CHICAGO – Nearly 30% of Americans will sit down to a Thanksgiving dinner this year complemented by at least one prepared, ready-to-eat dish purchased from a retailer, restaurant or caterer, according to a new Technomic survey.

The percentage of consumers turning to foodservice for part of their Thanksgiving dinner has risen considerably in the past three years, from 23% in 2011 to 29% in 2013.

According to Technomic, Thanksgiving dinner this year will include prepared foods from the following:

• Grocer/retailer: 19% 
• Restaurant/caterer: 6% 
• Both (grocer/retailer + restaurant/caterer): 4%

Additionally, 6% of respondents said they were planning to eat Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant.

"Technomic research consistently shows that consumers view restaurant meals as a way to connect with family and friends," said Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President at Technomic. "Using prepared foods for holiday meals at homes has the same effect; it gets hosts out of the kitchen sooner so they can really enjoy time with their guests."