Americans are consuming more protein than ever. A 2025 Cargill study found that 61% of Americans boosted their protein intake over the past year, and Google Trends shows search interest for high-protein diets at an all-time high, just in time for a holiday built around turkey and abundance.

High-protein diets are hotter than ever. How will it impact Thanksgiving dinner? Photo credit: Depositphotos.

As protein trends influence everyday cooking, Thanksgiving menus evolve. More hosts add protein-rich dishes and smart swaps to create balanced meals. Modifying side dishes and rethinking appetizers can help people create a more balanced Thanksgiving meal.

Add a 2nd protein

Turkey is still the star of Thanksgiving, with 84% of hosts planning to serve it. However, for many hosts, having a hi

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