GARNER, N.C. — Butterball LLC has announced the findings of the 2026 Butterball Togetherness Report, which explores how hosts and guests plan to shop, cook and celebrate this Thanksgiving.
The annual holiday report reveals that 85 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with an anticipated celebration size of 10 people. Hosts are holding on to their traditions, with most saying even higher costs won’t change their plans. Consumers are looking forward to spending time with family (64 percent), followed by the food (53 percent) and relaxing (34 percent).
For hosts, preparing the Thanksgiving meal is a balancing act between enjoying the celebration and managing all the details. An overwhelming majority of hosts (85 percent) want guests to pitch in, but only 38 percent actually ask for help. When it comes to lending a hand, cleaning is especially welcome: 49 percent of hosts say final cleanup is when they need the most help.
As always, turkey remains at the center of the Thanksgiving table, with 84 percent of hosts planning to serve turkey this year. Nearly half of hosts plan to purchase a frozen turkey, while one in five plan to purchase a fresh turkey. Turkey also remains the favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal (45 percent), followed by stuffing (42 percent), pie (29 percent), sweet potatoes (25 percent) and potatoes (22 percent).
“There’s so much care that goes into the big day, and we heard from hosts that a little support can go a long way,” Rebecca Welch, Butterball director of retail and international brand management, said. “From trusted advice from our Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line® experts to an extensive seasonal product portfolio, Butterball continues to support Thanksgiving hosts when it matters most.”
Additional statistics from Butterball’s Togetherness Report include:
- 85 percent of people plant to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
- The average guest list will include 10 people.
- 85 percent of hosts wish for guests to pitch in, but only 38 percent actually ask for assistance.
- 65 percent would like cleanup help at the push of a button; and 49 percent said cleanup is when they need the most help.
- 21 percent of hosts noted that they struggle with undercooking or overcooking the turkey. Butterball adds that its Turkey Talk-Line will be available again to offer cooking recommendations.
Founded in 1981, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line (800-288-8372) is celebrating 45 years of answering holiday hosting questions. Opening on Monday, Nov. 2, more than 50 Turkey Talk-Line experts are standing by via phone, text, email, chat and social channels through Dec. 24.
To learn more about Butterball and how to reach the Turkey Talk-Line, visit www.butterball.com.
