Samantha NeelyFort Myers News-Press
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While the Thanksgiving turkey is always the star of the show, everyone knows the true highlight of the meal is the sides.
Campbell's Soup released their annual "State of the Sides" report, a food-focused trend report that dives into the top side dishes in every state.
They used consumer data with representation from all 50 states to determine which state loves which side the most. Campbell’sfound that 67% of respondents prefer sides to their holiday entrée, adding further that over 54% of the U.S. would be content with only sides on their holiday plate.
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What is Florida's favorite Thanksgiving side?
Campbell’s discovered that both bread and root vegetable dishes rank as Florida’s favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
The only other state with bread as its top side dish was Colorado. California, New York, Arizona, and Connecticut also ranked root vegetable dishes as their favorite.
What is America's favorite Thanksgiving side?
Mashed potatoes took home the top spot for this year's favorite side. The top five most popular holiday side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing/dressing
- Mac & cheese
- Yams/sweet potatoes
- Green bean casserole
How are people making their Thanksgiving spreads unique?
Some people are switching things up from the usual mashed potatoes and corn this year.
There were 66% of people surveyed who said sides were a way to bring their cultural heritage to the Thanksgiving table. They found that the top foods from other countries seen at the Thanksgiving dinner table were those inspired by cooking from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Germany, and France.
In addition to adding more culturally diverse foods to the menu, others are also switching up how traditional Thanksgiving sides are made.
And 20% of those surveyed want to freshen up their dishes with ingredients, like dairy-free milk or cauliflower rice. Taking it a step further, 18% of people want more completely plant-based sides at the dinner table.
Tinned fish for Thanksgiving?
Here's another idea: Campbell's also includes that 18% of people might add tinned fish, think anchovies and sardines, to one of their sides for extra flavor.
Tinned fish has already emerged as rising trend for foodies over the past year due to TikTok. From charcuterie boards to dips, there's plenty of ways to add it to your Thanksgiving feast.
