Side Dishes: 749 Million Plates Expected

Campbell's estimates that American households will serve 749 million side dishes this Thanksgiving. The Camden, New Jersey-based food company released its annual State of the Sides Report on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The data suggests a major shift in holiday meal planning, with many consumers prioritizing accompaniments over the main course.

Green bean casserole leads the list of preferred items. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said the dish evokes memories of previous holidays. Only 19 percent of those surveyed want to alter the recipe. Campbell's attributes the dish's longevity to its creation by Dorcas Reilly in the company's test kitchen more than 75 years ago. The company notes that 87 percent of respondents consider Campbell's Soup their preferred brand for the recipe.

Cooking sides has become more appealing to many Americans than preparing turkey. Eighty percent of respondents reported enjoying the process more for side dishes. This figure marks an 11 percentage point increase since 2023. About 86 percent of participants plan to serve at least four sides, with a median of five per meal. The same five dishes have topped the popularity list for three consecutive years, though their specific rankings have fluctuated slightly.

Younger demographics show a strong preference for side-heavy meals. Approximately 65 percent of Gen Z adults and 56 percent of Millennials said they would be satisfied with a Thanksgiving meal consisting entirely of sides. Mac and cheese remains the top choice for Gen Z, holding that position for the second straight year. Forty-two percent of respondents reported that mac and cheese leftovers are rare, while 46 percent cited ease of preparation as a reason for serving it.

These dining trends coincide with rising grocery costs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that food prices rose 2.5 percent in the 12 months ending in September. Turkey prices have jumped 8.4 percent since September 2025, outpacing the overall inflation rate of 3.7 percent. Other staples have also increased, including rice at 7.1 percent and tomatoes at 6.8 percent. Conversely, eggs fell 20.6 percent and butter and margarine dropped 7.6 percent.

Retailers are responding to these financial pressures with meal deals. Chains such as Aldi, Costco, Walmart, and Wegmans have announced promotions to help families save. Campbell's commissioned the survey from independent research firm Reputation Leaders. The study polled 5,017 U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving between August and September.