USA | More U.S. customers will choose to dine out this Thanksgiving, while economic challenges limit the amount they are happy to spend.
The percentage of consumers leaning on restaurants for their Thanksgiving feasts continues to rise year over year, but economic unease has them cutting back on spend, whether they are ordering out or cooking at home. More than half of U.S. consumers (53 percent) plan to order takeout or delivery from restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, up from 37 percent in 2024 and 32 percent in 2023. Another five percent expect to dine in person at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, on par with last year and below a high of 17 percent in 2023 as more consumers opt for comforts of home.
That is according to a nationwide study of U.S. consumers, conducted from November 16 to November 17, 2025, by restaurant tech leader Popmenu.
A majority of consumers (59 percent) plan to reduce their spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to 2024. On average, they expect to spend USD 165.
When asked why they were turning to restaurants for all or part of their Thanksgiving meal, consumers said they want to spend more time celebrating the day, avoid headaches and manage costs.
- 63 percent want to enjoy the holiday and not worry about cooking
- 40 percent believe it's cheaper or costs about the same to buy all the ingredients and cook at home
- 35 percent don't want the hassle of buying the ingredients and cooking themselves
- 26 percent would rather have a professionally cooked meal
- 19 percent are too busy to prepare a meal or dish
Consumers say they are decreasing their spending on Thanksgiving this year because groceries have become too expensive (69 percent), their household budget is tighter (58 percent) or they are being more conservative with finances due to inflation and concerns over the economy (31 percent).
Turkey will continue to be the star of the show with 84 percent of consumers planning to serve it, followed by ham (46 percent) and chicken (19 percent). Other dishes guests can expect to see on some tables include lasagna or another pasta dish (15 percent) and even pizza, tacos and chili or stew. Nearly one in five consumers (19 percent) expect to have a fast food dish on the table this year.
"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.
"This year's study also shows elevated concern over household economics, causing consumers to cut back on some holiday favourites, hunt for special deals from restaurants and adopt other strategies to keep expenses in check."
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