Exploring Easter and Passover Foods: American Favorites and Dislikes Revealed

Passover concludes this Sunday, coinciding with Easter celebrations. Both holidays mark significant religious observances where Christian and Jewish families honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, respectively.

These special occasions also serve as a platform for family gatherings and distinctive culinary creations. From a colossal 772-pound chocolate Easter egg crafted by an Italian chocolatier to the matzo icebox cake, often hailed as the ultimate Passover dessert, this time of year is rich in tradition and flavor.

Instacart, a popular e-commerce platform, has recently unveiled intriguing data regarding the food choices Americans make while preparing for these festivities. Their latest insights reveal not only the shopping preferences during this season but also the sentiments surrounding traditional holiday dishes.

Insights from Instacart and the Harris Poll

In collaboration with the Harris Poll, Instacart surveyed over 2,000 American adults in March 2025. This survey aimed to gather public sentiment about seasonal food staples, including lamb and gefilte fish, which often evoke strong opinions.

Chocolate Takes the Spotlight During Easter

When it comes to Easter candies, chocolate reigns supreme among American consumers. The survey highlighted that Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Cadbury Chocolate Mini Eggs, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, and the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg top the list as the most purchased candies during Easter weekend 2024.

Lamb: A Polarizing Easter Dish

Lamb, traditionally associated with Easter feasts, appears to be a contentious choice among diners. Alex Orellana, Instacart’s trends analyst, noted that even when it comes to holiday meals, certain foods are frequently featured due to tradition rather than personal preference.

Notably, leg of lamb experiences a significant sales surge, with a 5.5x increase during Easter weekend. However, 35% of respondents labeled it among their least favorite dishes, indicating a divide in taste.

Gefilte Fish: A Double-Edged Sword for Passover

The Passover staple, gefilte fish, also inspires strong feedback from American households. While purchases of gefilte fish soared to 13.2x higher on April 22, 2024, compared to the annual average, a staggering 44% of survey participants still listed it among their least favorite Passover foods.

Other traditional items such as matzoh and horseradish root saw significant increases in order volume, attributed to their deep-rooted cultural significance. Orellana emphasized that these ingredients are not mere culinary components; they represent symbols of heritage and history.

The Importance of Traditional Foods

Orellana explained how these traditional foods forge connections between families and their cultural legacies. They are vital in honoring the story of Passover and celebrating familial bonds across generations.

Spring Celebrations: Floral Arrangements

Regardless of personal food preferences, no festive table during spring is complete without elegant floral decorations. Tulips and lilies commonly grace Easter and Passover gatherings, embodying themes of renewal and fresh beginnings.

Orellana remarked that these spring-blooming flowers align beautifully with the seasonal motifs. They not only elevate table decor but also symbolize the burgeoning life associated with spring.

Celebrating Togetherness Through Food

During these significant holidays, the act of sharing meals with loved ones underscores the importance of companionship and connection. While individuals may have divergent opinions on specific dishes, the underlying theme remains clear: food plays a crucial role in shaping memories and traditions.

Festive meals, adorned tables, and the joyful spirit of spring combine to create an atmosphere of celebration. As families around the country prepare to gather, the diversity of food choices reflects the varied tastes and traditions that make Easter and Passover uniquely special in the American landscape.

Ultimately, whether you enjoy lamb or dread gefilte fish, these holidays provide an opportunity for reflection, togetherness, and appreciation of cultural heritage through cuisine.