Thanksgiving Dining Trends: 58% of Americans Turn to Restaurants for Holiday Meals
As Thanksgiving approaches, recent insights from Popmenu's annual study illuminate changing dining patterns among American consumers. The data indicates that 58% of U.S. consumers are opting for takeout or dining at restaurants for their Thanksgiving dinner this year, a considerable rise from 42% in 2024. This shift underscores a growing trend as individuals seek comfort and ease amid economic concerns.
In a survey conducted across the nation from November 16 to November 17, 2025, Popmenu revealed that not only are consumers leaning towards restaurant-based dining, but they are also adjusting their holiday spending habits due to rising food prices and tighter budgets. While a majority (59%) anticipate spending less on their Thanksgiving meal this year, the average expected expenditure stands at around $165.
The motivations behind this shift from traditional home-cooked meals to restaurant offerings are compelling. Many consumers cited their desire to enjoy the holiday without the accompanying stress of meal preparation. A notable 63% expressed a preference for savoring the day with loved ones rather than spending it cooking. In addition, 40% believe that the cost of dining out or ordering in is comparable, if not cheaper, than handling groceries and cooking at home.
However, this year's dining choices reflect more than just a preference; they reveal consumers' responses to economic challenges. Factors such as skyrocketing grocery prices (69%), tighter household budgets (58%), and overarching concerns about inflation (31%) are prompting many to rethink how they celebrate. To accommodate their finances, some restaurant-goers are making specific cuts, with 39% planning to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts, while 33% intend to celebrate with a smaller gathering.
Interestingly, the traditional Thanksgiving menu is also evolving. Though turkey remains the centerpiece for 84% of consumers, alternative dishes are making their way to the table. Pasta dishes such as lasagna are becoming increasingly popular (15%), accompanied by non-traditional items like pizza and tacos. Nearly 19% of respondents are even considering fast food as part of their festive meal, reflecting an intriguing twist to the classic Thanksgiving dinner. However, some traditional favorites are on the chopping block, with many forgoing items like mac 'n cheese (31%) and pumpkin pie (23%) to keep costs down.
Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu emphasized the trend's implications, stating, "Every year, we hear from hosts who prioritize visiting with guests over sweating it out in the kitchen. This year’s data underscores a heightened awareness of financial realities, leading consumers to seek economical solutions while still enjoying the holiday spirit."
For those still finalizing their Thanksgiving plans, Popmenu recommends strategies to enhance both the budgeting and dining experience. Aligning menu selections with budget constraints can be beneficial; utilizing grocery apps to gauge costs can help consumers compare between home-cooked and restaurant meals.
Furthermore, ordering directly from restaurants, especially those offering Thanksgiving specials, can mitigate additional fees from third-party services while ensuring a streamlined dining experience. For those opting to dine out, utilizing platforms like OpenTable for reservations can simplify the process of securing a table during the bustling holiday season.
Overall, as Americans navigate the complexities of holiday dining amidst financial concerns, the landscape of Thanksgiving meals is undoubtedly shifting towards a blend of convenience, tradition, and creative culinary choices. This change promises to reshape the Thanksgiving experience, illustrating how evolving consumer behaviors adapt to meet new economic realities.
In a survey conducted across the nation from November 16 to November 17, 2025, Popmenu revealed that not only are consumers leaning towards restaurant-based dining, but they are also adjusting their holiday spending habits due to rising food prices and tighter budgets. While a majority (59%) anticipate spending less on their Thanksgiving meal this year, the average expected expenditure stands at around $165.
The motivations behind this shift from traditional home-cooked meals to restaurant offerings are compelling. Many consumers cited their desire to enjoy the holiday without the accompanying stress of meal preparation. A notable 63% expressed a preference for savoring the day with loved ones rather than spending it cooking. In addition, 40% believe that the cost of dining out or ordering in is comparable, if not cheaper, than handling groceries and cooking at home.
However, this year's dining choices reflect more than just a preference; they reveal consumers' responses to economic challenges. Factors such as skyrocketing grocery prices (69%), tighter household budgets (58%), and overarching concerns about inflation (31%) are prompting many to rethink how they celebrate. To accommodate their finances, some restaurant-goers are making specific cuts, with 39% planning to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts, while 33% intend to celebrate with a smaller gathering.
Interestingly, the traditional Thanksgiving menu is also evolving. Though turkey remains the centerpiece for 84% of consumers, alternative dishes are making their way to the table. Pasta dishes such as lasagna are becoming increasingly popular (15%), accompanied by non-traditional items like pizza and tacos. Nearly 19% of respondents are even considering fast food as part of their festive meal, reflecting an intriguing twist to the classic Thanksgiving dinner. However, some traditional favorites are on the chopping block, with many forgoing items like mac 'n cheese (31%) and pumpkin pie (23%) to keep costs down.
Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu emphasized the trend's implications, stating, "Every year, we hear from hosts who prioritize visiting with guests over sweating it out in the kitchen. This year’s data underscores a heightened awareness of financial realities, leading consumers to seek economical solutions while still enjoying the holiday spirit."
For those still finalizing their Thanksgiving plans, Popmenu recommends strategies to enhance both the budgeting and dining experience. Aligning menu selections with budget constraints can be beneficial; utilizing grocery apps to gauge costs can help consumers compare between home-cooked and restaurant meals.
Furthermore, ordering directly from restaurants, especially those offering Thanksgiving specials, can mitigate additional fees from third-party services while ensuring a streamlined dining experience. For those opting to dine out, utilizing platforms like OpenTable for reservations can simplify the process of securing a table during the bustling holiday season.
Overall, as Americans navigate the complexities of holiday dining amidst financial concerns, the landscape of Thanksgiving meals is undoubtedly shifting towards a blend of convenience, tradition, and creative culinary choices. This change promises to reshape the Thanksgiving experience, illustrating how evolving consumer behaviors adapt to meet new economic realities.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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