Thanksgiving in America is anything but uniform. A new Roots & Recipes Report by Jennie-O Turkey Store shows how cultural roots influence what families cook, season, and celebrate on the holiday table.
Based on responses from 5,000 Americans across all 50 states, the report captures how traditions evolve - from Filipino lumpia and Polish pierogies to kimchi sitting comfortably beside grandma’s green bean casserole.
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Where tradition meets taste
“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 dishes from other cultures, this mix of old and new is reshaping the Thanksgiving spread.”
According to the report, 55% of Americans are open to global flavors, while 52% still serve at least one dish that’s been in the family for more than 25 years.
Culture on the menu
Latino (73%) and Black Americans (70%) are the most adventurous in trying new recipes, followed by Asian (62%) and European Americans (51%). For some, nostalgia keeps old recipes alive. For others, newer dishes reflect identity and change.
And while turkey remains the star, the real flavour lies in the sides. Salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder are the most common, but families add their own touches with paprika among Black households, soy sauce and citrus zest in Asian homes, and chili, cumin, and curry in Latino kitchens.
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A feast that tells a story
Most gatherings stay small, with under ten guests, though Latino families host the biggest spreads and Black families the longest celebrations.
Only a third of Americans turn to social media for inspiration, preferring family cookbooks, handwritten recipes, and old traditions.
Thanksgiving, the report reminds us, isn’t just about food but it’s about where we come from, and how every bite keeps that story alive.
