San Antonio, TX, November 25, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, consumers face rising turkey prices amid supply challenges, which have surged by 40%. Conversely, other traditional holiday foods are becoming more affordable, suggesting the potential for budget-friendly meal preparation. Retailers are responding with promotions to ease consumer concerns. For a Thanksgiving dinner serving 10, the overall cost is forecasted at approximately $55, reflecting a slight decrease from last year, primarily due to a shift towards generic products.
San Antonio, TX – As Thanksgiving approaches, consumers are confronted with mixed pricing trends for traditional holiday foods. While turkey prices have surged due to supply challenges, other Thanksgiving staples are becoming more affordable, presenting both challenges and opportunities for budget-conscious shoppers.
Turkey Prices Surge Amid Supply Challenges
Wholesale prices for whole hen turkeys have increased by 40% compared to last year, now reaching $1.32 per pound. This notable rise is primarily due to outbreaks of avian flu and heightened consumer demand. According to forecasts, turkey production in 2025 is expected to decrease by 3%, with around 195 million turkeys raised, down from 200 million in 2024. Retailers are responding to this price surge with promotional deals aimed at attracting shoppers who are concerned about their holiday budgets. Noteworthy examples include Walmart offering Butterball turkeys at $0.97 per pound and grocery chain Aldi providing a $40 meal deal that serves 10 people. Despite these promotional efforts, the estimated overall cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is projected to be approximately $55, which reflects a 5% decrease from last year. However, this reduction is mainly attributed to a wider use of generic products instead of name brands.
Other Thanksgiving Staples Become More Affordable
In contrast to turkey prices, many other traditional Thanksgiving foods have experienced price reductions. A basket containing 11 Thanksgiving staples, which includes a 10-pound frozen turkey, 10 Russet potatoes, stuffing, and canned goods, now has a cost of $58.81 — a 4.1% increase year-over-year. This increase is modest compared to the average food price rise at home, which stood at 2.7% in September. Price hikes on canned items have been exacerbated by tariffs on imported steel, further impacting the cost of favorites like cranberry sauce.
Regional Variations in Turkey Prices
Turkey prices vary significantly across the United States. In Hawaii, a 15-pound turkey is priced around $55.70 — an astonishing 60% higher than the national average of $34.65. On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma boasts the lowest turkey prices, with a 15-pound bird costing approximately $24.85. These regional price differences can be attributed to factors like transportation costs and local market demand.
Overall Impact on Thanksgiving Meal Costs
Despite the increase in turkey prices, the overall expected cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is $55, which represents a 5% reduction from last year. This decrease is again largely due to the trend of opting for generic items in lieu of name brand products. Nevertheless, the substantial rise in turkey prices is an essential factor to consider when planning holiday meals.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving nears, consumers need to be mindful of the rising costs of turkey due to various supply challenges, such as avian flu outbreaks and increased demand. While the prices of other traditional Thanksgiving foods are experiencing more favorable trends, the overall cost of a Thanksgiving dinner requires careful consideration for budgeting during this festive time. Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of promotional offers and assess regional price variations to make informed choices.
FAQ
Why have turkey prices increased this year?
Wholesale prices for whole hen turkeys have risen by 40% compared to last year, reaching $1.32 per pound. This surge is primarily attributed to avian flu outbreaks and increased demand.
How much is a typical Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people expected to cost?
The overall cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is expected to be around $55, a 5% decrease from last year. This reduction is largely due to the use of generic items instead of name brands.
Which state has the most affordable turkey prices?
Oklahoma offers the most affordable turkeys, with a 15-pound bird costing $24.85.
How have other Thanksgiving food prices changed?
While turkey prices have increased, other traditional Thanksgiving foods have seen price decreases. A basket of 11 Thanksgiving staples now costs $58.81, a 4.1% increase from last year.
What factors are contributing to the rise in turkey prices?
The rise in turkey prices is due to avian flu outbreaks and increased demand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts a 3% decrease in turkey production for 2025, with approximately 195 million turkeys raised, down from 200 million in 2024.
Key Features of Thanksgiving 2025 Meal Costs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner for 10 People | $55, a 5% decrease from last year, largely due to the use of generic items instead of name brands. |
| Increase in Turkey Prices | Wholesale prices for whole hen turkeys have risen by 40% compared to last year, reaching $1.32 per pound, primarily due to avian flu outbreaks and increased demand. |
| Regional Variations in Turkey Prices | Oklahoma offers the most affordable turkeys, with a 15-pound bird costing $24.85, while Hawaii has the highest prices at $55.70 for a 15-pound turkey. |
| Price Changes in Other Thanksgiving Foods | While turkey prices have increased, other traditional Thanksgiving foods have seen price decreases. A basket of 11 Thanksgiving staples now costs $58.81, a 4.1% increase from last year. |
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