Most popular Thanksgiving sides in each state revealed
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Campbell’s has officially launched its annual State of the Sides report outlining the most popular holiday side dishes in each state.
According to the soup brand, this year’s report focuses on evolving trends, preferences, and traditions, offering insights into regional variations.
"For generations, Campbell’s has been at the center of holiday traditions and tables, bringing flavor to family tables across the country," Marci Raible, the vice president of integrated marketing at Campbell’s, said in a statement. "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."
Campbell’s commissioned a survey of 5,000 U.S. adults 18 and over in the United States who celebrate Thanksgiving, with 100 Americans in each of the 50 states. The research was conducted in June 2024.
FILE - A Thanksgiving dinner. (Photo by Kirk Mckoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The report revealed that 56% of Americans would rather pile their plates with side dishes than the turkey itself, reaffirming that sides are the true star of the meal.
In addition, 60% of respondents said they find more joy in cooking the sides than preparing the bird.
Stuffing ranks as best side dish
Stuffing/dressing ruled as the national favorite this year, up from second place in 2023, but 33% of people said they are willing to tweak the recipe to make it their own.
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Millennials, Gen X and baby boomers agreed that stuffing or dressing was the ultimate side dish. In contrast, Gen Z said they loved mac & cheese with 45% of the generation seeing it as their favorite side dish each year.
Regionally, 54% of the Northeast chose stuffing as their favorite side dish, making it the region that loves it most. Meanwhile, mashed potatoes dropped to second place this year, followed by sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and mac & cheese.
The report found that 4 out of 5 regions in the U.S. ranked sweet potatoes as a top 3 side dish. In addition, green bean casserole graces 62% of Thanksgiving tables in the Midwest, making it a true heartland hero.
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Campbell’s is headquartered in Camden, N.J., and since 1869, the company generated fiscal 2024 net sales of $9.6 billion. The company includes brands such as Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao’s, Snyder’s of Hanover, Swanson and V8.