Americans dethrone mashed potatoes in Thanksgiving side dish shift

It's Thanksgiving time, and there’s talk about food everywhere. Be it delicious turkey, yummy appetizers, or Thanksgiving sides, there’s no end to the choices and discussion. 

Campbell's 2024 State of the Sides Report confirms changing preferences in holiday dining traditions across the country. Stuffing is now the nation's favorite side dish for Thanksgiving, replacing mashed potatoes.

Based on a survey of over 5,000 Americans across all regions, stuffing ranks as the preferred dish among multiple generations, including Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation.

“For generations, Campbell’s has been at the center of holiday traditions and tables, bringing flavor to family tables across the country,” said Marci Raible, Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Campbell’s. “As we celebrate the third year of our State of the Sides Report, it’s clear that side dishes are the cornerstone of holiday meals and memories—and Campbell’s is an essential ingredient in creating these beloved dishes.”

The report revealed that 55% of Americans prefer filling their plates with side dishes over turkey, marking a five-percentage point increase from 2023. Additionally, 60% of respondents said they find more enjoyment in preparing side dishes than cooking the main course.

Linda Thompson, food historian at the University of Maryland, notes this shift reflects broader changes in American dining habits. "We're seeing a democratization of the Thanksgiving table, where side dishes are no longer secondary players but equal partners in the feast," Thompson said.

While stuffing claimed the top spot nationally, regional variations emerged. Mashed potatoes remained the favorite in five states: California, Wyoming, Utah, Iowa and West Virginia. The survey found that coastal regions showed stronger preferences for traditional stuffing, while southern states often favored cornbread-based dressing.

The top five Thanksgiving sides according to the report:

1. Stuffing/Dressing (preferred by 72% of respondents)

2. Mashed Potatoes (68%, down from first place in 2023)

3. Sweet Potato Casserole (65%, up from fourth)

4. Green Bean Casserole (62%, up from fifth)

5. Macaroni and Cheese (54%, down from third)

Dr. Michael Roberts, senior food analyst at the National Food Trends Institute, attributes the changes to evolving family traditions. "We're seeing younger generations putting their own spin on classic dishes while maintaining core elements that make these sides so beloved," Roberts said.

The survey highlighted the importance of homemade preparation, with 82% of respondents indicating strong preferences for from-scratch stuffing and mashed potatoes over pre-made versions. This represents a significant shift from 2023 when 65% expressed similar preferences.

Sweet potato casserole showed strong regional appeal, ranking among the top choices in four out of five U.S. regions. Meanwhile, macaroni and cheese proved especially popular with Generation Z respondents despite its overall fifth-place ranking.

Economic factors also influenced side dish choices this year. The report noted a 15% increase in respondents planning to prepare more side dishes at home rather than purchasing pre-made options, citing rising food costs as a primary factor.

"This return to scratch cooking reflects both economic considerations and a desire for more personalized holiday experiences," said Sarah Martinez, chief economist at the Consumer Food Research Center. "Families are investing time rather than money in their holiday preparations."

The report also tracked emerging trends in side dish preparation. One-third of respondents reported plans to incorporate global flavors into traditional Thanksgiving sides, while 45% expressed interest in creating healthier versions of classic dishes.

Campbell's conducts the annual State of the Sides survey to track Americans' holiday food preferences and emerging dining trends, with this year's sample size representing a 25% increase from previous surveys.

Additional findings revealed that 70% of Americans consider leftover side dishes more appealing than leftover turkey, and 58% admitted to preparing extra portions specifically for post-holiday meals.

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