Retailer Prepared Foods Take Seat at Thanksgiving Dinner

CHICAGO -- Nearly three out of 10 Americans plan to include at least one prepared ready-to-eat dish from a retailer, restaurant or caterer in their Thanksgiving dinner this year, according to a recent Technomic survey.

This continues the trend of consumers increasingly turning to prepared foods for part of their holiday meal -- up from 23 percent in 2011 to 29 percent this year.

Nineteen percent of polled consumers plan to include prepared food items from a grocer/retailer; 6 percent from a restaurant/caterer; and 4 percent from both.

In addition to those who plan to incorporate meat, sides or desserts from a foodservice provider into their home-cooked meal, 6 percent of polled consumers stated that they plan to share Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant.

"Technomic research consistently shows that consumers view restaurant meals as a way to connect with family and friends," said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano. "Using prepared foods for holiday meals at homes has the same effect; it gets hosts out of the kitchen sooner so they can really enjoy time with their guests."