Why More Brits Are Embracing Thanksgiving Dinners

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday but in the UK, more Brits are participating in the celebrations.

This is driven by a demand for classic US comfort food and the influence of American expats.

Retailers and restaurants are seeing record sales and bookings in the lead-up to the November holiday, fuelled by British enthusiasm for everything from pumpkin pie to mac and cheese.

Online grocer Ocado has seen a sharp rise in Thanksgiving interest, with searches up 440% year on year and pumpkin spice searches up more than 550%.

Its data shows growing demand for American snacks and condiments, with sales of Herr’s buffalo blue cheese curls up 410% and Newman’s Own ranch dressing up 202%.

Research commissioned by Ocado found that 42% of Gen Z and millennials in the UK have attended a Thanksgiving meal, while 16% plan to take part for the first time this month.

More than half (53%) said US holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween are becoming major fixtures in the British calendar.

Dan Elton, chief customer officer at Ocado Retail, said:

“We’re seeing this love of American food culture translating into what people are buying… from ranch dressing and marshmallows, to mac and cheese.”

According to market research firm Mintel, interest in American-style food has surged in the past two years, particularly among younger consumers.

More than half of British adults (58%) have ordered or are interested in ordering Southern US dishes such as Louisiana gumbo. That figure has risen from 52% in early 2024 to 67% by mid-2025, peaking at 81% among Gen Z.

One in five Britons has visited an American-style restaurant in that time, rising to nearly one in three among younger diners.

Trish Caddy, associate director of food service research at Mintel, said:

“UK interest in Thanksgiving reflects a growing appetite for American food.

“It’s less cultural adoption, more culinary celebration. This taps into a wider experience-driven eating trend where people seek themed menus, social connection and limited-edition offerings.”

At CUT in London, Thanksgiving bookings have doubled year on year.

Culinary director Elliott Grover told The Guardian:

“We’re now doing around 180 covers throughout the day and have opened Bar 45 for the whole week, serving Thanksgiving-inspired snacks like pecan pie, turkey croquettes and bacon-wrapped dates.”

He said that demand has been driven by both American guests and British diners eager to try something new, adding:

“It’s popular with lots of American guests, but also many others who simply want to experience it for the first time.”

The rise also comes as more Americans move to the UK.

The Guardian reported earlier this year that US citizenship applications hit a record high of over 6,100 in 2024, a 26% rise on the previous year.

Applications spiked by 40% in the final quarter, coinciding with Donald Trump’s re-election.

At Whole Foods Market UK, the Thanksgiving rush now rivals Christmas.

Head of marketing Izzie Peskett said:

“The moment our online ordering for the holiday goes live, we see a rush of customers eager to secure their meal.”

“It’s become a real occasion here, whether people are hosting American friends or simply recreating that classic, comforting spread at home.”

While American expats remain an important part of the audience, Peskett said the tradition has grown beyond them:

“Thanksgiving is now less about where you’re from and more about embracing the warmth and generosity of the occasion.

“Our customers come for the quality and authenticity of classic dishes, from pumpkin and pecan pies, cornbread stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes and, of course, our organic turkeys.”