Before thousands decide to line up for a great deal, savvy shoppers are lining up to get the best deal on the Thanksgiving that will feed their hungry family. However, according to a report from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Thanksgiving dinner will cost right around $50 for a family of 10.
The dinner doesn’t skimp and includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk — with enough to feed 10 hungry mouths and plenty of leftovers.
The exact cost of the dinner for 10: $49.41, according to the AFBF survey. A total of 179 volunteer shoppers visited and checked prices at grocery stores in 35 states to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotions.
“America’s farmers and ranchers remain committed to continuously improving the way they grow food for our tables, both for everyday meals and special occasions like Thanksgiving dinner that many of us look forward to all year,” AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson said. “We are blessed to be able to provide a special holiday meal for 10 people for about $5.00 per serving – less than the cost of most fast food meals.”
While remaining cheap, the price is actually up 34 cents from last year’s $49.07. Some items that increased in prices this year include sweet potatoes ($3.56 for three pounds), one gallon of whole milk ($3.76), and a 30 ounce can of pumpkin pie mix ($3.12).
The big ticket item — a 16-pound turkey — came in at $21.65 this year, which is about 11 cents less than last year.
“Turkey production has been somewhat lower this year and wholesale prices are a little higher, but consumers should find an adequate supply of birds at their local grocery store,” said Anderson.
The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 has remained around $49 since 2011.
