Study: Americans Making Holiday Dishes More Plant-Based
By: Just Egg
Tags: Baby Boomers, Study, Holidays, Plant Based, Millennials

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Nearly a third of American households will be planning for a family member eating more plant-based foods this holiday season and 70% of households will have at least one plant-based dish on the table, according to a new survey conducted by market research firm OnePoll. The poll of 1,000 millennials and 1,000 baby boomers aimed to uncover how different generations feel about change as the holidays approach and was commissioned by Eat Just in conjunction with the launch of our new holiday campaign called “Start Your Tradition.”

Generationally divided

The poll, conducted November 23–24, 2020, found that 81% of millennials are more open to change, versus 71% of their parental generation. 68% percent of boomers say they prefer to follow traditions, generally. So, then who decides on the holiday menu? It’s chef’s choice, and 47% of millennials are getting more involved in cooking and meal prep around the holidays.

How we were raised is not how we eat now

More than 40% of boomers said their children eat much differently now compared to when they were young and 61% of millennials said their parents simply refuse to change their ways — specifically their diets. Nearly 70% of millennials said their parents’ diet concerns them.

Despite the reluctance to try something new, over half (55%) of all those surveyed said they plan to change things up in some way on this year’s holiday menu.70% of millennials would happily remake a holiday meal plant-based while only 33% of boomers would be willing.

JUST Egg Holiday Strata

Eating healthy during the holidays is more important to millennials

Trying to eat healthy this holiday season? You’re not alone: 44% of millennials say healthy eating is a stressor during the holidays compared to only 29% of boomers. With that in mind, 74% of millennials are trying to eat healthy over the holidays, compared to 49% of boomers. In addition, 39% of millennials are eating healthier and more plant-based this winter.

Planning for plant-based family members

More than 60% of millennials said they eat differently than others around their holiday table, compared to only 40% of boomers. But older generations are starting to get it. Half of baby boomers said they will prepare at least one plant-based version of a holiday dish this year while 45% of millennials plan to serve 5–9 plant-based dishes this holiday season.

A different kind of holiday

Gathering a variety of different palettes and diets around the same table can be challenging (if we get to gather around a table at all). Together or apart: for many, holiday meals will be virtual this year. 42% of millennials are optimistic about their virtual family time, while the boomers are less enthused at 19%.

Understanding this will be a different holiday than in years past, more than 70% of respondents expect to see certain dishes on the table. From mashed potatoes (44%) and apple pie (39%) to sweet potatoes (45%) and pecan pie (31%), Americans still want some aspects of traditional holiday meals this year.

For JUST Egg holiday recipe inspiration, click here.