Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Most Americans prefer Thanksgiving sides over the main turkey
- Stuffing, mashed potatoes & sweet potatoes top US side dish lists
- Survey reveals holiday cooking pressures and perfection anxiety
- Campbell’s partners with Cynthia Rowley for tote bags to safely transport sides
When it comes to holiday meals, most Americans say they prefer side dishes to the main entrée, according to The Campbell’s Co.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, the Camden-based soup and snacks giant released its fourth annual “State of the Sides” report examining the year’s most popular seasonal food trends.
Using consumer data from a nationwide survey, the company found that stuffing is America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish –the same as last year.
Meanwhile, mashed potatoes held steady at second place. Sweet potatoes, macaroni & cheese and green bean casserole round up the rest of the country’s preferred holiday side dishes, the report said.
According to Campbell’s, within New Jersey, the top sides are:
- No. 1 stuffing
- No. 2 sweet potatoes
- No. 3 macaroni & cheese
- No. 4 mashed potatoes
- No. 5 cranberry sauce
The report also found:
- 63% prefer side dishes to the main entrée
- 47% would be quite happy with only sides on their Thanksgiving plate
- 66% like cooking sides more than cooking the main bird
- 85% think leftovers are one of the best parts of the holiday
Pressure cooker
Since 81% of Americans believe preparing holiday dishes is a way to show love for friends and family, some may feel pressure on Turkey Day to whip up the perfect meal, Campbell’s found.
In fact, 48% admit to “perfection anxiety” and 37% fear being judged by guests. As a result, 34% said they’ll do a “test run” in the kitchen before Thanksgiving, Campbell’s said.
Sixty-two percent said they care just as much about how their dish is presented as it tastes. For those transporting a dish to a holiday gathering, 24% worry about keeping it at the right temperature and 18% stress about making sure the item looks as good on arrival as it did at home.
However, when a dish is a hit among guests, 82% said the feedback inspires them to cook more. That confidence also leads them to try out new recipes in the kitchen – especially millennials (72%) and Generation Z (68%), Campbell’s noted.
For Thanksgiving 2025, 77% said family recipes will remain the foundation of the holiday table. But, tradition won’t stop cooks from experimenting, Campbell’s found. Eighty-one percent plan on modifying at least one recipe and 70% are interested in bringing something new to the meal.
A growing number of survey participants said they are using generative AI for holiday planning tasks, like writing shopping lists, creating menus and organizing prep timelines, according to Campbell’s.
The full report is available online.
Special offering
Along with the 2025 State of the Sides report, Campbell’s unveiled a collaboration with award-winning fashion designer Cynthia Rowley and her daughter Kit Keenan for a pair of bespoke bags.
According to Campbell’s, the totes feature a special compartment to keep side dishes safe while traveling to holiday get-togethers.
Both bags will be available for $99 each starting 1 p.m. Nov. 10 while supplies last. For every bag purchased, Campbell’s said it will donate 99 cans of Campbell’s condensed soup to Feeding America.
In a statement, Campbell’s Vice President of Media Strategy and Digital Growth Marci Raible said, “Generations have turned to Campbell’s to create their holiday side dishes over the years, and this year’s report shows those classics are still at the heart of every holiday celebration. We’re showcasing both tradition and innovation with this unique collaboration with Cynthia Rowley and Kit Keenan that brings style and function to your holiday gathering.”
The survey of 5,000 Americans ages 18 and up was conducted between July and August in partnership with independent research organization Reputation Leaders.
