Generations-Old Family Recipes Dominate Thanksgiving Tables, Survey Finds
More than half of Americans cherish family recipes passed down through generations for their Thanksgiving celebrations. A recent survey of 5,000 Americans, evenly distributed across all 50 states, revealed that 55% hold a treasured family recipe shared over the years.
Family Traditions Vary Across Cultures
- 58% of African American households and 56% of Hispanic households maintain these cherished recipes during Thanksgiving.
- Over half of those surveyed (52%) revealed their recipe is more than 25 years old.
Unique Recipes and Cultural Significance
The survey, commissioned by Jennie-O and conducted by Talker Research, investigated the diverse cultural backgrounds and unique dishes that make Thanksgiving tables special nationwide.
“Some are still a family secret, as one respondent only knew the main ingredient — potatoes — which are ‘stuffed with ingredients only the elders of the family have access [to]; someday I’ll have that privilege.’”
“Another respondent will be making a fried broccoli dish from their Italian great-grandmother, while another will be preparing Hawaiian smoked turkey with an imu.”
Emotional Value of Traditional Dishes
- 58% of respondents appreciate the nostalgia these family recipes evoke.
- 53% enjoy the joy that comes with sharing these recipes with others during the holiday season.
These findings highlight how treasured family recipes continue to connect people to their heritage and bring warmth to holiday gatherings.
Author's summary: Family recipes, often decades old, remain central to Thanksgiving by preserving cultural traditions and creating nostalgic connections across generations.