An American woman who has called the UK home for over a decade has detailed the unique challenges of recreating a quintessential Thanksgiving feast in Britain. Brittany, originally from the United States and now residing in Birmingham, took to social media to share her annual mission to host an authentic dinner for the November holiday.
The Supermarket Hunt for American Classics
In a video filmed inside a UK supermarket, Brittany explained that sourcing ingredients is a mixed bag. She confirmed that many staples for a Thanksgiving spread are surprisingly easy to locate. The components for stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, and pecan pie are all readily available on British shelves.
However, the centrepiece of the meal presented the first major obstacle. Brittany struggled to find a whole turkey in mid-November, a time when British supermarkets are not yet fully stocked for Christmas. "My local supermarket didn't have any this early, so we did fried chicken instead," she revealed, demonstrating a necessary adaptation.
The Quest for Crispy Onions and Pumpkin Puree
Another traditional dish, green bean casserole, caused initial concern due to its key ingredient: crispy fried onions. Fortunately, Brittany's worries were alleviated when she discovered them in the American food section of her local Sainsbury's. This international aisle also came to the rescue with marshmallows for sweet potato casserole.
Other items proved more elusive. Brittany noted that while she had found pumpkin puree in previous years, it was absent this time. She turned to online retailers, though she commented that the price was "a little pricier than I would like." Similarly, she had to source creamed corn and Jiffy Mix cornbread mix online.
Community Tips and The Ultimate Verdict
Following her video, fellow TikTok users flooded the comments with helpful advice for future Thanksgivings. One person recommended Waitrose as a year-round source for pumpkin puree, locating it in the baking aisle. Another suggested checking Asian supermarkets for affordable creamed corn, while a third pointed out that American sweet stores in the UK often stock Jiffy Mix.
The conversation also highlighted a non-culinary challenge. Another American expat commented on the difficulty of preparing such a large meal in a typically smaller UK kitchen, noting their British kitchen was 80% smaller than their American one.
Despite the hurdles, Brittany's determination paid off. She summarised her experience positively, stating, "Having Thanksgiving in the UK is definitely possible - and I think we did a pretty damn good job." Her journey showcases the blend of adaptation, resourcefulness, and community advice that allows expats to keep their traditions alive thousands of miles from home.
