The tradition of a home-cooked Thanksgiving is rapidly giving way to takeout, driven largely by consumer attempts to manage costs and reduce holiday stress, according to a new national study by the restaurant technology firm Popmenu.

The survey, conducted in mid-November, reveals a significant year-over-year increase in reliance on restaurants for the holiday meal. More than half of U.S. consumers (53%) plan to order takeout or delivery from a restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner, a sharp jump from 37% in 2024 and 32% in 2023.

The Price of Convenience

While the percentage of consumers dining in a restaurant remains steady at 5%, the preference for restaurant-prepared meals at home signals that ease and perceived value are now key factors.

When asked why they are turning to restaurants, respondents cited a desire to maximize leisure time and manage expenses:

• 63% want to enjoy the holiday and avoid worrying about cooking.
• 40% believe it is cheaper or costs about the same to buy the meal from a restaurant as it does to purchase ingredients and cook at home.
• 35% want to avoid the hassle of buying ingredients and preparation.

“What we hear from Thanksgiving hosts every year is a growing desire to spend more time visiting with guests and enjoying the holiday than sweating in the kitchen,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder of Popmenu.

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Frugality Dictates the Menu

Despite the willingness to order out, economic caution is broadly affecting household holiday budgets. A majority of consumers (59%) plan to spend less on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to 2024, expecting to spend an average of $165.

The push for frugality is attributed to high grocery prices (69%), tighter household budgets (58%), and general economic concerns (31%). To manage expenses, consumers are adjusting their menus:

• 39% plan to reduce the number of side dishes and desserts.
• 33% are celebrating with fewer people.
• 31% are substituting name brands for less expensive food and beverages.

These cuts are already translating into reduced demand for certain holiday staples, with popular items like mac ‘n cheese (31%) and sweet potatoes (26%) being eliminated to make the meal more affordable.

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The Evolving Feast

While turkey remains the dominant centerpiece (84% of consumers plan to serve it), the traditional Thanksgiving table is broadening. Ham is slated to be served by 46% of respondents, but a surprising 19% expect to have a fast food dish on the table this year, alongside items like pizza or tacos.

Sweeney noted that the study highlights an “elevated concern over household economics—causing consumers to cut back on some holiday favorites, hunt for special deals from restaurants and adopt other strategies to keep expenses in check.”

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