Flavor Outweighs Inflation as Top Priority for Holiday Meals, New DuraPlas Study Reveals

ADDISON, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Despite higher grocery bills, Americans are drawing a firm line at the holiday table. According to the DuraPlas 2025 Holiday Foods Survey, two-thirds of U.S. adults expect to spend more on holiday meals this year, yet nearly half say they will not alter their menus. The results point to the strength of culinary traditions even as inflation continues to challenge household budgets.

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted in September 2025 via the third-party platform Pollfish, examined how rising costs affect holiday meal planning, shopping habits and social gatherings. The findings reveal how deeply food traditions shape consumer decisions, suggesting that even under financial strain, cultural rituals exert more influence than price.

Key findings from the report include:

• Two-thirds of Americans (66%) expect their holiday meal to cost more this year, with nearly one in five bracing for much higher costs.
• Despite inflation, 43% say they will make no changes to their meals, choosing tradition over trimming.
• A majority (57%) plan to keep their holiday rituals exactly the same as prior years.
• Flavor is the top driver of holiday food choices at 46%, outpacing price (30%), tradition or brand loyalty (22%) and sustainability (3%).
• More Americans are willing to pay extra for premium, sustainable ingredients, up from 14.5% in 2023 to 25% this year, as quality continues to outweigh cost concerns.
• Most (59%) are buying ingredients at the same time as usual and 37% will be shopping earlier.
• Nearly three-quarters (74%) will attend about the same number of holiday meals, and 61% expect seven or more guests to attend their main gathering.
• 32% say all of their dishes are homemade, skyrocketing to 76% for at least half made from scratch.
• Convenience hasn’t replaced tradition, as 71% have never used instant delivery for holiday meal needs.

Holiday traditions aren’t just resilient, they create predictable demand. Even as inflation changes how consumers spend in other areas, categories tied to seasonal meals, from proteins to produce, remain essential. For food producers and suppliers, the opportunity lies in balancing affordability with quality, ensuring that trusted staples stay within reach for families who refuse to compromise on tradition.

“Families may be adjusting budgets in many areas of life, but the holiday meal is where they draw the line,” said Paul Phillips, president of DuraPlas. “These findings show that taste, tradition and togetherness outweigh cost-cutting. What makes that possible is the resilience of the food system: the growers, producers and supply chains that ensure the same ingredients are there year after year. That reliability is what allows traditions to endure, even in uncertain times.”

The findings of the DuraPlas 2025 Holiday Foods Survey highlight the enduring strength of cultural traditions in the face of economic strain. As households balance rising costs with the desire for continuity, families are proving that flavor, scratch cooking and shared rituals remain central to the holiday experience. For the industry, the takeaway is simple: holiday meals aren’t just about cost. They’re about meaning.

For the full results and additional insights, view the DuraPlas 2025 Holiday Foods Survey.

About DuraPlas

For more than 50 years, DuraPlas has upheld a rich legacy of pioneering innovative plastic solutions for industries worldwide. With a well-established reputation for excellence and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, the company takes pride in its ability to deliver products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also uphold responsible business practices. Utilizing state-of-the-art injection molding equipment, DuraPlas meticulously manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of industry-specific products – from the newly launched condenser mounting pad for the HVAC industry to egg transport systems in agriculture. The company’s expansive 400,000-square-foot headquarters in Addison, Texas enables DuraPlas to meet the diverse needs of its global clientele, including some of the largest brands in the world. To learn more, please visit https://duraplasinc.com/.