Thanksgiving prep is officially underway in New Jersey, and if Instacart’s data is any indication, the holiday table won’t look too different from years past. From canned cranberries to sweet potatoes and mac and cheese, New Jersey families are sticking with comfort food even as costs go up and gatherings get smaller.
A recent Instacart survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that 85 percent of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, though two thirds say they are worried about food prices. Still, most people are not cutting back on the dishes that matter most.
Here’s what New Jersey families are putting on the Thanksgiving table this year.
Cheddar Cheese Tops the Last-Minute List
Forget the turkey. Cheddar cheese sees its biggest sales day of the entire year right before Thanksgiving. Instacart data shows cheddar consistently ranks as the most forgotten but most essential ingredient.
For many New Jersey families, that means one thing — mac and cheese has earned a steady place on the Thanksgiving table. It’s a crowd favorite comfort food that feels like home.
Canned Cranberries Still Rule the Table
Despite the push for fresh and homemade everything, canned cranberry jelly remains the most-purchased Thanksgiving item nationwide, and New Jersey is no exception.
Only six states prefer fresh cranberries, while the rest are loyal to the can. The glossy, ridged cylinder that slides out of the can is a staple for many families. Plus It’s easy and affordable.
What Are New Jersey’s Favorite Side Dishes?
According to Instacart, New Jersey’s favorite sides include sweet potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, and Hawaiian rolls.
The mix of roasted vegetables and soft rolls is exactly what you see on most New Jersey Thanksgiving tables, simple, hearty dishes that everyone loves.
Sweet potatoes, in particular, are a popular pick. Mashed, baked, or topped with marshmallows, they can be enjoyed in many ways and remain a staple of the season.
Smaller Turkeys, Bigger Side Dishes
This year, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are planning a smaller Thanksgiving dinner with four people or fewer. That shift has led to more shoppers skipping the full turkey in favor of turkey breasts, wings, or even chicken.
In a state where kitchens can be tight and guests arrive from every corner of the Turnpike, smaller birds just make sense. It’s a cost saving move, but it also puts the spotlight back where many say it belongs, on the sides.
Butters and Creams Never Go Out of Style
Instacart data shows that certain ingredients consistently spike the day before Thanksgiving, including butter spreads, whipped cream, and cream cheese.
They may seem simple, but they play a big role in the holiday meal. From cheesecake to mashed potatoes and creamy dips, these staples help make Thanksgiving taste like Thanksgiving.
Even with tighter budgets, these ingredients remain must-haves for many families.
The Takeaway
New Jersey’s Thanksgiving table tells a clear story. Food inflation may be changing what people buy, but it’s not changing how they celebrate.
People are still going for the dishes that feel familiar and cozy. A can of cranberry sauce, a tray of gooey mac and cheese, and even an extra stick of butter are the flavors that turn an ordinary Thursday into Thanksgiving.
Alondra Cabrera is the Editorial Assistant at New Jersey Digest. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies. During her time at school, she discovered her passion for journalism and content creation. In her free time, she loves to create and edit videos for her corgis, Rafi and Toffe, and indulge in culinary adventures with her friends. Alondra also enjoys traveling, cooking, and working out. She is excited to embark on her professional journey in media and looks forward to contributing her skill and creativity to her role here at New Jersey Digest.
