What is each state’s favorite Thanksgiving side? (Not cranberry sauce)

After a bruising Election Day that  sucked the oxygen out of the air, we thought some lighter fare was in order saw shoppers this weekend purchasing roasting pans for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving, as you know, is one of only 10 federal holidays in the US.

While some workers work holidays, the majority of workers can be thankful on Thanksgiving for a nice meal with their family. This year, many businesses have announced they will not start Black Friday on Thursday- freeing more workers to enjoy a meal with their family.

It got Zippia.com to thinking, what foods will every one be eating? Are some states crazier for corn than others? Anyone cheesing out? The company analyzed Google searches to determine each state’s favorite Thanksgiving side.

The results? Thanksgiving may be called Turkey Day, but maybe it should be called mashed potato day. Or mac ‘n cheese day.

Most Interesting Findings 

  • Mashed potatoes are the favorite of 10 states, including California.
  • Right behind mashed potatoes is mac n’ cheese- 7 states know that it’s not Thanksgiving without the cheesy, delicious dish.
  • While most states are reaching for the carbs, Maine is all about that side salad.
  • The south isn’t a casserole belt, but the Midwest can’t get enough – especially of green bean casserole
  • Alabama doesn’t eat stuffing, they like “dressing” AKA southern people stuffing.
  • Only New Hampshire is a big fan of cranberry sauce.
  • Biscuits. Rolls. Crescent rolls. Forget, fancy sides, just toss some rolls in the oven.
  • 47 states want their sides carby, cheesy, potato-y and delicious. Only 3 are reaching for veggies more.

How the company arrived at the data

Using Google Trends, it determined what Thanksgiving side each state eats a disproportionate amount of. It examined more than 20 Thanksgiving classics. Some controversial decisions were made, including counting gravy as a side.

However, since it’s not a main dish and hopefully isn’t being consumed as a beverage, its hands were tied. Sorry if your family has an uncommon tradition of shrimp cocktails, Red Lobster Cheddar biscuits, or whatever oddity for Turkey day.

Your family is weird, and didn’t fall into the data. However, it should be a good representation on what most of us chow down on at Thanksgiving.

The company looked at the month of November 2019 to determine what folks are searching for the most in each state. Traffic for most Thanksgiving sides sky rockets on Thanksgiving day (Turns out, when you’re Googling “how to make mashed potatoes,” so it most of America.)

How this year changes (if it does) won’t be apparent until after Thanksgiving– and who wants to wait that long? Luckily, odds are good most of us will still be making mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and other favorites this year– and probably in 2050, too.

 

Image Sources

  • Favorite Thanksgiving Sides: Zippia.com