The makers of the Jennie-O turkey brand, a trusted name in turkey products worldwide, have revealed the results of its 2024 Thanksgiving survey. Conducted by Talker Research, the survey polled 5,000 consumers across the U.S., offering insights into Thanksgiving traditions, turkey preparation preferences, side dishes and more.
The survey highlights the importance of tradition, with 70% of respondents stating they’ve been celebrating Thanksgiving in the same way for more than 20 years. Top traditions include sharing meals (65%), spending time with family and friends (52%), and cooking together (27%).
Key Survey Results
Preparation:
- Thanksgiving meal planning typically spans two weeks, with an additional three days for food prep
- Delaware leads in preparation, spending 17 days on guest lists and 19 days on menu building. Virginia and North Carolina also rank high for preparation time, with nearly 16-17 days spent on planning menus and guests.
Turkey Preferences:
- 66% of respondents prefer their turkey baked, while 63% opt not to brine.
- Oklahoma stands out, with residents preferring smoked turkey more than any other state.
- Though many stick to tradition, 30% of Americans switch up their turkey preparation each year.
- Nearly 40% of Americans add ham to their Thanksgiving table, with 68% preferring it baked.
Popular Sides:
- Stuffing (77%), rolls or biscuits (66%), mashed potatoes (60%), and cranberry sauce (55%) top the list.
- The Southeast adds a unique touch with mac and cheese, especially in Georgia (62%), Mississippi (58%), and South Carolina (55%).
Thanksgiving Leftovers:
- 96% of Americans enjoy leftovers, with 44% using turkey in sandwiches, 41% incorporating turkey into other meals, and 32% recreating the full meal.
- 22% of respondents prefer keeping leftovers to themselves rather than sharing with guests.
Kim Anderson, senior brand manager for Jennie-O, expressed the company’s dedication to making Thanksgiving meals successful and stress-free: "We’re committed to helping ensure your holiday meal is a success with our quality turkeys and wide range of services and resources."
Starting November 1, Jennie-O will offer consumer support through its 1-800-TURKEYS hotline, website live chat and even text-based assistance for any turkey-related queries. Jennie-O’s experts will be available around the clock in the lead-up to Thanksgiving to help consumers with meal preparation, side-dish recipes, and leftover ideas.
