The Least Popular Thanksgiving Foods, Ranked

We all have preferences when it comes to the classic Thanksgiving spread, but turkey?! Ya’ll don’t like turkey?

The vacationer conducted a survey of 1,003 Americans over the age of eighteen and asked what traditional Thanksgiving food he or she disliked the most. 

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Cranberry Sauce — 30.51%
2. Turkey — 29.11%
3. Green Bean Casserole — 27.52%
4. Ham — 26.72%
5. Coleslaw — 25.32%
6. Sweet Potatoes or Yams — 25.12%
7. Stuffing/Dressing. — 22.33%
8. Pumpkin Pie. — 21.44%
9. Carrots. — 16.95%
10. Mashed Potatoes. — 15.45%
11. Corn. — 14.36%
12. Macaroni and Cheese. — 14.36%
13. Apple Pie. — 12.86%

None of these. I like them all. — 16.55%

Cranberry sauce claimed the winning slot as the least preferred dish on the Thanksgiving dinner table, with 30.51 percent saying they could do without it. As much as we’re pained to say this, it’s not totally shocking, as cranberry sauce can be polarizing. 

But we didn’t expect the overwhelming amount of votes for turkey. The Middle Atlantic region had the most people who didn’t like the dish – 47 percent. Even more surprising is that overall, 30 percent of all the participants dislike turkey. That means three out of ten people don’t enjoy the prototypical Thanksgiving main course. 

So we collected a few main course alternatives to make sure no one has to order a pizza come Thanksgiving (Unless that’s your jam – no judgment!) 

Turkey Alternatives

Roasted Red Pepper & Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Roulades

The creamy ricotta cheese in this dish adds decadence to these no-fuss, rolled-up chicken breasts. We love the smooth cauliflower purée and a buttery, lemony sauce. For extra color, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or oregano.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Cherry Cranberry Pan Sauce

This dish is just as show-stopping as a Thanksgiving dinner. The pork loin pops with flavor with zesty garlic-sage rub and prosciutto. Not to mention the sweet cherry cranberry sauce, totally appropriate for the holidays. 

Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Walnuts & Cranberries

If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to turkey, try this acorn squash. Subtly sweet and nutty with cranberries and walnuts but hearty with a big scoop of quinoa stuffed in the center.

What About Inflation?

The Vacationer conducted several more surveys centered around the holidays, one asking participants if high levels of inflation are affecting Thanksgiving plans this year. The results are as follows:

• Yes, because of increased food costs. — 24.73%
• Yes, because of increased travel costs due to gas prices or higher airfare.  — 16.75%
• Yes, because of both increased food costs and increased travel costs. — 25.02%
• No. — 33.50%

Again, the Middle Atlantic region saw the highest percentages of this survey, with 77.45 percent of people within the area saying that high levels of inflation were a concern. If you’re part of this percentage, read our cost-conscious tips to a budget-friendly holiday meal.