Happy Turkey Week! When you think about Thanksgiving, what comes to mind: food, football, family, or something else? The second-largest food holiday of the year is also unique in that millions of Americans eat a very similar meal all on the very same day.

A Thanksgiving menu typically includes traditional holiday food like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. However, the celebration can vary by household, economic circumstances, region, and other factors.

My family typically has a Thanksgiving meal with extended family featuring all the regular fare. But I have friends who celebrate the day with a potluck of appetizers, a Mexican-food fiesta, lasagna, or other favorites. What is your favorite meal to enjoy on Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments!

Let’s take a look at some information about Thanksgiving meals from one of our parent companies, Circana.

Thanksgiving meals are predominantly home-cooked, with 97% of them enjoyed at home. It’s also a time when people gather with others: around 28% of main Thanksgiving meals are consumed at someone else’s home, compared to 6% of meals for the entire year. According to Circana’s research, household Thanksgiving celebrations include an average of eight people.

Turkey prices aren’t as high as other proteins, like beef, however turkey prices peak a few days before the third Thursday in November. Circana’s research found that turkey prices in 2025 will be in line with last year’s prices. However, more than a quarter of consumers expect to pay more this year for the same quantity of items they bought for last year’s celebrations. Younger adults are more likely to report that they’ll purchase fewer things this year.

Baking is also a popular activity as we head into the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season. Circana found that one third of sales in the baking aisle occur during the fourth quarter of the year. And it’s not just baking ingredients: sales of baking cookbooks are up by more than 80% compared to last year.

Alternative Thanksgiving Activities

Like many other holidays, Thanksgiving often stretches beyond the single day marked on the calendar. Some people host “Friendsgiving” gatherings with friends or co-workers, while others enjoy meeting up at bars or restaurants on the night before Thanksgiving. Those with large or extended families may end up attending multiple Thanksgiving meals. Work and travel schedules also play a role; because many people work the Friday after the holiday and can’t travel far, they may shift their celebrations to the surrounding weekend instead.

Parades, football games, and volunteer activities—such as serving meals or participating in donation drives—are also common ways people mark the holiday. Many communities host “Turkey Trot” runs (or walks, in my case!) that often raise funds for non-profit organizations.

And of course, many of us spend part of the day prepping for Black Friday shopping!

Panel Member Reminders

As the busy holiday season gets underway, don’t forget to scan and report the items you purchase. You’re probably already used to reporting your regular purchases, but remember to include things you buy for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations, such as:
– disposable plates, cups, and flatware
– ingredients for special meals
– baking items
– gifts you buy for others
– on-the-go items while shopping, such as beverages and gasoline

Thank you for your dedication as a panel member, we truly are grateful for you. Your participation makes a difference!

Regards,
Taylor

Blog comment reminder: If you have a panel-related issue that you need assistance with such as a problem with scanning or your rewards, please contact our Panel Support Center directly and they will be happy to assist you! You can reach them at 1-800-962-6700 or email them at [email protected]. You can send a message from NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t enter panel-related issues or share any personal panel membership information in the blog comment section. Any issues will be addressed faster if you contact our support center directly. Thank you so much!

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