With Thanksgiving fast approaching, Campbell Soup Co.‘s second annual “State of Sides” report is out, which looks at this year’s most popular holiday food trends in the U.S.

Using consumer data from a nationwide survey, the Camden-based soup and snack giant found that mashed potatoes are America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish – a bump up from 2nd place last year.

Stuffing – the previous list topper – fell to second place, but remains No. 1 in New Jersey. Macaroni & cheese, yams/sweet potatoes and green bean casserole round up the rest of the country’s preferred holiday side dishes.

The report also found that 67% prefer side dishes to the entrée, up 1% from 2022, and 54% would be quite happy with only sides on their Thanksgiving plate and no turkey — a 17% increase from last year.

For Thanksgiving 2023, Americans are looking to jazz up their side dishes, with 33% planning to add spicy ingredients to their spread and 20% interested in freshening things up with items like cauliflower rice or non-dairy milks.

Additionally, an increasing number of people (66%) hope to bring their cultural influences to the Thanksgiving table and 63% prefer to serve holiday side dishes that reflect their background, the study revealed.

According to the survey, Friendsgiving may be the perfect time to test out new recipes since nearly half of respondents believe that’s a gathering where they can get more creative with food.

Conducted in partnership with market research company OnePoll, the online survey of 5,000 Americans was conducted between July 25 and Aug. 3 and has a margin of error or +/- 1.4 percentage points. The full report, which also includes new recipes, is available here. 

The sweeter side

Along with the release of the 2023 State of the Sides, Campbell unveiled a collaboration with luxury chocolatier Phillip Ashley Chocolates for a limited-edition, six-piece soup-infused savory set.

Inspired by the brand’s iconic side recipes, the chocolates will be available for $35 per box while supplies last at PhillipAshleyChocolates.com, starting Nov. 7.

Here’s every flavor included in the Phillip Ashley Limited Edition Holiday Sides Truffle Collection:

• Green Bean Casserole: Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom condensed soup, green beans, and onion-infused sea salt in a dark chocolate fudge bonbon.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Mac & Cheese: Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup, triple cream Brie, and jalapeño-infused white chocolate ganache in a blond chocolate bonbon.
• Baked Corn Casserole: Cornbread, sweet corn, and Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup in a white chocolate bonbon.
• Hot Honey Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, thyme, local Memphis hot honey, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup, and milk in a chocolate bonbon.
• Everything Bagel Mashed Potatoes: Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup caramel coated in a dark chocolate bonbon with everything bagel seasoning.
• Apple, Fennel & Herb Stuffing: Roasted apples, fennel, and Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup bread pudding in a blond chocolate bonbon.

In a statement, Phillip Ashley said, “Creating out-of-the-box chocolate flavors that are delicious and tell a story is a true passion of mine … It has been an honor to create this new collection inspired by Campbell’s essential side dishes that every holiday dinner table should include.”

Added Campbell Vice President of Integrated Marketing Marci Raible, “From Green Bean Casserole to Mac & Cheese, we’re excited for the drop of the new Holiday Sides Collection which highlights the many recipes that feature our iconic can and spark menu inspiration for holiday hosts this season.”

Lightening the load

To help shoppers with the cost of making those side, two big-name food retailers are cutting prices ahead of the holidays. Click here for details.