Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this year, it seems families across the United States can expect to spend less money on their holiday feasts. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of the all-American Thanksgiving dinner for ten people has dropped to $58.08, reflecting a 5% decrease from last year. This drop offers some relief as many have been grappling with inflated grocery prices over the past few years. Yet, it’s worth noting, even with this decrease, diners will still shell out approximately 19% more than they did back before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
For those new to this beloved holiday, Thanksgiving is traditionally marked by family gatherings and feasts featuring turkey as the centerpiece dish. The decline this year is highly welcomed, especially considering the rise prompted by various inflationary forces earlier this decade. Despite the good news about lower costs, many states still report significant regional differences.
To give you the picture: the cheapest Thanksgiving meal this year can be expected to cost around $56.81 in the South, with both the Northeast and Midwest trailing closely behind at $57.36 and $58.90 respectively. Meanwhile, the West is experiencing the highest prices, estimating around $67.05 for the same gathering of ten. This variability can be attributed to several factors, including local agricultural conditions, production costs, and supply chain dynamics.
How did the American Farm Bureau arrive at this average cost? They conducted their annual Thanksgiving Dinner Survey, where they gauged the prices of traditional items like turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, among others. This year, they compiled data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, asking volunteer shoppers to report on the costs they found both online and at their local supermarkets. The detailed shopping list included all the essentials needed to serve dinner to ten guests without relying on promotional discounts known to distort average prices.
Some items on this year’s shopping list saw drops particularly worth noting. The average cost for turkey, often seen as the cornerstone of the Thanksgiving meal, went down by 6%, sitting at about $1.60 per pound. This price translates to around $25.67 for the typical 16-pound turkey. Interestingly, this decline occurs amid historical lows for turkey production, driven largely by avian influenza outbreaks, which impact supply dynamics, and yet demand also appears to be shifting, preventing prices from surging.
While turkey has decreased, several other staples have not been as fortunate. Items such as dinner rolls, fresh cranberries, and whipping cream all saw prices increase by about 8% or more. Higher labor costs associated with processed foods have contributed to such rises, yet for some items, the previous year’s price drops were so steep they reverted to normal pricing levels this year.
For families preparing their Thanksgiving dinners, grocery stores across the country have also launched various deals to lure shoppers. Discounts are widespread, with some retailers offering packaged deals. For example, Aldi's Thanksgiving bundle feeds ten for just $47 and includes everything from the turkey to sides like stuffing and rolls. Such savings provide many motivated buyers, especially since prices are particularly appealing compared to five years ago when prices were much higher.
Target, Walmart, and Kroger have also spotlighted special Thanksgiving deals promising to help families stick to their budgets. Walmart's “inflation-free” meal deal promises prices under $7 per person, pushing affordability, especially for those balancing multiple expenses this holiday season. Meanwhile, Save A Lot claims they can feed eight for about $30, drawing the attention of budget-conscious shoppers.
Interestingly, Indiana has also seen favorable pricing due to local production. Farmers there have produced many key ingredients, allowing the cost of feeding ten for Thanksgiving to land at around $53.31. This taps directly back to the benefits of local supply chains and shows how regional agricultural trends play out during the holiday.
Demand for Thanksgiving dinners varies widely. Families aren’t just sitting down to turkey and stuffing; they are also purchasing seasonal favorites like pumpkin pie and fresh vegetables. The “veggie tray” remains common as well as the ubiquitous sweet potatoes, for which various regional trends heavily influence their pricing. It’s noteworthy how traditions shape these culinary habits year after year, bringing families together around the table.
Reflecting on the changes seen this year, as most shoppers are eager to enjoy their favorite holiday meals without breaking the bank, it’s also imperative to remain aware of the long-standing trends affecting food pricing — from agricultural practices to broader economic influences. While this year may reflect some positive improvements, many families continue to find themselves affected by the remnants of inflation.
So, as families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving this year, they will not only gather around the dinner table for food but may also find themselves pondering the economic ebbs and flows behind their holiday meals. Making the best of the situation will surely be the order of the day. And after all, what's Thanksgiving without some good food and good company? Here's to hoping the turkey is moist, the stuffing flavorful, and the gatherings joyful, may all families find something to be grateful for this season.
