As Thanksgiving approaches, many people imagine gathering
around a table filled with classic dishes, from roasted turkey to creamy mashed
potatoes and cranberry sauce. But while the tradition is cherished, the reality
of hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, with endless hours of cooking,
rising grocery bills, and the challenges of balancing varied taste preferences
across family members. This year, mix-and-match meal components offer a
smarter, easier path to Thanksgiving perfection—one that meets the demands of
flavor, budget, and time according to Steven
Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.
The Rise of the Mix-and-Match Meal
Trend
Mix-and-match meal components, which allow customers to
build a custom meal from an assortment of prepared dishes, have grown popular
in recent years, especially for holiday gatherings. According to a 2023 survey
by the National Restaurant Association, more than 40% of Americans prefer a
more flexible dining experience, opting for curated meal components rather than
full set meals when dining at home for holidays. Major grocers and specialty
food retailers have taken note, expanding their offerings to include ready-made
Thanksgiving sides, mains, and desserts to help families celebrate without the
labor-intensive preparations.
1. Flavor Variety to Please Every
Palate
One of the greatest advantages of mix-and-match meal
components is the flexibility to choose flavors that suit diverse palates.
Rather than committing to a single flavor profile or cooking style, families
can select from a broad spectrum of dishes to create a customized feast. For
instance, a Thanksgiving spread might include traditional herbed stuffing for
some, while others enjoy spicy chorizo stuffing or gluten-free options,
catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
The grocerant sector—retailers who blend restaurant-quality
food with grocery convenience—has excelled in offering varied meal components
that capture authentic holiday flavors. Brands like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s,
and Wegmans feature dishes like maple-bourbon glazed carrots, creamy truffle
mashed potatoes, and savory butternut squash casseroles. According to industry
data, grocers have seen a 28% increase in sales for pre-cooked, mix-and-match
holiday dishes over the past five years, proving that variety and quality are
winning consumer hearts and palates.
2. Significant Savings Compared to
Dining Out
Thanksgiving dining out may sound tempting for those
looking to skip kitchen duty, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Restaurant
prices surged by more than 8% over the past year, driven by rising labor and
ingredient costs, making a full Thanksgiving spread at a restaurant an
expensive endeavor. According to the American Farm Bureau, a traditional
Thanksgiving meal for ten costs around $64.05 if prepared at home, while dining
out with a similar spread can easily reach $350–$500 at a mid-range restaurant.
Mix-and-match components provide a perfect middle ground,
allowing families to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes without the steep markup.
By purchasing only the specific components they need—whether it’s a juicy
turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, or a rich pecan pie—shoppers avoid
over-purchasing or paying for items they don’t want. This approach can lead to
savings of 20-40% compared to both dining out and purchasing an entire
pre-packaged Thanksgiving meal kit, especially as many grocery retailers offer
promotions on holiday staples.
3. Time Savings Without Compromising
Quality
For many, Thanksgiving’s biggest obstacle isn’t the food
itself but the time required to prepare it. The traditional meal often involves
hours of preparation, from thawing and brining the turkey days in advance to
peeling potatoes, baking pies, and perfecting gravies. Pre-made, mix-and-match
components eliminate these labor-intensive steps, offering dishes that only
need to be reheated or finished off with a quick garnish before serving.
In 2022, surveys found that 58% of Americans prefer not to
spend more than four hours on Thanksgiving meal prep. Mix-and-match meal
components, available at most major grocers, allow a full spread to come
together in a fraction of the time—usually in under an hour. With these
ready-made options, families can reclaim their time, focusing on holiday
traditions like watching football or parades rather than tending to a full
kitchen operation.
4. Sidestepping Restaurant Drawbacks:
Closures, Crowds, and Slow Service
Thanksgiving is one of the most popular dining-out
holidays, yet many restaurants close for the day or operate on limited
schedules, leaving diners with few options. Those restaurants that remain open
often see overwhelming crowds, longer wait times, and occasionally rushed
service. For large families, slow service can dampen the holiday spirit,
especially when children are involved.
During the 2023 holiday season, a staggering 70% of
restaurants were reported closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to a report
from the National Restaurant Association. And for those open, the cost of
staffing and high demand led to increased prices and decreased service quality.
Families who prefer to stay in can avoid these pitfalls by opting for
mix-and-match meal components at home. Not only does this approach eliminate
the need for reservations, but it also allows for a relaxed, comfortable setting
where diners can enjoy the holiday on their terms.
5. Reducing Waste and Catering to All
Preferences
Mix-and-match options allow for precise portions, reducing
food waste—a growing concern during the holidays. With pre-cooked options,
families can purchase just enough for the number of guests they’re serving
without overcommitting. This approach is also perfect for smaller Thanksgiving
gatherings, where a full turkey or multiple large sides may feel excessive.
Moreover, for family members with dietary restrictions or
specific preferences, the mix-and-match model enables flexibility. Vegan or
vegetarian guests can choose from plant-based mains and sides, while those with
gluten or dairy restrictions find options without fear of cross-contamination.
Families can satisfy both traditionalists and food adventurers with items like
vegan mushroom gravy, dairy-free mashed potatoes, or even Cajun-spiced turkey
breast for a twist on the classic bird.
Think About This: A New Thanksgiving
Tradition
With the rise of mix-and-match Thanksgiving meal
components, families have an opportunity to embrace a new holiday tradition
that combines flavor, flexibility, and convenience. This approach captures the
essence of Thanksgiving—a shared meal—while addressing modern-day concerns
about time, budget, and variety. The success of grocerant-style offerings
suggests that consumers are ready to embrace a new, less demanding way to enjoy
the holiday.
Thanksgiving can now be a joyful, low-stress celebration
where everyone gets a taste of what they love—without hours in the kitchen or
breaking the bank. Whether opting for a few sides or building the entire spread
from scratch with pre-prepared dishes, families are free to focus on what truly
matters: time spent together.
Invite Foodservice
Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or
placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®. Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the
global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869
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