Thanksgiving is now less than three weeks away and as you make your shopping list for the big feast, new research suggests the bird may not be the center of attention this year. Campbell’s has just come out with their 2025 State of the Sides Report, offering insight into the side dishes Americans love most.
According to their fourth annual survey of 5-thousand people across all 50 states, 63% actually prefer the sides to the turkey on Thanksgiving, up from 54% last year.
- Nearly half (47%) say they’d be perfectly happy with a plate of sides and no turkey at all on Turkey Day.
- Green bean casserole is the most iconic Thanksgiving side, according to 44%, and more than half of those who make it say it’s best prepared the traditional way.
- But it’s not the most popular side dish in the country. That honor goes to stuffing, which is number one in 42 states, and is in the top three in all 50 states.
- Mashed potatoes, the favorite in nine states, come in second overall, followed by sweet potatoes, with five states.
- Half of the U.S. believes mac and cheese should be a staple on every holiday table, but that jumps to 70% of Gen Z, as it’s their number one side.
- Florida and New York even rate it their favorite Thanksgiving dish and it’s in the top three in 19 other states.
- Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents care just as much about how their dish is presented as how it tastes.
- The way they look matters, too, as 45% of Americans feel more confident when they’re happy with their outfit at a holiday gathering.
- And a quarter (25%) say their outfit deserves as much planning as the dish they’re preparing.
- Preparing holiday dishes is how 81% show love to family and friends, but the pressure is on in the kitchen.
- Nearly half (48%) admit to feeling “perfection anxiety,” while 37% worry about being judged by their guests.
Check out their full report here, which also includes some ideas for other sides and recipes too!
Source: Campbell's