While Thanksgiving focuses on turkey, Christmas celebrations across the United States show a distinct preference for richer, more indulgent foods. According to Instacart's 2024 shopping data, the days immediately before Christmas witness significant changes in what consumers add to their carts.
Beef Takes Center Stage
Beef roasts dominate Christmas menus. In the two days leading up to December 25th, Ribeye Roast purchases soared over 2,200% compared to the yearly average. Prime Rib followed closely with an increase of approximately 1,900%, and Tenderloin Roasts rose nearly 900%. This indicates many families are choosing luxurious meat dishes as their holiday centerpiece.
Traditional baking ingredients also see major spikes. Gingerbread Cookie sales jumped 790%, while Dried Anise, used in many European Christmas cookie recipes, increased 438%. Even the often-maligned fruitcake experienced a 986% rise in purchases, showing it retains seasonal appeal.
Regional Divide on Eggnog
Eggnog remains a controversial holiday beverage. Nationally, orders surged 1,244% on Christmas Eve. However, enthusiasm varies greatly by location.
New England shows the strongest interest. New Hampshire leads at 100% above the national average, followed by Vermont (91%) and Maine (76%). Wyoming and Oregon also showed high demand at 67% above average. In contrast, Florida recorded eggnog orders 62% below the national average.
"Eggnog is one of those foods that instantly signals the holidays, even though people feel very strongly about it one way or the other," said Alex Orellana, Instacart’s Trends Analyst. "The regional differences show how food traditions can be just as local as they are seasonal."
Post-Holiday Patterns
The aftermath of festive eating appears in shopping data too. On December 26th, purchases of antacids increased 16% compared to the yearly average, suggesting Christmas meals often test digestive limits.
This data provides insight into how Americans celebrate through food. While traditions differ by household and state, the common theme is clear: Christmas grocery lists become more extravagant and indulgent. The subsequent rise in antacid sales suggests many embrace this seasonal excess.
