Thanksgiving is a time when many Americans start planning their holiday meals. While turkey is usually the star of the show, side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce are also important for many people. However, a recent survey conducted by Instacart and The Harris Poll revealed that there are some Thanksgiving side dishes that are not as popular as others.
According to the survey of 2,077 adults in the U.S., cranberry sauce was the least favorite Thanksgiving side dish for 27 percent of participants. Green bean casserole came in second, with 25 percent of respondents saying it was their least favorite. Roasted autumn vegetables and pecan pie tied at 23 percent, while sweet potatoes or yams were disliked by 19 percent of participants.
Regional differences also played a role in people’s preferences. For example, apple pie was the top Thanksgiving side dish in the Northeast, while pecan pie was more popular in the South. Green bean casserole was a hit in both the South and Midwest, showing how regional tastes can influence holiday meals.
Generational differences were also apparent in the survey results. Generation Z preferred mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, while Boomers were not fans of macaroni and cheese. Interestingly, Boomers listed stuffing as their favorite Thanksgiving side dish, while Gen Z ranked it as their least favorite.
Overall, the survey results show that Thanksgiving side dishes can vary greatly depending on factors like region and generation. Whether you love cranberry sauce or can’t stand sweet potatoes, there’s no denying that holiday meals are a time for diverse culinary experiences.