Across America, holiday tables tell the story of where families come from—whether that means grandma's green bean casserole recipe that hasn't changed since 1975, or new additions like lumpia, pierogies or kimchi making their debut alongside the turkey as the main event.

To better understand this cultural shift, Jennie-O is revealing the results of its Roots and Recipes Report: a survey that documents how family heritage shapes what consumers eat, how they cook and the way consumers gather around the Thanksgiving table. The findings reveal a nation that honors tradition while embracing change, with over half of Americans open to trying dishes from other cultures.

Jennie-O surveyed 5,000 Americans to understand how different cultures put their own spin on Thanksgiving and its influence on how the holiday is celebrated. This landmark survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Jennie-O. Talker Research surveyed 5,000 state-by-state U.S. adults (100 in each state) with targeted quotas to achieve statistical significance for European, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and Black American households.

Hormel Foods Corp.

Key findings from the report

Although Thanksgiving is rooted in tradition, 55% of Americans are generally open to trying new Thanksgiving recipes that originate from a different cultural background than their own. Hispanic/Latino Americans (73%) and Black Americans (70%) are most open to considering new Thanksgiving recipes from other cultures, followed by Asian Americans (62%) and European Americans (51%). Multiracial Americans show 66% openness and are perhaps most representative of the current demographic of American families.

More than half of Americans (52%) said they have a recipe on their table that is older than 25 years, proving family recipes remain central to the holiday celebration. Americans of European descent serve the oldest family recipes, with 61% featuring dishes older than 25 years. For this group, nostalgia (71%) is the primary reason these recipes remain on the table. In contrast, Asian Americans are most likely to serve newer additions, with 40% having dishes that are 10 years old or younger, followed by Black Americans (31%) and Hispanic/Latino Americans (29%). These groups cite reflecting their culture as the key reason for keeping these dishes. 

The average American Thanksgiving gathering usually lasts five hours or longer (57%), with the majority having fewer than 10 guests (73%). Black Americans host the longest celebrations, with 30% gathering for more than seven hours, while Asian Americans host the briefest gatherings, with 44% celebrating for fewer than four hours. Hispanic/Latino Americans host the largest gatherings, with 32% welcoming 11 or more guests, while Asian Americans prefer more intimate celebrations, with 81% hosting fewer than 10 people.

Across all cultural demographics, salt (71%), pepper (64%), garlic (50%) and onion powder (44%) are the most popular turkey seasonings, indicating Americans prefer to let cultural expression shine through side dishes rather than the main bird. Black Americans are more likely to season their Thanksgiving turkey with paprika (40%) compared to other respondents (24% on average). Asian Americans use seasonings such as soy sauce at over twice the average (15% vs 4% on average), as well as citrus zest (25% vs 11%). European Americans are more likely to use sage (39%), compared to others (34% on average). Top Hispanic/Latino American seasonings include hot pepper seeds (10%), curry (10%), chili powder (17%), cumin (20%) and citrus zest (23%), all higher than the average.

Despite growing popularity, only about one-third (32%) of Americans said they use social media as a source of inspiration for new recipes, instead relying on family heritage, cultural traditions and guest recommendations. Among those who use social media for Thanksgiving inspiration, Hispanic/Latino Americans (51%) and Black Americans (41%) are most likely to turn to their own social media feeds or their children's for new ideas.

Thanksgiving is indeed side heavy, with 23% of Thanksgiving tables having 10 or more sides and 60% serving up to seven side dishes. The top five favorite sides include stuffing (69%), classic mashed potatoes (60%), rolls/biscuits (56%), cranberry sauce (52%) and green bean casserole (44%). Americans keep things traditional with their stuffing, with the majority using a typical bread stuffing (65%), followed by cornbread stuffing (29%), sausage stuffing (11%) and Italian-style stuffing (4%). Over two-thirds (67%) of European Americans serve classic mashed potatoes at their Thanksgiving table, the highest compared to other respondents.

"The Roots & Recipes Report reveals something we've long believed at Jennie-O—that Thanksgiving tables are where family traditions come alive through food," said Kim Anderson, senior brand manager at Jennie-O. "With more than half of Americans open to trying dishes from other cultures and equally as many preserving recipes passed down through generations, this blend of old and new is redefining what Thanksgiving dinner looks like across America."

1-800-TURKEYS hotline returns for 18th year

The Jennie-O brand is also bringing back its 1-800-TURKEYS hotline for the 18th consecutive year, staffed with experts ready to help home cooks navigate both traditional preparations and new cultural twists on classic dishes from Nov. 1 through Nov. 29, 2025.

Consumers can call 1-800-TURKEYS or chat live at JennieO.com/Hotline. Turkey preparation specialists will address inquiries ranging from basic roasting techniques to incorporating cultural flavors and spices into traditional preparations.

"For 18 years, 1-800-TURKEYS has been the easiest number to remember when you need help on Thanksgiving Day," Anderson said. "Whether you're panicking about turkey timing or wondering how to incorporate your family's special spices, our experts are ready 24/7 throughout November to ensure every celebration is a success."

Source: Hormel Foods Corp.