By Fox News
Publication Date: 2025-11-16 17:48:00
NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Thanksgiving is not just It’s no longer an American thing: it’s becoming a British obsession.
Young people in Britain are driving this trend. According to research from Mintel, 42% of Gen Z and millennials in the UK have attended a Thanksgiving meal, and 16% say they plan to host or attend one for the first time this November. More than half believe American-style holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween are becoming “bigger fixtures” on the British calendar.
“The UK’s interest in Thanksgiving reflects a growing appetite for american food“Trish Caddy, associate director of foodservice research at Mintel, told The Guardian.
PUMPKIN OR APPLE? THE LOUDEST DEBATE OVER THANKSGIVING DESSERT HEATS UP IN THE UNITED STATES
Experience-based eating has come to the fore, and Thanksgiving fits right into the trend.
“It’s less cultural adoption, more culinary celebration. This taps into a broader vision experience-driven food trend where people look for themed menus, social connection and limited edition offers.”
PUMPKIN BREAD CRUSHES THE COMPETITION AS FALL FAVORITES ARE REVEALED ACROSS AMERICA
That “culinary celebration” is appearing on British plates. Devon-based Pipers Farm says sales of turkey and Thanksgiving-related products increased 38% in the two weeks leading up to the holiday last year and demand continues to rise. The farm has added more trimmings and turkey sizes to face what it hopes will be another record year.
FROM RETRO TO REFINED: JELL-O SALAD AND SALTY JELLY DISHES MAKE AN UNEXPECTED RETURN
Online grocer Ocado is experiencing the same boom.
“It’s less cultural adoption, more culinary celebration,” says Mintel’s Trish Caddy. (iStock)
The company reports that searches for “Thanksgiving” increased 440% year over year, while “pumpkin spice” skyrocketed by more than 550%. American snack brands are also rising. Herr’s Buffalo Blue Cheese Curls are up 410% and sales of Newman’s Own Ranch Dressing have more than doubled.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
British supermarket data also shows that sales of sweet potatoes rose 45% last November, while sales of canned pumpkins soared 60% year-on-year, according to Brit Brief.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Restaurants are also taking advantage. At CUT at 45 Park Lane in London, chef Elliott Grover told The Guardian that they have expanded their Thanksgiving service to serve more than 180 diners.
Younger Britons are driving the trend: 42% of Generation Z and millennials in the UK report having attended a Thanksgiving meal. (iStock)
The restaurant’s Bar 45 now offers themed bites all week long, from turkey croquettes to pecan pie and bacon-wrapped dates.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
That appetite for Thanksgiving fits into a broader shift in the way Britons approach food. Innova Market Insights calls it the “Local Goes Global” trend: a rise in curiosity about international flavors. The firm’s latest data on the UK food market shows that products inspired by American cuisine have increased by 8% across the region, as consumers look for bold, recognizable flavors that still feel a little exotic.
A separate UK food and drink sector report 2025 from Tokio Marine HCC supports this. While the report notes that inflation is putting pressure on buyers, it also finds that “the novelty and thematic experiences“remains a key growth driver in food and hospitality.