Are you one of the 35% of Americans who won't touch turkey this Thanksgiving? Find out why!

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition in the United States where families and friends come together to give thanks for the blessings that have been received throughout the year. Of course, it also involves a mouthwatering feast that usually takes the center stage of the celebration.



The star of this culinary show has long been the turkey, a symbol of the holiday itself. However, a shocking new survey suggests that the turkey's reign may be waning, with nearly 35% of Americans confessing that turkey is their least favorite Thanksgiving dish.

The survey, conducted by The Vacationer, polled over a thousand American adults to uncover the nation's true feelings about traditional Thanksgiving foods.


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A survey found that nearly 35% of Americans consider turkey their least favorite food at Thanksgiving. Image source: Pexels.



The results were eye-opening, revealing a shift in culinary preferences that may reflect broader cultural trends.

Interestingly, a small but significant portion of those surveyed (12%) expressed a fondness for all the dishes listed, suggesting that traditional tastes still have their place at the Thanksgiving table.


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Stuffing/dressing and ham also ranked high on the list of most disliked traditional Thanksgiving foods. Source: FOX News.



Eric Jones, an assistant professor of mathematics at Rowan College of South Jersey, analyzed the survey results and noted a generational divide in food preferences. “Turkey's prominence at Thanksgiving is fading because it is not liked by younger generations,” Jones explained to Fox News Digital.

This generational shift is particularly pronounced among Americans over 60, who are the least likely to turn their noses up at any Thanksgiving dish. Only 24.02% of this demographic reported a distaste for turkey, compared to 37.08% of American adults aged 60 or younger.

Jones added, “Americans over age 60 are also the most likely to enjoy turkey. Only 24.02% of Americans over age 60 said they dislike turkey. On the other hand, 37.08% of American adults aged 60 or younger said they dislike turkey.”



Meanwhile, Tyler Thomas, owner of Yard Bull Meats in Roanoke, Virginia, isn't surprised by the trend toward turkey substitutes.

His shop has seen a rise in orders for alternative main courses such as standing rib roasts, pork roasts, and even pork crown roasts. Duck, ham, and oysters are also gaining popularity as festive centerpieces. "We are taking a lot of orders for standing rib roasts, plenty of other beef roasts, pork roasts," Thomas revealed.

The shift away from turkey may be driven by younger generations who now host Thanksgiving dinners and feel less bound by tradition. This freedom of choice is likely to influence their children's preferences, potentially cementing the turkey's decline in future celebrations.

Jones further commented that, "In my opinion, Americans below 60 are more likely to be hosting Thanksgiving now, so they are less likely to feel obligated to have turkey and thus less likely to feed it to their children."



If you're considering a non-turkey Thanksgiving, here are some alternative main dishes to consider:

1. Prime Rib – A succulent, show-stopping beef roast that's sure to impress.
2. Roast Pork – With its rich flavor and tender meat, it's a hearty alternative.
3. Duck – A smaller bird with a rich, gamey flavor that's perfect for smaller gatherings.
4. Vegetarian or Vegan Roasts – Plant-based options have come a long way and can be just as festive.
5. Seafood – From oysters to salmon, seafood can add an elegant twist to your Thanksgiving meal.

Key Takeaways

  • A survey found that nearly 35% of Americans consider turkey their least favorite food at Thanksgiving.
  • Stuffing/dressing and ham also ranked high on the list of most disliked traditional Thanksgiving foods.
  • The survey revealed that changing appetites across generations may be influencing the prominence of turkey at Thanksgiving.
  • The trend of younger generations preferring alternative dishes to turkey for Thanksgiving is expected to continue, according to an assistant professor of mathematics, Eric Jones.

Are you sticking with turkey, or are you trying something new this year? Share your thoughts and your own family's unique traditions in the comments below![/CARD]
 
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