You really can’t go wrong with chocolate in any way, especially with Walmart’s famously low prices. Chocolate is really the ultimate comfort food, no matter the circumstance. Just got dumped? Eat some chocolate and you’ll get over him. Just got fired from your job? Nothing a little Hershey’s can’t fix. Need to lose 10 pounds? OK for this one, you might be on your own. Either way, we solute you, Walmart shoppers of Arkansas.

California – Protein Powder

Whoever said that California was a state full of egotistical fitness gurus and suntanned surfers who only care about their bodies might have actually been right, at least according to Walmart’s top-selling product in The Golden State. According to Walmart’s data, Protein Powder was among the highest-selling merchandise in 2017. These low-carb, high-protein shakes give those muscular men on the Santa Monica Pier that perfect performance edge so they can maintain their beach-bods year round. They also happen to be incredibly tasty.

Wisconsin – Green Bay Packers Bath Mat

Nothing says “I love my team” like standing on top of their logo as you dry off after a shower. Wisconsin’s Walmart shoppers totally get it. They are arguably some of the most dedicated sports fans in the whole world. So much so that a Green Bay Packers bath mat was one of their most common Walmart purchases of 2017. These “cheese-heads” are truly devoted to the Packers’ organization. Why else would they want to be reminded of their Packer pride every trip to the bathroom?

New Mexico – Cat Food

New Mexico’s cats are living it up, so full on Meow Mix that they can’t even make it to the litter box without coughing up a fur-ball. That’s because citizens of New Mexico have been spoiling their feline friends with Walmart’s finest cat food. Whether its wet food, dry food, food for outdoor cats, food for indoor cats, meat flavored, seafood flavored, or even cat food especially for weight loss, New Mexicans are sparing no expense for their four-legged friends.

Texas – TV Wall Mounts

In Texas, among the top-selling Walmart products of 2017 were TV wall mounts. This means that Texans are finally tossing those pesky TV stands and upgrading to a more permanent solution. Whether they’re used for a small bedroom TV or as part of a home theater system, having a TV mounted to your wall is never a bad idea. Using a wall-mounted TV is easy to set up and a great way to save some space in your living room.

Louisiana – Root Beer Extract

There’s nothing like a delicious and refreshing glass of home-made Louisiana root beer! That’s why root beer extract is flying of the shelves in Walmarts across Louisiana. In addition to root beer itself, root beer extract can also be used to make a number of delicious baked goods, and even ice cream. While name-brand root beers are high in sugar, many root beer ingredients have been utilized in traditional herbal medicine and are believed to hold a variety of health benefits

Utah – Personal Travel Care Kits

As a resourceful and practical group of people, the residents and Walmart shoppers of Utah know exactly how to travel in style. This personal travel care kit was a top-seller among Utahans for obvious reasons. For starters, the travel kit comes with any toiletry you could possibly need while traveling, and keeps them all neat and organized so you never have to wonder where you left your toothbrush. In addition, it keeps everything in a tightly-sealed, compact, and easy-to-carry case.

Virginia – Coolers

With over 30 major music venues, 14 Division 1 college sports programs, in addition to over 20 minor league teams, and 2 professional sports teams located just a short drive away in Washington D.C., it’s no surprise that the residents and Walmart shoppers of Virginia spent 2017 preparing for tailgates and stocking up on these portable coolers that will keep their food and beverages at the ideal temperature while they enjoy the pregame or pre-concert festivities in the parking lot.

Hawaii – Barbie Farmer Doll

Barbie’s newest career dolls are here and they are teaching America’s daughters that they can truly do anything they want. In Hawaii, for example, young girls are learning that farming isn’t just for the boys. The Barbie farmer doll knows how to get her hands dirty in order to provide the food that feeds our great nation. And might we add she looks great while doing so, rocking trendy tall brown boots, a red plaid shirt, and light blue leggings.

West Virginia – My Life As A Doll

Walmart stepped their doll game up in 2017 and West Virginia took notice. In the My Life As Dolls collection, each unique doll has its own different career, passion, or hobby. Some dolls follow the more traditional mold with options like Ballerina, Winter Princess or Baker. Other dolls break the old-school expectations with options like Soccer Player, Everyday Girl, Cowgirl, and Outdoorsy Girl. With so many options it’s no wonder why these dolls were on so many wish-lists this past year.

Massachusetts- Refrigerators

Moving into a new place can be tough. For most people, their first concern is finding somewhere to keep their food fresh. With well over 100 colleges state-wide, and ranked as one of the best places for young professionals to live, there are countless millennials apartment-hopping through their 20’s in the state of Massachusetts. With so many young people depending on temporary living situations, it’s no surprise that refrigerator sales were particular high in Walmarts across the state in 2017.

Kentucky – 4×6 Photo Prints

Kentucky’s Walmart shoppers value memories. That’s why high up on their list of the hottest products of 2017 were these 4×6 photo prints. While some people might say that technology is putting the photo print industry out of business, Kentucky would dare to disagree. They appreciate the meaningfulness and nostalgia that comes with a professionally printed photo. Residents of Kentucky recognize that a picture is truly worth a thousand words and that a well-displayed 4×6 photo is worth even more.

New Jersey – Pool Salt

Pool owners of New Jersey have abandoned their traditional chlorine pools, which can irritate skin and eyes, increase risk of developing cancer, and potentially cause reproductive disorders and birth defects. Instead of chlorine, New Jersey has begun using pool salt, which is basically simple table salt in a different form. Many people find the low concentration of chlorine to be much less irritating. In addition, following the initial conversion fee, maintenance can be much more cost efficient with pool salts than with chlorine.

Oregon – Humidifier

In 2017, Oregon residents decided to purchase something beneficial to their health. When winter approaches, the air we breathe dries out, causing numerous cold-weather ailments, including dryness of the skin, nose, throat, and lips, as well as symptoms of the flu and common cold. Oregon residents have caught on to this and chose to invest in humidifiers. Humidifiers act to add water vapor to the air and increase the level of humidity which in turn alleviates previously mentioned cold-weather issues.

Pennsylvania – Plastic Hangers

In 2017, Pennsylvania citizens decided that they were sick of not having enough plastic hangers for all of their button down shirts, jackets, and dresses. So they took their frustrations with them to their nearest Walmart and began purchasing cheap, yet high-quality plastic hangers to make sure that they would never need to ask their roommate to borrow one again. These necessary purchases are the reason why plastic hangers were one of the hottest items, according to Walmart’s 2017 statistics.

New York – Cheerios

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and New Yorkers know it. If there is any group of people in the world understand the world of cereal, it would have to be the bold Walmart shoppers of the Empire State. They know that Cheerios are low in saturated fat, naturally cholesterol free, can help to lower cholesterol, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. On top of health benefits, General Mills now boasts 13 unique flavors. What’s not to love?

Rhode Island – Christmas Lights

It’s Christmas all year round in Rhode Island! Or at least that’s what their Walmart shopping habits would lead us to believe. While most Rhode Island families probably don’t push the envelope as much as the family from this photo, they still spent 2017 purchasing lots of Christmas lights. One might even speculate that the neighborhoods of Rhode Island are filled with dads trying to one-up each other year after year and that’s why they stock up on Christmas lights every trip to Walmart.

Mississippi – Oil-Less Fryer

Mississippi made some smart decisions in 2017, with this oil-less air fryer among their top-selling Walmart products. The air fryer prepared food by circulating hot air at a high speed, while at the same time coating the food of choice in a thin layer of oil. This effectively and efficiently cooks the desired food to perfection with a crispy outer layer. The best part is that after your fries are cooked, there’s no messy grease to clean up. Well done, Mississippi.

Illinois – Erasers

We can’t help but wonder why on earth Illinois residents are buying so many erasers from Walmart. It would make sense that we would see a spike in school supplies sales at the end of the summer. But in order for erasers to be an overall top-seller, there would have to be some kind of year-round demand. One possible reason could be that everyone in Illinois made a state-wide new year’s resolution at the end of 2016 to keep hand-written journals.

Alaska – RV And Marine Antifreeze

This one is actually pretty logical when you think about it. Alaskans most likely have lots of experience dealing with harsh winter conditions. That’s why they want to ensure that their boats and vehicles are adequately prepared for whatever snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that come with the territory of living in The Last Frontier. While this product may look like a tasty and refreshing beverage, it’s actually quite toxic. We hope the Alaskans are keeping their antifreeze out of reach of children.

Tennessee – Disney Infinity Power Discs

While Avalanche Software may have shut down in May of 2016, at the end of 2016 they released “Gold Editions” of three versions of their Disney Infinity video game, which uses collectible figurines that are synced to the game itself. Because of this late release, the Disney Infinity Power Disks have been flying off the shelves in Tennessee. These circular or hexagonal disks let players customize their gaming experience by giving characters in the game special power-ups or even unlocking special toys.

Connecticut – Ghost In The Shell DVD

Walmart shoppers in Connecticut are evidently science fiction fans, as one of their top-selling products of 2017 was the DVD for Ghost in the Shell, the 2017 film based on a Japanese anime comic series. The film stars Scarlett Johansson and takes place in the near future. Considering that Ghost in the Shell received an approval rating of only 45% and a score of just 5.6/10 on Rotten Tomatoes, we’re thinking that Connecticut residents might need to improve their taste in movies.

Michigan – Lavender Scented Cleaning Products

There must be some amazing smelling homes in Michigan. Their top-selling Walmart product of 2017 was lavender scented cleaning products. Lavender is a highly fragrant herb used in essential oils, perfumes, and aromatherapy. Its name comes from the Latin root lavare, which means “to wash,” and it was historically used in baths as an effort to purify the body and spirit. We can only assume that families in Michigan enjoy that soothing and relaxing lavender fragrance wafting through their homes.

Missouri – Life Savers Candy

Believe it or not, this sweet hard candy won’t actually save your life in case of emergency, despite their catchy name, which actually comes from their visual similarity to life preservers used for saving people who have fallen out of boats. What they will do, however, is satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of fruity and minty flavors. Missouri’s Walmart shoppers certainly took notice of Life Savers and their great Walmart deals in 2017. We just hope they shared with a friend!

Florida – Sparkling Cider

This non-alcoholic champagne substitute is the beverage of choice among Floridian Walmart shoppers. And honestly, what’s not to love? This bubbly and sweet drink is free of fat, cholesterol and sodium. It also contains essential antioxidants, potassium, and B vitamins. Floridians understand the importance of digestive health, maintaining normal cholesterol levels, promoting eyesight and healthy skin, and keeping that pesky blood pressure in check. In addition, Florida residents know that sparkling cider is the perfect celebratory refreshment appropriate for all ages.

South Carolina – Coin Bank

These coin banks come in various adorable forms, including but not limited to Whimsical Baby Manatee, Jumbo Yellow T-Rex, Batman, and Yellow School Bus. 2016 might have been a tough year in South Carolina when it came to paying bus fares but those days are in the past now thanks to Walmart. Children as well as adults in South Carolina will never worry about needing a place to keep their spare change again because this was their top-seller in 2017.

Ohio – Grape Flavored Drink Mix

Ohio’s product of choice from Walmart will have you saying, “Oh yeah!” In 2017, residents of the Buckeye State had a very particular thirst that could only be quenched by one special beverage. Ohioans’ refreshment of choice was none other than grape drink. If you ever make a trip to Ohio, don’t try to show up with any pre-made grape drink, however, because they prefer mixing by hand. So if you really want to impress your Ohioan hosts, bring this grape-flavored drink mix.

Montana – Madden NFL Video Games

The Madden NFL video games have been one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. We’re glad to see that after almost 25 years, they’re still going strong, at least in Montana that is. Madden has made a name for itself as the most dominant and realistic football video game available, using sophisticated playbooks and player statistics, as well as voice commentator that allows the player to feel as if they were actually attending an NFL game.

Washington D.C. – French Fried Onions

Who would’ve thought that our nation’s capital would be such avid lovers of french fried onions? While you might have thought a top-seller among the lawyers and politicians in Washington DC would be something like raisin bran, a shirt and tie combo, loafers, or maybe even white bread, nope. The Walmart shoppers of DC have spoken and they’ve casted their vote for french fried onions, the, sodium-packed burger topping. We just hope they also vote to keep an eye on that cholesterol.

Georgia – Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair

Sitting has never been so much fun! Georgia must have some pretty intelligent toddlers considering one of their top-sellers was the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Chair. Listed at just $40.00, this device provides children 12 months and older with educational and entertainment-based content that changes and develops with them. With over 50 sing-along songs, tunes, and phrases, the Laugh & Learn chair will keep your baby occupied and learning so mommy can finally get that manicure she’s been waiting for.

South Dakota – Orange Juice

South Dakotans know how to start their day the right way. Every morning they open their fridge and pour themselves a tall refreshing glass of vitamin C filled orange juice. The health benefits of OJ include, but aren’t limited to, boosting immunity, reducing signs of aging, preventing cancer, boosting metabolism, improving circulation, and lowering cholesterol levels. Clearly, South Dakota’s Walmart shoppers have been paying attention to their medical professionals. Lets just hope they remember not to brush their teeth before the first sip!

Vermont – Sweet Canned Corn

When one thinks of Vermont, foods that come to mind are cheese, maple syrup, and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. However, Vermonter’s actually spent their 2017 buying something you probably wouldn’t have guessed – sweet canned corn. Canned corn can be used in countless recipes for creamed corn, dips, salads, chowders, and soups among others. Corn is also a great way to get some quick natural energy before hitting the ski slopes, bike trails, or venturing out for a long hike.

Idaho – My Little Pony Mini Collection

Unfortunately, children under three years old are going to have to be patient and wait their turn for a few years while their older siblings live it up with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her crew. Alongside Princess Twilight Sparkle is her long-time friend and fellow princess, Princess Cadence, as well as their loyal pals, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. The My Little Pony Mini Collection also comes exclusively with Shining Armor, Silver Spoon, and Diamond Dazzle Tiara.