A new survey reveals that 35% of Americans rank turkey as their least favorite Thanksgiving food.
The poll, conducted by The Vacationer, asked 1,042 adults which traditional Thanksgiving foods they dislike most. Turkey topped the list.
Stuffing and ham followed closely, with about 32% disliking each. Only 12% of respondents said they liked every dish listed.
Most disliked Thanksgiving foods, according The Vacationer survey:
- Turkey (34.84%)
- Stuffing/dressing (32.05%)
- Ham (31.67%)
- Sweet potatoes or yams (29.17%)
- Cranberry sauce (28.89%)
- Green bean casserole (22.94%)
- Mashed potatoes (22.17%)
- Coleslaw (22.17%)
- Pumpkin pie (21.50%)
- Carrots (16.31%)
- Macaroni and cheese (15.93%)
- Corn (14.68%)
- Apple pie (13.72%)
And then some people replied, "None of these. I like them all." (12.38%).
Eric Jones, a math professor at Rowan College, analyzed the results. “The data shows turkey’s prominence at Thanksgiving is fading,” Jones said.
He noted generational shifts in food preferences. “Older Americans are less picky,” he said. Younger generations, with more food options, don’t feel obligated to eat what they dislike.
Among those over 60, only 24% dislike turkey. In contrast, 37% of those under 60 said they dislike it.
Tyler Thomas, owner of Yard Bull Meats in Virginia, sees this shift firsthand. “We’re getting lots of orders for rib roasts, pork roasts, and even duck,” he said.
“People below 60 hosting Thanksgiving are less likely to serve turkey,” Jones added. “This trend will continue.”