Each Generation Celebrates Thanksgiving With Special Approach, Survey Finds

GARNER, N.C., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're a Millennial (ages 18-30) or a Baby Boomer (ages 45- 64), everyone celebrates the most treasured meal of the year with many of the same Thanksgiving traditions. However, a new Butterball® survey reveals generational differences in cooking methods, activities and flavors. For example, while three quarters of all generations said they prefer traditional recipes(1), 60 percent of the Millennial generation said they are also looking for new, experimental recipes to help contemporize their Thanksgiving meal.(2)

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"Whether it's first-timers or veteran cooks preparing the Thanksgiving feast, we support all cooks and embrace how every generation puts their own spin on the most celebrated meal of the year," said Mary Clingman, director of the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line.®  "That's so much of what America is all about – constantly adding to traditions to give them new life and meaning."

Starting November 1, 2010, Clingman and the 50 experts at the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, which is celebrating its 30th year, will be available at 1-800 BUTTERBALL to help cooks of every generation enjoy their Thanksgiving traditions and share tips on how to make this year's meal special.

Here are some Thanksgiving dinner suggestions based on generational preferences uncovered in the survey:

• Serve Up a New Kind of Turkey: While all generations agreed that a traditional roasted turkey is tops, Millennials and Gen Xers (ages 31-44) said they are also looking to try different turkey cooking methods. One in seven Millennials and Gen Xers reported deep frying, smoking or grilling their turkeys on Thanksgiving.(3) This year, consider making two turkeys – one traditionally roasted and one fried, smoked or grilled – to please all guests' palates. Also, add a kick to your roasted turkey by experimenting with new flavors such as a chipotle flavored gravy, chipotle-spiced cranberries, or try Butterball's savory Roast Turkey with Spicy Dry Rub recipe.
• Don't Try to Cut Calories: Across the board, all generations said they do not want to trade in their favorite indulgences for lighter fare on Thanksgiving. Less than seven percent of Americans consider including healthier recipes in their Thanksgiving menu.(4) For a decadent treat, indulge in Butterball's Praline Topped Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding with warm Butter Rum Sauce.
• Bring Something to the Table: More than half of Boomers, the group most likely to host Thanksgiving(5), will ask their guests to bring a dish to contribute to the feast. Whether you're hosting or bringing a dish, try a new take on a classic. For instance, Butterball's Sweet Potato Bar offers a contemporary twist and features a variety of toppings, including mini marshmallows, toasted pecans, Butterball® Turkey Bacon, coconut and more.
• Make it Easy: When it comes to preparing the Thanksgiving meal, some cooks are short on time. With Butterball's new Ready to Roast Turkey consumers can save time by eliminating the thawing process –– simply place the cook-in bag directly into the oven and enjoy a tender, juicy turkey with a great roasted flavor.

Helpful ideas and time-honored turkey prep advice from the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts are available from a variety of sources for all Thanksgiving cooks this year – Millennials, Gen Xers, Boomers and Matures (age 65+):

• Facebook & Twitter: Get Thanksgiving advice on the Butterball Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Butterball. Throughout November Butterball bloggers will be hosting one hour chats on Facebook to answer pressing Thanksgiving-related questions. Consumers can also follow Butterball on Twitter www.Twitter.com/Butterball for real-time tips and turkey prep info.
• Butterball.com: Visit Butterball.com for expert turkey advice, savings, new recipes and more. In addition, five popular food and lifestyle bloggers representing the Millennial, Gen X and Baby Boomer generations will be posting their own recipe ideas and personal anecdotes on Butterball.com.
• 1-800-BUTTERBALL: Starting November 1, 2010, Turkey Talk-Line experts will be available to answer questions and help Thanksgiving cooks become pros in the kitchen.  

About the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line

One of the first national, toll-free consumer help lines, the original Turkey Talk-Line staff of six home economists fielded questions from 11,000 turkey-troubled Americans during its first season in November 1981.  On Thanksgiving Day, the small group took hundreds of calls – with only a rolodex of notes and their own knowledge to help them answer the nation's questions.  Now, as the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line turns 30, professionally trained turkey experts assist more than 100,000 callers each year in the United States and Canada during the holiday season.  With 50+ staff members, the Turkey Talk-Line has the resources to answer questions from either English- or Spanish-speaking callers, as well as respond to questions via e-mail.

About Butterball, LLC

Butterball, LLC offers consumers opportunities to celebrate traditional holidays and everyday meal occasions with the Butterball branded line of products.  As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 50 years of cherished memories with consumers worldwide.  The retail, deli and foodservice products are distributed throughout the United States and in more than 20 countries.  The tradition of providing quality, great tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day has made the brand America's favorite.

Headquartered in Garner, N.C., Butterball is the largest producer of turkey products in the U.S.  The company's three pronged approach to Doing Business Right focuses on self-governance, sustainability and social responsibility.  The initiative plays a key role in providing internal oversight for integrating values that are important to the company.

As the industry leader in quality and food safety, the company employs numerous processes to ensure the health of flocks and implements recognized prevention measures to exceed food safety standards in its six plants, located in North Carolina, Colorado, Arkansas and Missouri.  In addition, Butterball has surpassed important workplace safety and health benchmarks set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Voluntary Production Program (VPP).

For more information about Butterball, LLC, visit www.butterballcorp.com.  For more information on Butterball products, visit www.butterball.com. You can also call 1-800 BUTTERBALL for answers to your most puzzling questions about turkey preparation.  

(1-5)The Butterball generational survey was conducted to determine differences and similarities in Americans’ Thanksgiving celebrations. Fielded by StrategyOne in March 2010, the study surveyed 1,019 American adults (aged 18 and older) nationwide via phone. Survey findings have a +/- 3 percent margin of error.  

SOURCE Butterball, LLC