Thanksgiving 2024 – What trends are shaping our holidays?
Thanksgiving 2024 is all about bold new takes on tradition, driven by changing consumer preferences and deeper insights into what people want on their tables. The latest Thanksgiving 2024 food trends show an increase in demand for plant-based Thanksgiving dishes, culturally diverse flavors, and lighter, mindful options. Discussions around Thanksgiving menus have surged by 7.02% across social media, underscoring the evolving importance of this holiday.
Tastewise data reveals that Caribbean cuisine is the fastest-growing Thanksgiving theme, bringing new excitement to holiday gatherings, while “Serenity” has emerged as a top consumer need, guiding preferences toward comforting, healthful choices. Leveraging AI-driven food insights empowers Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies to anticipate these shifts, capturing attention with offerings that balance nostalgia and novelty. With tools like Tastewise, brands can execute holiday menu innovation at speed, crafting Thanksgiving experiences that resonate deeply with today’s consumers.
What’s trending for Thanksgiving 2024?
This Thanksgiving, consumers are seeking variety and creativity while still cherishing familiar traditions. From international flavors to plant-based options, here are the top Thanksgiving 2024 food trends shaping this year’s holiday menus:
AI insights into Thanksgiving trends
The power of AI-driven food insights is evident as brands turn to AI to understand and forecast consumer preferences. According to Tastewise data, Thanksgiving-related social discussions have grown by 7.02% in the last year, signaling heightened engagement and a desire for fresh ideas in holiday cooking.
Plant-Based Dishes Stealing the Spotlight
Consumers are moving toward more plant-based Thanksgiving dishes, aligning with the broader trend of plant-based eating across the year. Vegan items are now dominating Thanksgiving tables, with a preference for dishes that highlight vegetables in creative ways. For example, dishes like stuffed acorn squash and roasted root vegetables provide hearty and flavorful alternatives to traditional meat-based entrees.
Caribbean Cuisine Influence
Caribbean flavors are the fastest-growing culinary influence for Thanksgiving 2024. From spices like allspice and scotch bonnet to side dishes inspired by Caribbean heritage, this trend brings a vibrant, festive feel to the holiday table. This shift aligns with a broader embrace of global flavors, as consumers seek ways to honor their roots while celebrating the holiday.
Serenity as a Consumer Need
Interestingly, “Serenity” has emerged as the top rising consumer need, with more people seeking comfort and calm in their Thanksgiving meals. Foods associated with relaxation, such as warm, hearty soups, roasted vegetables, and lighter fare, are more popular. Brands can use this insight to highlight cozy, comforting products that speak to this need for calm during the holiday rush.
Global and Non-Traditional Flavors
Thanksgiving 2024 is also seeing a blend of nostalgia and novelty as consumers experiment with flavors beyond the “classic American” repertoire. Inspired by Mediterranean, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, dishes are taking on a new flair—from sumac-spiced Brussels sprouts to ginger-glazed sweet potatoes. Holiday menu innovation rooted in these global influences helps brands appeal to adventurous consumers looking for memorable holiday experiences.
The Rise of Low-Alcohol and Alcohol-Free Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages are gaining ground this Thanksgiving, with a significant shift toward mocktails, sparkling waters, and other alcohol-free options. According to Tastewise’s Thanksgiving 2024 survey, 48.97% of respondents prefer non-alcoholic choices over traditional holiday drinks. Brands can cater to this trend by promoting alcohol-free alternatives that pair well with Thanksgiving foods.
The role of AI in holiday menu innovation
AI enables brands to keep pace with the rapid evolution of consumer tastes. By analyzing real-time data, Tastewise helps CPG companies understand what consumers crave. Here are ways AI enhances holiday menu innovation:
Creating the perfect holiday menu
Tastewise’s AI-powered recipe tool (like the Hawaij Gravy) enables brands to innovate their offerings. By combining consumer preference data with ingredient trends, the tool helps chefs and brands create unique, data-backed recipes that fit current trends. AI-generated insights also streamline the workflow, making it easier to adapt quickly to seasonal demands.
Survey insights for a successful Thanksgiving
Survey data further validates the need for unique flavors and product options. Tastewise’s recent Thanksgiving 2024 Survey shows that 72.2% of respondents prefer unique seasonal ingredients, like pomegranate, chestnut, and sage, on their Thanksgiving tables. Additionally, 45.48% of respondents turn to food websites for menu inspiration, underscoring the importance of digital influence on consumer decisions. These insights give brands the information they need to design their Thanksgiving marketing effectively.
Trends CPGs should focus on Thanksgiving 2024
For CPG brands, focusing on the following areas will help them stay relevant this Thanksgiving:
- Highlighting Plant-Based Options
Promoting plant-based ingredients and vegan options aligns with consumer interest and broadens product appeal. With the rise in plant-based Thanksgiving dishes, CPG brands can focus on items like plant-based protein alternatives, dairy-free sauces, and vegan-friendly stuffing mixes. - Incorporating Global Flavors
Products that feature international spices or are inspired by global cuisines will resonate with consumers eager to try something new. Think Caribbean jerk spices, Mediterranean dips, or Asian-style sauces that bring a bold touch to traditional dishes. - Non-Alcoholic Beverage Offerings
With non-alcoholic drinks trending, CPG brands should consider promoting mocktail mixers, craft sodas, or sparkling waters that complement Thanksgiving dishes. This taps into the demand for more mindful drinking options during holiday gatherings.
Thanksgiving marketing tips for CPG brands
As Thanksgiving approaches, brands can enhance their marketing impact by aligning with current trends and consumer needs:
- Bundle Deals and Ready-Made Options
Bundling essential items, such as plant-based proteins, non-alcoholic drinks, and side dish ingredients, helps simplify the shopping experience. Many consumers look for convenient, ready-made options to streamline holiday prep. - Highlight Quality and Craftsmanship
Thanksgiving shoppers value quality and craftsmanship. Emphasizing scratch-made or minimally processed options speaks to this need for high-quality, thoughtful products, especially for side dishes like stuffing mixes and dessert toppings. - Use AI to Personalize Marketing
AI can help brands tailor their messaging to different consumer segments. By targeting content based on preferences for plant-based foods, global flavors, or Serenity-focused items, brands can ensure they’re speaking directly to consumer interests this Thanksgiving.
FAQs
How does Tastewise’s AI compare to traditional holiday market research?
Tastewise’s AI leverages real-time data from social, menu, and recipe insights, offering a more immediate and accurate snapshot of consumer preferences compared to traditional methods. This enables brands to adapt quickly and meet evolving holiday demands.
How are plant-based Thanksgiving options influencing consumer purchasing habits?
Plant-based options are shaping purchasing habits by driving demand for vegan products and inspiring CPG brands to offer alternatives that fit a range of dietary needs. This aligns with the broader movement toward sustainable and mindful eating.
What non-alcoholic drinks pair well with Thanksgiving dishes?
Mocktails, sparkling waters, and warm drinks like spiced cider pair well with Thanksgiving meals. Non-alcoholic options cater to the growing trend toward health-conscious and inclusive holiday celebrations.