This week is Thanksgiving. That means people across the country are making their grocery lists and getting their kitchens ready for the holidays.
Turkey is usually the star of Thanksgiving shows, but Campbell's “Side Dish Report” focuses on the side dishes traditionally eaten on the fourth Thursday in November.
According to the report, 56% of Americans prefer to eat a side dish instead of turkey.
Additionally, 60% said they would rather cook a side dish than the turkey itself.
According to the report, among the best side dishes, stuffing/dressing ranks first for most generations.
Meanwhile, 45% of Gen Z participants named macaroni and cheese as their favorite side dish, although its position fell from third place in 2023 to fifth place in 2024.
Mashed potatoes rose to second place, sweet potatoes ranked third, and green bean casserole became Americans' fourth-favorite Thanksgiving side dish, according to the report.
38% of Americans said they would be fine with not eating turkey at all on Thanksgiving and would rather just have the side dishes.
The report says that by 2024, all but five U.S. states will prefer stuffing and dressing over mashed potatoes. In the Southeast, 29% of people will prepare seven or more side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving preferences by region
According to the report, regions across the country prefer to add their own personal touches to aspects of Thanksgiving.
In the West, people tend to add smoky flavors or savory herbs on the side.
Eleven percent of people in the Northeast prepare Italian food for Thanksgiving.
In the Southwest, 22% of Americans include Mexican side dishes on Turkey Day.
Midwesterners also love adding flavorful herbs and cheese garnishes to their Thanksgiving tables.
The tendency to give friends is on the rise, with 43% of people saying they are more likely to join one.
According to the report, 15% of those who attended Friendsgiving said they viewed the dinner as an opportunity for friendly competition to see who could make the most interesting side dish.
Many Americans think of Thanksgiving as a time to enjoy other activities as well.
27% of Americans say they love playing board and card games with family and friends.
And 40% say watching sports or soccer is their favorite tradition.
For more Thanksgiving trends in 2024, click here to read Campbell's State of the Side report.
