The makers of Jennie-O, a trusted brand for turkey products, have announced the results of their 2024 Thanksgiving survey, which gathered insights from 5,000 consumers across the U.S. The survey covered preparation methods, turkey preferences, side dishes, and more, highlighting how Americans celebrate this beloved holiday.
According to the survey, 70% of respondents have been celebrating their Thanksgiving traditions for over 20 years. The three most cherished traditions include sharing meals together (65%), spending time with extended family or friends (52%), and cooking together (27%).
Preparation Insights
Most individuals spend up to two weeks planning their Thanksgiving meal, with an additional three days dedicated to food preparation and about five hours of cooking on the day itself. Notably, Delaware residents lead in prep time, averaging 17 days for guest-list planning and 19 days for menu building. Virginia and North Carolina also reported significant prep times, focusing on guest selection and menu creation.
Turkey Preferences
The survey revealed that 66% of respondents prefer their turkey baked, while 63% do not brine their turkey. Oklahomans notably prefer smoked turkey more than any other state. While many Americans maintain traditional recipes, over 30% experiment with new methods each holiday season. Additionally, nearly 40% of Americans enjoy having ham alongside turkey, with preferences for baked (68%), smoked (18%), and slow-cooked (18%) options.
Popular Side Dishes
While 61% believe turkey is the star of the meal, some respondents from Idaho (43%) and Kansas (41%) feel that side dishes deserve more recognition. The most popular side dishes include stuffing (77%), rolls or biscuits (66%), mashed potatoes (60%), and cranberry sauce (55%). Residents from the Southeast also enjoy mac and cheese, with Georgia (62%), Mississippi (58%), and South Carolina (55%) leading in this preference.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
A significant 96% of surveyed Americans enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers, with 44% using turkey for sandwiches and 41% incorporating it into other meals. About 32% recreate the original Thanksgiving meal, while 22% prefer keeping their leftovers rather than sharing with guests.
Kim Anderson, Senior Brand Manager for Jennie-O, emphasized the brand’s commitment to helping families succeed in their holiday meal preparations. Starting November 1, Jennie-O consumer engagement experts will be available through a 1-800-TURKEYS hotline, live chat, and text support to assist with turkey preparation, side dish recipes, and leftover ideas.
Consumers can also find resources on the Jennie-O website, including turkey purchase calculators, full Thanksgiving dinner menus, and tips for preparing delicious leftovers, ensuring a successful holiday meal.