UK Thanksgiving Celebrations Soar as Americans-in-the-Making Fuel Appetite for US Cuisine
The tradition of Thanksgiving in the UK is on the rise, driven by a growing appetite for American food among British consumers. Retailers and restaurants are reporting significant increases in sales and bookings, with many attributing the surge to the popularity of US cuisine among American expats living in the country.
From Southern-style comfort food to classic pumpkin pie, US flavors have become increasingly sought-after on UK menus. Pipers Farm in Devon saw a 38% jump in turkey sales and related Thanksgiving products during the run-up to last year's holiday, while online retailer Ocado reported a staggering 440% increase in searches for Thanksgiving-related terms.
Ocado's data also showed a 410% year-on-year rise in sales of Herr's buffalo blue cheese curls and a remarkable 550% increase in searches for pumpkin spice. The trend is not limited to traditional Thanksgiving fare; the company also saw significant growth in sales of mac and cheese, with many consumers opting for this comforting US staple.
Research commissioned by Ocado Retail found that nearly half (42%) of Gen Z and millennials have attended a Thanksgiving meal in the UK, while 16% plan to attend or host the holiday for the first time this November. Younger generations are leading the way, with over 53% believing that US holidays like Thanksgiving are becoming increasingly popular in the British calendar.
The love affair with American food culture is no longer limited to its cultural significance; it's now a culinary celebration. Mintel research suggests that interest in American-style food has skyrocketed among younger consumers, particularly when it comes to Southern US dishes like gumbo and Louisiana-inspired cuisine.
One London restaurant, CUT at 45 Park Lane, has taken notice of the trend and is extending its Thanksgiving service due to increased demand. With bookings doubling year-on-year, the restaurant is catering to both American expats and curious British foodies alike.
The surge in interest in Thanksgiving reflects a broader shift towards experience-driven eating, where consumers seek out themed menus, social connection, and limited-edition offerings. As Americans-in-the-making settle into their new lives in the UK, they're bringing with them a taste for classic US cuisine that's resonating with British shoppers.
Whole Foods Market UK is another retailer feeling the impact of the trend. Demand around Thanksgiving now rivals that of Christmas, with customers rushing to secure meals online before they sell out. The store's head of marketing says the holiday has become an "occasion" where people come together to recreate that classic American spread at home or host friends for a taste of warmth and generosity.
While Americans-in-the-making will always be part of the Thanksgiving audience, curiosity among British shoppers is driving the growth in popularity. As one US expat-turned-UK-resident once said, "Thanksgiving is no longer about where you're from; it's about embracing the warmth and generosity of the occasion."
The tradition of Thanksgiving in the UK is on the rise, driven by a growing appetite for American food among British consumers. Retailers and restaurants are reporting significant increases in sales and bookings, with many attributing the surge to the popularity of US cuisine among American expats living in the country.
From Southern-style comfort food to classic pumpkin pie, US flavors have become increasingly sought-after on UK menus. Pipers Farm in Devon saw a 38% jump in turkey sales and related Thanksgiving products during the run-up to last year's holiday, while online retailer Ocado reported a staggering 440% increase in searches for Thanksgiving-related terms.
Ocado's data also showed a 410% year-on-year rise in sales of Herr's buffalo blue cheese curls and a remarkable 550% increase in searches for pumpkin spice. The trend is not limited to traditional Thanksgiving fare; the company also saw significant growth in sales of mac and cheese, with many consumers opting for this comforting US staple.
Research commissioned by Ocado Retail found that nearly half (42%) of Gen Z and millennials have attended a Thanksgiving meal in the UK, while 16% plan to attend or host the holiday for the first time this November. Younger generations are leading the way, with over 53% believing that US holidays like Thanksgiving are becoming increasingly popular in the British calendar.
The love affair with American food culture is no longer limited to its cultural significance; it's now a culinary celebration. Mintel research suggests that interest in American-style food has skyrocketed among younger consumers, particularly when it comes to Southern US dishes like gumbo and Louisiana-inspired cuisine.
One London restaurant, CUT at 45 Park Lane, has taken notice of the trend and is extending its Thanksgiving service due to increased demand. With bookings doubling year-on-year, the restaurant is catering to both American expats and curious British foodies alike.
The surge in interest in Thanksgiving reflects a broader shift towards experience-driven eating, where consumers seek out themed menus, social connection, and limited-edition offerings. As Americans-in-the-making settle into their new lives in the UK, they're bringing with them a taste for classic US cuisine that's resonating with British shoppers.
Whole Foods Market UK is another retailer feeling the impact of the trend. Demand around Thanksgiving now rivals that of Christmas, with customers rushing to secure meals online before they sell out. The store's head of marketing says the holiday has become an "occasion" where people come together to recreate that classic American spread at home or host friends for a taste of warmth and generosity.
While Americans-in-the-making will always be part of the Thanksgiving audience, curiosity among British shoppers is driving the growth in popularity. As one US expat-turned-UK-resident once said, "Thanksgiving is no longer about where you're from; it's about embracing the warmth and generosity of the occasion."
especially with all the young people who are americans-in-the-making or expats who bring their love for us cuisine to the country. its not just about the traditional turkey and pumpkin pie, but also stuff like mac and cheese, gumbo and buffalo wings that are getting people excited! i mean, who doesn't love a good comfort food fix? 
i've tried some amazing southern-style dishes in london and theyre literally the best thing since sliced bread. anyways, its awesome to see british people embracing american culture and making it their own. lets keep celebrating thanksgiving with all the fixins! 
The UK's love affair with American food culture is totally on point! I mean, who wouldn't want to indulge in a warm slice of pumpkin pie or a bucket of crispy buffalo blue cheese curls? 
But what's really interesting is that this trend isn't just about nostalgia – it's about experience and community. For many Brits, Thanksgiving has become a welcome break from the usual holiday routines, a chance to gather with friends and family, and enjoy some good ol' fashioned comfort food. The fact that restaurants are catering specifically to Americans-in-the-making is also a testament to how much American culture is now embedded in British society. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good excuse to get together, catch up, and just plain old have fun? 
, gotta give props to American expats for bringing some serious FOMO to the table 
. Now we can't get enough of that good ol' US comfort food 
. Pumpkin spice and buffalo blue cheese curls on steroids? Count me in!
? it's amazing to see british people getting into the american food culture vibe! 38% increase in turkey sales is no joke 
and i'm so here for the pumpkin spice everything 
. it's great to see younger gens leading the way too 
, who wouldn't want to celebrate gratitude with a side of gumbo 
? can't wait to try out some new recipes and make this thnksgiving one to remember 
I'm loving this trend! It's so cool to see American food becoming a staple in UK cuisine 
. It's all about spreading the warmth and generosity of the occasion, you know?