Side Dishes Overtake Turkey in American Thanksgiving Plans

Americans are planning to rely more heavily on side dishes than turkey for Thanksgiving in 2026, according to a new survey released Tuesday. The State of the Sides Report, issued by the Camden, New Jersey-based food company Campbell's, indicates a growing preference for accompanying foods over the main protein.

The survey identified green bean casserole, mac and cheese, yams or sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and stuffing as the five most popular items. These dishes have held the top spots for three consecutive years, though their specific rankings have fluctuated. Green bean casserole remains the dominant choice, with 67% of respondents noting it evokes past holidays. Only 19% intend to alter the recipe, while 69% prefer it made with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.

The shift away from turkey is most pronounced among younger adults. Approximately 65% of Gen Z respondents and 56% of Millennials said they would be satisfied with a meal composed entirely of sides. Mac and cheese continues to resonate with this group, ranking as their favorite side for the second year in a row. Forty-two percent of respondents reported never having leftovers of the dish, and 46% cited its ease of preparation as a primary reason for serving it.

Nearly 86% of participants plan to serve at least four side dishes, with a median of five per meal. Campbell's estimates that Americans will prepare approximately 749 million side dishes nationwide this year. Eighty percent of respondents said they enjoy cooking sides more than turkey, an increase of 11 percentage points since 2023.

The survey coincides with rising grocery prices that are impacting holiday budgets. Food prices rose 2.5% in the 12 months ending in September, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Turkey prices have climbed 8.4% since September 2025, a rate that significantly outpaces the overall inflation rate of 3.7%. Other staples like rice and tomatoes have also seen price increases of 7.1% and 6.8%, respectively.

Retailers are responding to these costs with promotional offers. Chains including Aldi, Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, and Wegmans have announced Thanksgiving meal deals to help families save. The data was collected by the independent research firm Reputation Leaders, which polled 5,017 U.S. adults who celebrate the holiday during August and September.

The report highlights a practical adaptation to economic pressures. While some ingredients like eggs and butter have become cheaper, the cost of traditional proteins remains high. This price disparity appears to be accelerating the cultural move toward a side-heavy table, where familiar, lower-cost dishes take center stage.