Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Fall

Thanksgiving dinner costs are expected to be lower this year, continuing a trend of price reductions for the third consecutive year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the average cost for a traditional meal serving ten people is $55.18, which breaks down to about $5.52 per person. This reflects a 5% decrease compared to 2024 and is a notable drop from the record high of $64.05 observed in 2022.

Key Factors Behind the Decrease in Thanksgiving Dinner Costs

The decrease in overall Thanksgiving dinner costs has been significantly influenced by the price of turkey. This staple, often the centerpiece of the holiday meal, has seen a dramatic price drop. The average price for a 16-pound frozen turkey is now $21.50, equating to $1.34 per pound—a decrease of over 16% from last year.

Retail Pricing and Market Demand

• Despite a rise in wholesale prices for fresh turkey, grocery stores have lowered retail prices to attract customers.
• During the first week of November, Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers gathered pricing data that indicated lower retail prices for Thanksgiving turkeys.
• USDA data supports that the average per-pound price for whole frozen turkeys has further decreased in early November.

“It’s encouraging to see some relief in the price of turkeys,” stated AFBF economist Faith Parum, Ph.D. She noted that while farmers strive to rebuild turkey flocks affected by avian influenza, a decline in overall demand has also contributed to making turkey an affordable choice for families.

Changes in the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

The shopping list included in the Farm Bureau survey consists of essential items for a Thanksgiving feast, such as:

• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Sweet potatoes
• Rolls
• Peas
• Cranberries
• Vegetable tray
• Pumpkin pie with whipped cream

Half of the items examined in the survey experienced price reductions. Notable reductions included:

• 14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.71 (down 9%)
• One dozen dinner rolls: $3.56 (down 14.6%)

However, some fresh produce prices, such as sweet potatoes and a veggie tray, have increased substantially—sweet potatoes rose by 37% due to adverse weather affecting major growing regions.

Rural Economic Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the reduction in some food prices, concerns remain regarding the overall economic conditions facing farmers. In the last year, 15,000 farms were lost due to factors such as low crop prices and high supply costs. AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure sustainable food production.

Regional Differences in Thanksgiving Dinner Costs

The survey also revealed regional variations in the cost of the Thanksgiving meal:

This year’s national average cost reflects price data gathered from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The survey continues a tradition that began in 1986, allowing consistent comparisons over the years.