What is the formula for a perfect girls’ night?

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

STAYING IN IS OFFICIALLY THE NEW GOING OUT… AT LEAST FOR GIRLS’ NIGHT.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 AMERICAN WOMEN AGE 21 AND UP FROM CABOT CREAMERY, FINDS NEARLY HALF – 46 PERCENT – PREFER A NIGHT IN WITH THEIR GIRLFRIENDS, COMPARED TO JUST 33 PERCENT WHO’D RATHER GO OUT.

AND COZY IS KEY. A WHOPPING 86 PERCENT SAY THE ‘COZY FACTOR’ MATTERS, AND FOR MANY, GIRLS’ NIGHTS ARE MORE THAN FUN – 33 PERCENT CALL THEM ESSENTIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH AHEAD OF GALENTINE’S DAY ON FEBRUARY 13, ALSO FOUND FOOD IS NON-NEGOTIABLE. CHEESE AND CRACKERS TOP THE LIST AT 55 PERCENT, WITH PIZZA, TACOS, AND CHARCUTERIE CLOSE BEHIND.

AND WHEN IT COMES TO OUTFITS? CASUAL WINS, WITH MORE THAN A THIRD SAYING PAJAMAS ARE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE.

SO WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL GIRLS’ NIGHT? PAJAMAS AND A CHEESE BOARD, OR TACOS AND MOVIES? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

WOMEN’S TOP 10 CHEESE PAIRINGS FOR GIRLS’ NIGHT

1. Cheese and crackers (55%)
2. Cheese and meats (43%)
3. Cheese and fruit (40%)
4. Cheese and wine (31%)
5. Cheese and veggies (30%)
6. Cheese and bread (26%)
7. Cheese and nuts (23%)
8. Cheese and olives or pickles (22%)
9. Cheese and pretzels (21%)
10. Cheese and chocolate (17%)

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Women who are 21+ who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Cabot Creamery and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Jan. 8 and Jan. 12, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.