Let's be honest: the turkey might be the headliner, but the sides are the real show. Everyone has the one dish they hover near, take seconds of, and quietly guard from the rest of the table.
And what you pile onto your plate might say more about you than you think. We took a (very unscientific, very unofficial) look at the classics and what they reveal about the people who love them.
We also couldn't help ourselves: each side comes with a quick wellness note on the nutrients it brings to the table. Because yes, your favorite Thanksgiving dish can do a little good, too.
Find your side
Mashed potatoes: The Comfort Keeper
You're steady, reliable, and the person everyone calls when they need to talk. You don't need anything fancy to be happy, just good company and a generous scoop of something warm.
The wellness note: Potatoes are a source of potassium, a mineral your body needs for nearly everything it does, including heart, muscle and nerve function.† Getting enough potassium (and keeping sodium in check) may also help support healthy blood pressure.† Go easy on the salt and let the butter do the talking.
Stuffing: The Traditionalist
You love a ritual. You make the same recipe every year, you know exactly whose grandma it came from, and you'll fight anyone who suggests changing it.
The wellness note: Swapping in whole-grain bread is an easy upgrade. Whole grains are a source of magnesium,† and they bring more fiber to the table than white bread.
Sweet potato casserole: The Life of the Party
You're warm, generous, and a little bit extra (marshmallows on top? obviously). You're the first to bring a hostess gift and the last to leave the party.
The wellness note: Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which is important for your immune system, vision, and reproduction.† Their deep orange color is your clue.
Green bean casserole: The Loyal Friend
You're not flashy, but you always show up. People underestimate you, then realize they can't imagine the table without you.
The wellness note: The mushrooms in that creamy base bring a little vitamin D to your plate, a nutrient your immune system needs to fight off bacteria and viruses.† Helpful as the days get shorter.
Cranberry sauce: The Wild Card
You're bold, a little tart, and you bring the contrast every table needs. Canned with the ridges or homemade with orange zest, you have strong opinions and you're not afraid to share them.
The wellness note: Most cranberry sauces add a lot of sugar to balance the tartness. A homemade version lets you control how sweet it gets, and a little orange zest adds brightness without extra sugar.
Mac and cheese: The Nostalgic One
You're fun, a little playful, and deeply loyal to your childhood favorites. You know the crispy edge pieces are the best part, and you’re first in line for them.
The wellness note: Cheese and milk are some of the main sources of calcium, which your body needs to build and maintain strong bones.† That matters for women in particular: bone loss starts around age 30, and the body absorbs and retains less calcium after menopause.†
Roasted Brussels sprouts: The Trendsetter
You were into Brussels sprouts before they were cool. You bring the one green dish, and somehow it's the first thing to disappear.
The wellness note: Brussels sprouts are a natural source of folate, a B vitamin that's especially important before and during early pregnancy.† Toss them with olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic for crispy, caramelized edges.
Whatever's on your plate this year, the best side is the one you enjoy with people you love. Go back for seconds, savor the leftovers, and don't overthink it.
And if the big meal leaves your stomach feeling a little less festive, our Daily Probiotic supports healthy digestion and regularity every day of the season.*
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your individual needs. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
