The turkey isn’t the only one sweating this Thanksgiving. A Savings.com survey indicates seven out of ten Americans are altering holiday plans due to financial concerns.
Around 28% admit they’ll stay home instead of traveling, and 23% will choose store brands or discounted items. Additionally, 22% plan to prepare more homemade dishes instead of premade options and 15% will buy fewer or smaller portions of certain foods. Other changes include potluck-style meals and guest list limitations, but some will skip holiday gatherings altogether.
Traditionally, traveling for Thanksgiving has been important to many Americans, but rising costs prompt more than one-quarter of those planning to travel to reconsider. Eighteen percent of adults will limit their menus, shrink portion sizes, cut guest lists, or choose not to host.
With these financial challenges in mind, Savings.com surveyed over 1,000 individuals to explore their preferences for main courses, side dishes, and desserts. The findings provide valuable insights into shifting appetites and guide hosts looking to minimize waste and manage rising food costs.
Turkey Still Tops Thanksgiving Menus
Turkey remains the centerpiece of Thanksgiving celebrations, with 94% of Americans including it in their holiday feasts. An impressive 88% deem it an essential entrée, nearly doubling the support for ham. Despite ham’s popularity, only a small number (45%) of respondents named it as their favorite, indicating that hosts can confidently serve turkey without concerns of dissatisfaction.
Regional preferences do, however, influence Thanksgiving menus. In the South, diners often favor “country” and “Virginia ham,” as well as fried chicken. Meanwhile, those in the West lean towards prime rib, and Northeastern diners opt for salmon as an alternative to traditional fare.
White Meat or Dark Meat: Does It Matter?
Americans consume nearly 50 million turkeys each Thanksgiving, making it a significant day for the gobblers. While turkey is a holiday staple, preferences among diners vary: only one-third prefer dark meat, with half opting for white meat and 15% expressing no preference. This trend suggests hosts can simplify their preparations and cut costs by purchasing only the white meat breast, requiring about 24 ounces per person for a whole bird or just eight ounces per guest for a boneless breast.
America’s Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
With the main course settled, attention can shift to the essential side dishes that complement the meal. The survey names mashed potatoes, stuffing, and bread as top contenders for the Thanksgiving table. Gravy and cranberry sauce round out the top five, providing essential moisture to the meal, while vegetables rank lower on the list of favorites.
In the survey, 62% of respondents identified mashed potatoes as a must-have; stuffing follows closely at 60%. Gravy (34%), rolls or bread (28%), and cranberry sauce (26%) also received significant support, while dishes like corn and Brussels sprouts ranked much lower, garnering only single-digit percentages.
Sides rank consistently nationwide, though stuffing and mashed potatoes swapped top spots in the South and Northeast. Additionally, cranberry sauce ranks higher in the Northeast.
Both cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes are traditional sides, yet they topped the list of foods some would banish from Thanksgiving altogether. Among the 68% who consume cranberry sauce, a narrow majority prefer the fresh version over the canned variety.
The sweet potato debate centers on whether to top them with marshmallows, with opinions nearly evenly split among the 70% of Americans who enjoy this dish. Notably, 83% of sweet potato-eaters in the Northeast prefer them without marshmallows.
Another key discussion point is stuffing preparation. While 49% of Americans enjoy stuffing cooked inside the turkey, 22% prefer it prepared separately for its crisp texture and lower food safety risks.
Pumpkin Pie Leads Dessert Picks
Americans have a strong dessert preference, with 95% of respondents favoring one pie over the others. As expected, pumpkin pie dominated the competition, winning by more than a two-to-one margin over second-place apple pie.
Nationwide, the top pies are pumpkin, apple, and pecan. Pumpkin pie secured the top spot across all regions, while apple pie claimed second place in the Northeast and Midwest. In the South, pecan pie took the silver medal.
Interestingly, the West saw a tie for second place between apple and pecan, leading some to suggest a recipe combining the two.
Smart Tips To Manage Holiday Expenses
To help manage holiday expenses, experts recommend:
Smart Shopping. Setting a budget and adhering to shopping lists can prevent impulse purchases. Buying non-perishable items in bulk and using them throughout the year can also help offset costs. Clipping coupons, seeking sales, and opting for store brands can also lead to significant savings.Simplified Menus. Hosts are encouraged to limit dishes and consider serving turkey breasts instead of whole birds. Preparing recipes from scratch and baking bread can be more economical and add a personal touch. Attention to portion sizes is crucial; there’s no need to prepare large quantities if fewer guests attend. Planning for leftovers and choosing dishes that keep well can also minimize waste.Guest List Review. While a packed house is often desirable during the holidays, budget constraints may require some cutbacks. Hosts can limit their guest lists, share hosting duties, or ask guests to contribute food or drinks. Discuss or assign dishes in advance To ensure a balanced meal.
With these strategies in mind, families can enjoy a Thanksgiving celebration that fits their budgets and doesn’t require extra cash while still bringing loved ones together.
