Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially when it comes to deciding on the food that will be served. Food is a crucial aspect of any wedding, as it not only satisfies your guests’ hunger but also sets the tone and ambiance for your special day. With so many options to choose from and various dietary requirements to cater to, it’s essential to plan the food for your wedding carefully.
Wedding Meal Preferences
According to a survey conducted by The Knot in 2019, the most popular type of wedding reception meal in the United States is a plated dinner, with 43% of couples choosing this option. Buffet-style meals were the second most popular choice, with 32% of couples opting for this style of meal. Family-style meals, where large platters of food are shared between guests, were chosen by 12% of couples, while only 8% of couples opted for a cocktail-style reception, where passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates are served.
In terms of the specific types of dishes served at weddings, the same survey found that chicken was the most popular main course, followed by beef, fish/seafood, and vegetarian/vegan options. For side dishes, mashed potatoes, mixed green salad, and roasted vegetables were the most popular choices.
Dietary Preferences
According to a 2021 survey conducted by the market research firm YouGov, about 9% of adults in the United States consider themselves to be vegetarian, while only 3% consider themselves to be vegan. Additionally, about 5% of respondents identified as pescatarian, which means they eat fish but no other meat. However, it’s important to note that self-identification as vegetarian or vegan does not necessarily mean that a person follows a strict plant-based diet, as some people may still consume animal products in small amounts.
In terms of dietary restrictions and preferences, the same survey found that about 10% of respondents said they were lactose intolerant, while 4% reported being gluten intolerant or having celiac disease, which requires a strict gluten-free diet. About 3% of respondents identified as kosher, while only 1% said they were halal.
Another survey conducted by the market research firm Mintel in 2020 found that about 24% of adults in the United States reported following a low-meat or meatless diet, which includes vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians (people who eat meat but are trying to reduce their consumption). The same survey found that about 34% of respondents said they were trying to reduce their meat consumption, while 31% said they were trying to eat more plant-based foods.
One survey conducted by the International Food Information Council in 2020 found that about 8% of U.S. adults reported following a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, which may include a ketogenic diet. Another survey conducted by the market research firm Packaged Facts in 2019 found that about 7% of U.S. adults reported following a keto or low-carb diet.
Ingredient Preferences
Veggies
One survey conducted by the market research firm YouGov in 2021 asked respondents which vegetables they liked and disliked. The most popular vegetables were carrots (89% of respondents liked them), green beans (83%), and broccoli (78%). The least popular vegetables were okra (24% of respondents disliked it), eggplant (22%), and beets (21%).
According to a study published in the journal Flavour in 2012, between 4% and 14% of people of various ethnic backgrounds have an aversion to cilantro, also known as coriander. The aversion is thought to be largely genetic and linked to a group of olfactory receptor genes that can perceive the aldehydes in cilantro as soapy or metallic.
A survey conducted by YouGov in 2020 found that:
- Pickles: 20% of U.S. adults do not like pickles.
- Olives: 21% of U.S. adults do not like olives.
- Beets: 15% of U.S. adults do not like beets.
Proteins
According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Chicken Council, chicken is the most popular protein among Americans. In 2020, Americans consumed an estimated 98.4 pounds of chicken per capita, compared to 57.4 pounds of beef and 51.6 pounds of pork.
Another survey conducted by the market research firm Mintel in 2018 found that 85% of U.S. adults reported eating beef, while 75% reported eating chicken, and 64% reported eating pork. Seafood was also a popular protein choice, with 59% of respondents reporting eating fish and 41% reporting eating shellfish.
Spicy Foods
A survey conducted by the market research firm Technomic in 2017 found that 78% of U.S. consumers reported enjoying spicy flavors, and 54% reported that they are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers spicy menu items. Another survey conducted by the market research firm YouGov in 2019 found that 58% of U.S. adults reported enjoying spicy food.
Raw Foods
One survey conducted by the market research firm Technomic in 2019 found that 58% of U.S. consumers reported that they would be likely to order sushi at a restaurant, while 50% reported that they would be likely to order tartare (which could include beef tartare, tuna tartare, or other variations). Another survey conducted by the market research firm Datassential in 2020 found that 28% of U.S. consumers reported that they enjoy eating raw fish, while 22% reported that they enjoy eating raw beef.
Food Allergies
Here are the most common food allergens in adults and their prevalence in the U.S., according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:
- Shellfish (such as shrimp, crab, and lobster): approximately 2.3% of adults have a shellfish allergy.
- Peanut: approximately 1.3% of adults have a peanut allergy.
- Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts): approximately 1.2% of adults have a tree nut allergy.
- Fish: approximately 0.5% of adults have a fish allergy.
- Milk: approximately 0.3% of adults have a milk allergy.
- Soy: approximately 0.4% of adults have a soy allergy.
- Wheat: approximately 0.2% of adults have a wheat allergy.
- Egg: approximately 0.2% of adults have an egg allergy.
