How Many Turkeys Are Cooked for Thanksgiving Each Year?

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, enjoying a hearty meal, and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. And when it comes to the Thanksgiving meal, there is one staple dish that is always on the table – turkey. But have you ever wondered how many turkeys are cooked for Thanksgiving each year? In this article, we will delve into the statistics and history behind this beloved holiday bird.

The Tradition of Turkey at Thanksgiving

Turkey has been a part of the Thanksgiving celebration since the very first feast held by the Pilgrims in 1621. It is believed that they served wild game such as ducks, geese, and deer, along with seafood and root vegetables. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that turkey became the star of the Thanksgiving menu, thanks to writer Sarah Josepha Hale who campaigned for a national holiday to celebrate this bountiful meal.

Since then, turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, and today, it is estimated that over 90% of households in the United States serve turkey on Thanksgiving day. But just how many turkeys are consumed during this annual holiday?

The Number of Turkeys Cooked for Thanksgiving

According to the National Turkey Federation, around 46 million turkeys are cooked for Thanksgiving every year in the United States. This number has remained consistent for the past few years, with only a slight decrease in recent years due to the rise in popularity of alternative Thanksgiving dishes.

But what about the rest of the world? Turkey consumption varies across different countries, but it is a popular choice for holiday meals in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom as well. In fact, the United Kingdom consumes more turkeys per capita than the United States does.

Turkey Consumption in the United Kingdom

In the UK, turkey is the traditional centerpiece for Christmas dinner, but it is also becoming more popular for Thanksgiving celebrations. According to Kantar, a market research company, 1 in 4 households in the UK will serve turkey at their Thanksgiving meal. This translates to around 7 million turkeys being cooked for the holiday.

While this number may seem small compared to the 46 million turkeys consumed in the United States, it is important to note that the population of the United Kingdom is significantly smaller than the United States. On a per capita basis, the UK actually consumes more turkey than the US on Thanksgiving.

Turkey Consumption in Other Countries

Turkey is also a popular choice for holiday meals in other countries, such as Canada and Australia. In Canada, it is estimated that around 3.4 million turkeys are cooked for Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October. In Australia, around 1 million turkeys are consumed during their equivalent holiday, Christmas.

The Economics of Turkey on Thanksgiving

With millions of turkeys being cooked for Thanksgiving each year, it’s no surprise that this holiday has a significant impact on the economy. According to the National Turkey Federation, Thanksgiving is responsible for about $4 billion in turkey sales in the United States alone. This includes not just whole turkeys, but also turkey parts and processed turkey products.

But the economic impact goes beyond just turkey sales. Thanksgiving also boosts sales for other related industries, such as cranberry growers, pumpkin farmers, and even retailers who sell Thanksgiving decorations and cooking supplies.

How Much Does the Average Thanksgiving Turkey Weigh?

The average weight of a turkey consumed on Thanksgiving varies depending on different factors, such as household size and preference for leftovers. However, according to Butterball (the largest turkey producer in the US), the average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey is around 16 pounds. This means that the 46 million turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving weigh a staggering 736 million pounds combined.

The Cost of a Thanksgiving Turkey

The cost of a Thanksgiving turkey also varies depending on factors such as size and brand. But on average, a 16-pound turkey can cost anywhere from $20 to $30. This means that the total cost of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving in the US is around $920 million.

FAQs about Thanksgiving Turkeys

1. How many turkeys are consumed during Thanksgiving outside of the United States?

• While turkey consumption on Thanksgiving is primarily associated with the United States, other countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia also consume millions of turkeys for their respective holiday celebrations.

2. What is the average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey?

• According to Butterball, the average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey is around 16 pounds.

3. What is the economic impact of Thanksgiving on turkey sales?

• It is estimated that Thanksgiving is responsible for around $4 billion in turkey sales in the United States alone.

4. Why is turkey the traditional centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner?

• Turkey has been a part of the Thanksgiving celebration since the very first feast held by the Pilgrims in 1621. Since then, it has become synonymous with this holiday and is a symbol of abundance and gratitude.

5. Are there any alternative dishes that are gaining popularity for Thanksgiving meals?

• Yes, some alternative dishes that are gaining popularity include ham, beef, and vegetarian options. In recent years, more people have been choosing to include these dishes alongside or instead of turkey for their Thanksgiving meal.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to come together with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal. And for the majority of households, this meal would not be complete without a turkey on their table. From its historical roots to its economic impact, turkey continues to hold a special place in our hearts and stomachs on this cherished holiday. So next time you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal, take a moment to appreciate the journey of this beloved bird from farm to fork.