749 million sides planned for Thanksgiving as turkey prices jump

Americans plan to serve roughly 749 million side dishes nationwide this Thanksgiving, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Campbell Soup Company.

The Camden, New Jersey-based food company published its annual State of the Sides Report on Oct. 27. The data indicates that 80% of adults enjoy preparing side dishes more than cooking the turkey. That figure is up 11 percentage points from 2023.

Green bean casserole remains the top choice, followed by mac and cheese, yams or sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and stuffing or dressing. These same five items have led the list for three consecutive years, though their specific rankings have shifted slightly. About 86% of respondents intend to serve at least four side dishes, with a median of five per meal.

Younger adults are particularly open to reducing the turkey portion. About 65% of Gen Z adults and 56% of Millennials said they would be content with a meal consisting entirely of sides. Mac and cheese is Gen Z's favorite side for the second year in a row. Nearly half of those polled said they serve it because it is easy to prepare.

The survey comes as shoppers face higher grocery bills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food prices rose 2.5% in the 12 months ending in September. Turkey prices have increased 8.4% since September 2025, a rate that far exceeds the overall inflation rate of 3.7%. Other staples like rice and tomatoes also saw price hikes of 7.1% and 6.8% respectively.

Retailers including Aldi, BJ's, Costco, Sam's Club, and Wegmans have announced Thanksgiving meal promotions to help families manage costs. The survey was conducted by the independent research firm Reputation Leaders, which polled 5,017 U.S. adults in August and September.

Campbell's noted that 69% of Americans prefer green bean casserole made with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. For 87% of respondents, Campbell's is the brand they use for the dish.