Let’s talk turkey.
And mashed potatoes. And stuffing. And cranberry sauce. And roll. And don’t forget the pie! Now, pie.
Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude. About sitting around the table with family and friends.
The table groans under the abundance of sweets, and soon we toddle over to the couch, moaning as we loosen our waistbands. You didn’t forget to wear stretchy shorts, did you?
No, I’m not going for a walk. We believe this will be a “wetter-than-usual” winter, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Yes, that’s our excuse and we’re sticking to it.
As for how much the average person will pay for Thanksgiving dinner this year, we’re still waiting on predictions for 2023, but we can probably expect to pay more. That’s why we’ve worked diligently to help you find the best prices, both in-person and online.
How much does the average family spend on Thanksgiving dinner?
The American Farm Bureau Federation estimated the average cost for Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people last year to be $64.05.
Although forecasts for 2023 have not yet been released, the Consumer Price Index shows that meal-in prices are up 2.4%.
On the bright side, turkey prices may be lower this year.
The American Farm Federation estimates that the average price for an 8- to 16-pound turkey in August was $1.27 per pound, down 22% from the same period last year.
Was your first Thanksgiving in Florida?First Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts? Some say this is a popular city in Florida
Compare Thanksgiving food prices at Florida stores
First, a little explanation about how I compiled the data. The price he was acquired during the week of November 6th. However, prices are never constant, so be on the lookout for sales, BOGOs, and special discounts, especially as the holidays approach. However, don’t wait too long. Otherwise, you may end up switching out green beans for something like Brussels sprouts.
I calculated the cost based on a dinner for 10 people, so if you have people eating 3 or 4 times, adjust accordingly. The exception is large packages sold at mass retailers.
And to make things even easier, we’ve priced everything, except for turkey and sweet potatoes, if they’re available ready-made or from a box. To all of you who cook from scratch, please lend us more of your help.
store brand turkey12 pounds:
- Walmart: 98 cents/lb = $11.76
- Publix: 69 cents/pound = $8.28
- Winn-Dixie: 49 cents/pound=$5.88
- Aldi: Butterball, $1.27/lb=$15.24
- Sam’s Club: $1.19/pound=$14.28
Stove Top 6 oz Package 2 Boxes Stuffing:
- Walmart: $1.98 per piece = $3.96
- Publix: $3.19 each = $6.38
- Winn-Dixie: 2 for $5
- Aldi: $1.98 each = $3.96
- Sam’s Club: 6 pack for $8.82
Buttery home-cooked meals from Idaho Mashed potatoes, Two 4 oz packages:
- Walmart: $1.44 each = $2.88
- Publix: $1.59 each = $3.18
- Winn-Dixie: 3 for $4
- Aldi: $1.59 each = $3.18
- Sam’s Club: 8 pouches for $8.48
heinz home style turkey gravy12 oz jar:
- Walmart: $2.47
- Publix: $3.15
- Winn-Dixie: $2.50
- Aldi: Chef’s Cupboard $1.09
- Sam’s Club: $5.98 for three 18-ounce bottles
green bean casserole, Made with one 10.5-ounce can of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, two 1.45-ounce cans of store brand kidney beans, and one 6-ounce can of French Fried Onions. Strictly speaking, it is not “from scratch,” but you can say that you “made” green beans.
- Walmart: $1.72 + $1.28 + $3.47 = $6.47
- Publix: $1.91+$2.50+$4.79 = $9.20
- Winn-Dixie: Bogo $1.99+$2.58+$3.99 = $8.56
- Aldi: $1.15+.98+$1.79 (chef’s cupboard) = $3.92
- Sam’s Club: $8.98 for eight 10.5-ounce cans. $5.98 for 8 14.5 oz cans. $8.58 for 26.5 oz package, $23.54 total
Baked 6 pieces sweet potato: (The average sweet potato we weighed was 0.5 lbs. If available individually, that’s our price)
- Walmart: 1 pound 72 cents = $2.16
- Publix: $1.19 per pound = $3.57
- Winn-Dixie: 1 pound 79 cents = $2.37
- Aldi: 59 cents each = $3.54
- Sam’s Club: $4.98 for 5 pound bag
kings hawaiian dinner roll12 pack:
- Walmart: $4.68
- Publix: $5.39
- Winn-Dixie: $5.59
- Aldi: Loven $3.05
- Sam’s Club: $6.88 for two 16-count packages.
ocean spray jelly cranberry sauce14 oz can:
- Walmart: $1.98
- Publix: $2.35
- Winn-Dixie: $2.79
- Aldi: $1.99
- Sam’s Club: $9.98 for six 14-ounce cans
Freshly baked pumpkin pie:
- Walmart: 8 inch: $4.42
- Publix: 22 oz: $5.99
- Winn-Dixie: 8 inch: $4.99
- Aldi: 24 oz $4.19
- Sam’s Club: 12 inches $6.98
Freshly baked Apple Pie:
- Walmart: 10 inches: $6.82
- Publix: 34 oz: $6.99
- Winn-Dixie: 8 inches: $6.99
- Aldi: 24 oz $4.29
- Sam’s Club: 12 inches $10.98
lady whip Whipped cream13 oz can (it’s the holidays!)
- Walmart: $4.47
- Publix: $6.99
- Winn-Dixie: $6 for two 6.5 oz.
- Aldi: Friendly Farm $3.09
- Sam’s Club: 3-pack, 15 oz. Member’s Mark $8.78
Total amount of Thanksgiving dinner by store
- Walmart: $52.07
- Publix: $61.47
- winn dixie: $54.67
- aldi: $47.54
- Sam’s Club: $109.68 (lots of unused ingredients and leftovers even before a fancy meal)
Want to make a few stops to get the best price? Click here for destinations and total costs
In some cases, you may need to use store brand alternatives as mentioned above to get a better price.
- TĂ¼rkiye: Winn-Dixie: 49 cents/pound=$5.88
- Stove top stuffing: Aldi and Walmart: $1.98 each = $3.96
- Idahoan Mashed Potatoes: Walmart: $1.44 per piece = $2.88
- Gravy: Aldi: Chef’s Cupboard $1.09
- Green Bean Casserole Ingredients: Aldi: $1.15+.98+$1.79 (Chef’s Cupboard)= $3.92
- Sweet Potatoes: Walmart: 1 pound 72 cents = $2.16
- Dinner roll: Aldi: L’Oven $3.05
- Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce: Walmart: $1.98
- Pumpkin Pie: Aldi: 24 oz $4.19
- Apple Pie: Aldi: 24 oz $4.29
- Whipped topping: Aldi: Friendly Farms $3.09
Total cost: $36.49
If you want to shop at three different stores for your Thanksgiving meal, you’ll save $11.05 over Aldi’s best single price. Is it worth the time, gas, and energy to get into the kitchen? You be the judge.
So where are the cheapest food prices for Thanksgiving meals?
Putting it all together looks like this:
If you want to stop at one store, Aldi is the place to go. The total came to $47.54, but you’ll have to settle for more store brands.
Do you want to stick to name brands and don’t mind paying a little more? The next best option for your one stop is Walmart, priced at $52.07.
If you’re an avid bargain hunter and don’t mind going to three different stores, stopping at Aldi, Winn Dixie, and Walmart means paying $36.49.
Again, prices change all the time, so keep an eye out for the latest sales to get the most bang for your buck.
Happy Thanksgiving!