Changing Trends in Thanksgiving Dining
Thanksgiving is traditionally known for home-cooked meals and family gatherings, but a shifting trend is emerging among U.S. consumers. As budgets tighten due to rising food prices, more people are considering ordering from restaurants or dining out for their Thanksgiving feast. Recent studies highlight that 58% of consumers now plan to order food or dine at restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, a notable increase from previous years.
Consumer Spending on Thanksgiving Dinner
This year, many consumers are being more mindful of their spending. Research shows that 59% of individuals expect to spend less on Thanksgiving dinner compared to last year. On average, consumers estimate they will spend around $165 this holiday season. The trend of turning to restaurants for holiday meals is also backed by the desire to save on cooking costs and to manage the overall expenses associated with the celebration.
Reasons Behind the Shift to Restaurants
Many families are opting to dine out or order takeout instead of cooking from scratch due to various factors influencing their decision:
- 63% of consumers want to enjoy the holiday without the stress of cooking.
- 40% believe ordering from a restaurant is as economical as cooking at home.
- 35% would rather not deal with the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking.
- 26% prefer the taste of professionally prepared meals.
- 19% feel too busy to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal.
How Consumers Are Cutting Costs
With concerns about food prices and household budgets, many consumers are rethinking their Thanksgiving menus. A significant number of respondents are planning to cut back on the quantity and complexity of dishes served:
- 39% intend to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts.
- 33% are celebrating Thanksgiving with a smaller group.
- 31% are choosing less expensive brands for food and drink.
- 29% are asking guests to contribute a dish.
- 26% are selecting recipes with fewer or more affordable ingredients.
- 19% are opting for a less costly main dish option.
Interestingly, some traditional favorites are being eliminated altogether to make meals more budget-friendly:
- 31% are skipping mac 'n cheese.
- 28% plan to forgo cranberries.
- 26% may not serve sweet potatoes.
- 23% are cutting pumpkin pie from their dessert offerings.
- 22% won't include corn in their meal.
- 19% plan to drop green beans.
- 15% are considering a non-traditional main dish, leaving out turkey.
The Thanksgiving Menu
Despite these changes, turkey remains the centerpiece for most Thanksgiving dinners, with 84% of consumers still planning to serve it. Ham and chicken follow, with 46% and 19% respectively. Interestingly, some households are introducing non-traditional dishes to their celebrations this year as well, including pizza, lasagna, and even fast food options.
Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu, notes a growing desire among hosts to spend quality time with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen. This year, elevated concerns about household finances are influencing consumers' decisions to look for deals from restaurants and rethink their holiday favorites.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
As many consumers finalize their Thanksgiving plans, Popmenu offers valuable advice:
- Align your menu and budget. Utilize grocery store apps to get estimates on ingredient prices and compare them with local restaurant offerings for ready-made meals, helping reduce stress over budgeting.
- Order directly from restaurant websites. Not only can you find full menus and specials, but you can also choose your pickup times and avoid added fees.
- Set up alerts for dining options. Utilize platforms like OpenTable to notify you when a table opens, making reservations easier.
Survey Methodology
This data was drawn from a nationwide survey conducted by Popmenu among 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and older. The study emphasizes shifts in consumer behaviors, reflecting broader economic conditions.
About Popmenu
Popmenu is at the forefront of restaurant technology, dedicated to helping eateries thrive with digital marketing, online ordering, and cutting-edge operational tools. Their innovative platform is leveraged by over 10,000 independent restaurants across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, enabling them to better engage with guests and streamline operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of consumers plan to order from restaurants for Thanksgiving?
58% of U.S. consumers plan to order from or dine at restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner this year.
How much do consumers plan to spend on Thanksgiving dinner?
The average spending planned for Thanksgiving dinner is around $165.
Why are consumers choosing restaurants over home cooking?
Consumers cite convenience, a desire to avoid cooking stress, and cost-effectiveness as reasons for opting for restaurants.
What traditional dishes are consumers skipping?
Many are eliminating favorites like mac 'n cheese, cranberries, and sweet potatoes to cut costs.
What can consumers do to save money on Thanksgiving?
Consumers can align their menu with their budget, order directly from restaurants, and set alerts for dining options.
