Believe it or not, milk once saved lives in North Carolina. During the Great Depression, dairy farms provided cheap, nutrient-rich food for struggling families. The state even launched “Milk for Health” campaigns in schools, convincing kids that a glass of milk could turn them into Olympic champions. Spoiler: it didn’t, but it did boost bone growth.
Today, milk is still a big deal in the agricultural economy. North Carolina ranks 13th in the nation for milk production. That’s a lot of cow burps and mooing. But here’s the kicker: the state also produces tons of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, which are practically a beverage if you dunk them in coffee.
North Carolina Official State Symbols Kimberly M Critzer
What About the Competition?
Let’s talk about the beverages that should have won. Cheerwine was invented in Salisbury, NC, in 1917, and it’s got a following so cultish that people smuggle it across state lines. It’s a cherry soda so sweet it’ll make your dentist weep. Then there’s Pepsi, born in New Bern, NC, in 1898. It was originally called “Brad’s Drink,” which sounds like something you’d order at a dive bar.
Even moonshine has a stronger claim—North Carolina has a long, proud history of illegal whiskey stills hidden in the mountains. But no. The state chose milk. It’s like going to a buffet and picking a glass of water.
