A new survey of millennials shows that Friendsgiving, the phenomenon of celebrating Thanksgiving with friends, will live up to its name this year. Most of those surveyed said they would rather socialize with friends than spend time cooking in the kitchen. In fact, 83 percent are fine with purchasing a dish to share, and if there is a way to save time and money preparing for Friendsgiving, 78 percent will do it, according to the survey conducted by the makers of Mrs. Smith’s Original Flaky Crust Pies.
Friendships are so important to millennials that 64 percent of them say spending time with good friends is their favorite thing about Friendsgiving — in fact, more than half prefer Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving with their families.
Even for time-crunched and cooking-challenged millennials, great food that is easily accessible is part of the holiday tradition, with nearly half reporting they would more likely to purchase a pie to bring to Friendsgiving than making one from scratch.
The thought of making a homemade pie for Friendsgiving stresses out 44 percent of millennials, and 37 percent of millennials that wouldn’t make a pie from scratch for Friendsgiving said the reason was because, “There are perfectly delicious pies available in the freezer aisle.” Additionally, 30 percent say they wouldn’t make a pie because they lack the required baking chops.
What pie is preferred among this group? Pumpkin tops the list, followed by apple.
“Experiences are important to millennials; creating new traditions is important and friendship is something to be celebrated,” says Kevin McAdams, president of Schwan’s Consumer Brands, Inc. “Mrs. Smith’s pies are the taste of home, no matter where you are or whom you are with. Our pies provide easy, delicious and cost-efficient options for those of us who may not have the time, skill or patience to make a pie from scratch.”