When you are arguing at the Thanksgiving dinner table with your family, it’s always prudent to have the facts handy. From political discussions to favorite side dishes to who exactly is washing the dirty dishes will be up for healthy debate. Using CivicScience’s extensive data on the holiday, Nifty 50+ analyzed how Thanksgiving breaks down by the numbers – and some of the results may surprise you.

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As Americans sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this year, one side dish will appear on more plates than any other—but not for everyone. Stuffing remains the nation’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish overall, yet new survey data shows sharp generational divides shaping the holiday table in 2025. Across all U.S. adults, stuffing leads as the top side at 30%, followed by mashed potatoes (with gravy, of course), mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. (Sorry, Cranberry sauce is near the end.) But when broken down by age group, the picture changes dramatically. Among Baby Boomers, stuffing dominates with 42% calling it their favorite — by far the highest of any age group. GenX follows at 34%, while Millennials show more varied tastes, with just 25% selecting stuffing as their top choice.

Gen Z stands out the most:

Only 16% choose stuffing as their fave
27% of the GenZ crowd say mac and cheese is their favorite
They also show stronger-than-average interest in biscuits/rolls (9%)

In contrast, Boomers overwhelmingly prefer classic sides such as stuffing and mashed potatoes, with almost no interest in mac and cheese. GenX and Millennials fall somewhere in between, mixing tradition with newer favorites.

These differences suggest that as younger generations host more holiday gatherings, mac and cheese may be rising as a new Thanksgiving staple, potentially rivaling stuffing in years to come.

Most Americans Still Celebrate—But Their Plans Are Changing

While food choices are evolving, the holiday itself remains deeply meaningful. This year, 82% of Americans say they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving (not shocking), while 18% do not. Nearly 40% report that the holiday is “very important” to them, and another 43% call it “somewhat important.” But despite its emotional significance, how Americans celebrate is shifting, especially when it comes to gathering size and travel plans.

Lower- and Middle-Income Families Are Hosting Smaller Gatherings

Income plays a key role in how large Thanksgiving celebrations will be:

Under $50,000 households

38% will celebrate with only immediate family
34% will gather with a smaller group than usual
15% will join a large group as usual
12% are taking a trip or doing something special

$50,000–$100,000 households

46% plan to gather with immediate family only
26% will host a smaller group
20% expect a large group celebration
8% will travel or do something special

In both income groups, immediate-family-only celebrations increased substantially from last year, reflecting cost concerns and a continued shift toward smaller holiday gatherings.

Higher-income households ($100,000+), however, remain most likely to host a crowd:

32% will celebrate with a large group, the highest of any income segment
30% will gather with immediate family only
31% will host a smaller group
7% will take a trip or do something special

This contrast suggests that economic pressures continue to shape holiday plans for many families.

Turkey Still Leads, But Grocery Carts Look Different in 2025

Another major shift appears in Thanksgiving shopping trends. While turkey and other meat entrées remain the top choice, fewer people are buying them: the share dropped from 72% in 2024 to 65% in 2025. Meanwhile, purchases of other items increased:

Fresh produce rose from 56% to 58%
Plant-based meat alternatives jumped from 9% to 14%
Pre-made prepared foods decreased from 27% to 25%
Canned and frozen items held steady at around 43% to 44%

The data shows that Americans are diversifying their menus, adding more vegetables, plant-based options, and convenience foods alongside traditional recipes.

However you celebrate, the staff at Nifty 50+ wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving.