How Much Turkey is Consumed on Thanksgiving Day?

ByMike Thompson Turkey For Thanksgiving

How Much Turkey is Consumed on Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. And no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without turkey. But just how much turkey do Americans eat on Thanksgiving?

According to the National Turkey Federation, the average American consumes 2.2 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. That’s a lot of turkey! But it’s no wonder, considering that turkey is the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal.

But where does all this turkey come from? The vast majority of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving are raised on farms in the United States. In fact, the United States is the world’s largest producer of turkeys.

So next time you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving turkey, take a moment to appreciate the amount of work that went into producing it. And don’t forget to save room for seconds!

Year Turkey Consumption (lbs) Source
2017 46 million USDA Economic Research Service
2018 46.5 million USDA Economic Research Service
2019 47 million USDA Economic Research Service

History of Turkey Consumption on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated in the United States and Canada on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday originated as a way for Pilgrims to give thanks to God for their bountiful harvest. Turkey has been a traditional Thanksgiving dish since the early days of the holiday, and the amount of turkey consumed on Thanksgiving has increased over time.

How much turkey was consumed on Thanksgiving in the past?

In the early days of Thanksgiving, turkey was not the main course of the meal. Instead, Pilgrims typically ate a simple meal of roasted meats, vegetables, and fruits. Turkey became more popular as a Thanksgiving dish in the 18th century, and by the 19th century, it was the main course for most Thanksgiving dinners.

In 1873, the National Turkey Federation was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The federation’s goal was to promote turkey as a Thanksgiving dish and to increase the demand for turkey. The federation’s efforts were successful, and turkey consumption on Thanksgiving continued to increase.

How has turkey consumption on Thanksgiving changed over time?

According to the National Turkey Federation, the average American consumes 1.8 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving. This amount has increased by about 1 pound since the 1950s. The increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving is likely due to a number of factors, including:

* The growing popularity of Thanksgiving as a holiday
* The increasing availability of turkey
* The increasing affordability of turkey
* The development of new and innovative ways to cook turkey

What factors have influenced the change in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving?

The following factors have influenced the change in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving:

* The growing popularity of Thanksgiving as a holiday: Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and Canada. The holiday is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a meal. The growing popularity of Thanksgiving has led to an increase in the demand for turkey, and this has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
* The increasing availability of turkey: Turkey is now available year-round in most grocery stores. This makes it easier for people to purchase turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, and it has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
* The increasing affordability of turkey: Turkey has become more affordable over the years. This is due to a number of factors, including the development of new farming techniques and the increasing efficiency of the poultry industry. The decrease in the cost of turkey has made it more accessible to people of all income levels, and this has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
* The development of new and innovative ways to cook turkey: In the past, turkey was typically roasted in the oven. However, in recent years, there have been a number of new and innovative ways to cook turkey. These new cooking methods have made turkey more appealing to people of all ages, and this has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.

Current Turkey Consumption on Thanksgiving

How much turkey is consumed on Thanksgiving today?

According to the National Turkey Federation, the average American consumes 1.8 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving. This amount has increased by about 1 pound since the 1950s. The increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving is likely due to a number of factors, including:

* The growing popularity of Thanksgiving as a holiday
* The increasing availability of turkey
* The increasing affordability of turkey
* The development of new and innovative ways to cook turkey

What factors contribute to the current level of turkey consumption on Thanksgiving?

The following factors contribute to the current level of turkey consumption on Thanksgiving:

* The growing popularity of Thanksgiving as a holiday: Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and Canada. The holiday is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy a meal. The growing popularity of Thanksgiving has led to an increase in the demand for turkey, and this has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
* The increasing availability of turkey: Turkey is now available year-round in most grocery stores. This makes it easier for people to purchase turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, and it has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
* The increasing affordability of turkey: Turkey has become more affordable over the years. This is due to a number of factors, including the development of new farming techniques and the increasing efficiency of the poultry industry. The decrease in the cost of turkey has made it more accessible to people of all income levels, and this has led to an increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving.
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How Much Turkey is Consumed on Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States, and it is often associated with the consumption of turkey. In fact, according to the National Turkey Federation, Americans eat an estimated 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day. That’s enough turkey to feed over 100 million people!

The average American consumes about 2 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. However, there is a wide range of consumption, with some people eating as much as 5 pounds of turkey and others eating only a few slices.

There are a number of factors that can influence how much turkey a person eats on Thanksgiving Day. These factors include:

* Age: Children tend to eat less turkey than adults.
* Gender: Men tend to eat more turkey than women.
* Income: People with higher incomes tend to eat more turkey than people with lower incomes.
* Region: People in the Midwest tend to eat more turkey than people in other regions of the United States.

The amount of turkey consumed on Thanksgiving Day has been increasing over the years. In 1950, the average American ate about 1 pound of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. By 2000, the average had increased to 2 pounds. And in 2020, the average was estimated to be 2.5 pounds.

There are a number of reasons for the increase in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day. These reasons include:

* The growing popularity of Thanksgiving dinner: Thanksgiving dinner has become increasingly popular in the United States over the years. In 1950, only about half of American families celebrated Thanksgiving. By 2000, the number had increased to 90%. And in 2020, it is estimated that over 95% of American families celebrate Thanksgiving.
* The increasing size of Thanksgiving dinners: Thanksgiving dinners have also been getting larger over the years. In 1950, the average Thanksgiving dinner had about 8 guests. By 2000, the average had increased to 10 guests. And in 2020, it is estimated that the average Thanksgiving dinner has about 12 guests.
* The increasing cost of turkey: The cost of turkey has also been increasing over the years. In 1950, a 10-pound turkey cost about $2.50. By 2000, the cost had increased to $10. And in 2020, it is estimated that the cost of a 10-pound turkey is about $20.

Despite the increase in the cost of turkey, the amount of turkey consumed on Thanksgiving Day has continued to increase. This is likely due to the growing popularity of Thanksgiving dinner and the increasing size of Thanksgiving dinners.

Potential Future Trends in Turkey Consumption on Thanksgiving

There are a number of potential future trends in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving. These trends include:

* The continued increase in turkey consumption: The trend of increasing turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day is likely to continue in the future. This is due to the growing popularity of Thanksgiving dinner and the increasing size of Thanksgiving dinners.
* The increased variety of turkey products: In addition to traditional roasted turkey, there are now a variety of other turkey products available for Thanksgiving dinner. These products include smoked turkey, ground turkey, and turkey breast. The increased variety of turkey products gives consumers more options for their Thanksgiving dinner.
* The growing popularity of plant-based alternatives to turkey: In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards plant-based alternatives to turkey. These alternatives are often made from soy, tofu, or vegetables. The growing popularity of plant-based alternatives is likely to have a small impact on turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day.

Factors that could influence these trends

There are a number of factors that could influence the future trends in turkey consumption on Thanksgiving. These factors include:

* The economy: The economy is a major factor that can influence turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day. When the economy is strong, people tend to spend more money on food, including turkey. When the economy is weak, people tend to spend less money on food, including turkey.
* The weather: The weather can also influence turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day. When the weather is bad, people tend to stay home and cook their own Thanksgiving dinner. When the weather is good, people are more likely to go out to eat for Thanksgiving dinner.
* Social trends: Social trends can also influence turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day. For example, the growing popularity of plant-based diets is likely to have a small impact on turkey consumption on Thanksgiving Day.

Implications

How much turkey is consumed on Thanksgiving Day?

The average American consumes 1.5 pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving Day. This means that the total amount of turkey consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day is around 46 million pounds.

Where does all the turkey come from?

The majority of the turkey consumed on Thanksgiving Day comes from farms in the United States. However, some turkey is also imported from Canada and Mexico.

How many turkeys are raised for Thanksgiving?

Around 250 million turkeys are raised for Thanksgiving each year. This number is more than double the number of turkeys raised for any other time of year.

What happens to all the leftover turkey?

Most of the leftover turkey is eaten in the days following Thanksgiving. However, some turkey is also donated to food banks or used to make other dishes, such as turkey soup or turkey sandwiches.

How much does a turkey cost for Thanksgiving?

The cost of a turkey for Thanksgiving varies depending on the size of the turkey and the time of year. However, the average cost of a turkey for Thanksgiving is around $20.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving?

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving:

* Start by thawing the turkey in the refrigerator. This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly.
* Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. This will help to remove any bacteria.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This will help to create a golden brown skin.
* Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will add flavor to the turkey.
* Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes per pound. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked through.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more flavorful.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It is also a time for tradition, including eating turkey. The amount of turkey consumed on Thanksgiving has increased over the years, but it is still a relatively small amount compared to the total amount of meat consumed in the United States. However, turkey is a popular choice for Thanksgiving dinner because it is a relatively affordable and versatile meat. It can be roasted, grilled, fried, or smoked, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. So whether you are a fan of turkey or not, there is no denying that it is a central part of Thanksgiving celebrations.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!