What's happened
Americans continue to favor side dishes over turkey for Thanksgiving, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes remaining top choices. Regional and generational preferences influence dish popularity, while grocery deals aim to ease holiday costs amid inflation. The cost of a full meal for 10 is estimated at $55.18.
What's behind the headline?
The enduring popularity of sides reflects a cultural shift that elevates traditional accompaniments over the main course, driven by nostalgia and regional tastes. The preference for dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole underscores their status as holiday staples, with some states favoring mac and cheese, especially in the South and West.
Economic pressures are shaping holiday choices, with grocery stores offering budget-friendly meal deals to offset inflation. The estimated cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 has decreased slightly to $55.18, driven mainly by lower turkey prices, but some food items like sweet potatoes and peas have become more expensive.
The regional and generational differences highlight diverse culinary landscapes, with younger generations favoring comfort foods like mac and cheese, while older groups stick to traditional dishes. This suggests a future where holiday menus will continue to evolve, blending nostalgia with contemporary tastes.
The focus on cost-saving measures and regional preferences indicates that Thanksgiving will remain a flexible, adaptable holiday, with food choices reflecting both cultural identity and economic realities. The trend towards sides over mains is likely to persist, reinforcing the holiday's communal and nostalgic significance.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that 63% of Americans prefer sides over turkey, with green bean casserole and mac and cheese being favorites, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. The Independent highlights regional differences, noting apple pie as the Northeast's top dish and green bean casserole in the South and Midwest. It also discusses the economic context, with the Farm Bureau estimating the total meal cost at $55.18, the lowest since 2021, driven by lower turkey prices but increased costs for some vegetables. Grocery chains like Aldi, Amazon, and Costco are offering meal deals to help consumers manage rising food prices, with Aldi providing a full meal for $40 for 10 people and Costco offering a complete dinner for $269.99. These deals aim to ease the financial burden amid inflation and economic uncertainty, making holiday celebrations more accessible.
How we got here
Thanksgiving has long been centered around turkey, but recent data indicates Americans increasingly prioritize side dishes. Surveys from Campbell's, Instacart, and the Farm Bureau reveal a shift in preferences, influenced by regional tastes, generational differences, and economic factors like inflation and rising food prices. Grocery deals are also becoming more prominent as consumers seek affordable options.
Go deeper
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Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia, and the sub-national entities Leiden, Norfolk Island, and Puerto Rico.
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The American Farm Bureau Federation, more commonly known as Farm Bureau Insurance and Farm Bureau Incorporated, is a United States-based insurance company and lobbying group that represents the American agriculture industry.