Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, but opinions vary on what's on the table. Pumpkin pie is excellent, but we disagree on turkey meat: dark or white.
Do not inquire if marshmallows belong on sweet potatoes—it could spark a stir. 32% of Thanksgiving-eating Americans say turkey is their favorite meal.
Stuffing or dressing (19%) and mashed potatoes (6%) rank second and third. “Thanksgiving — it’s about turkey,” said survey participant Ralph Caya, 71, from Pensacola, Florida.
However, Glen Rock, New Jersey pharmacist Vaidehi Upadhyaya, 27, is a lifetime vegetarian. Side dishes are her thing.
Turkey is popular across U.S. regions and ages, yet generational differences exist. Turkey is the top Thanksgiving dish for 39% of Americans 45 and older and 24% of younger folks.
43% of celebrants prefer white meat over dark (28%), while 21% have no preference when the turkey is cut. Over-45s prefer dark meat (31% vs. 24%).
“I have to go with the white meat,” says 58-year-old Los Angeles resident Carlos Stallworth, who plans for leftovers. It's hard to find good dark meat for sandwiches. You get that with white meat.”
Cranberries are Thanksgiving's least favorite food. About 2 in 10 celebrants wouldn't miss cranberries or sauce. KRC Research claims 80 million pounds of cranberries are eaten over Thanksgiving week.