Thanksgiving 2025: Turkey Prices Drop, But Leftovers Are More Valuable Than Ever
This Thanksgiving, there’s some good news for families across the U.S.—cooking a classic holiday meal for ten is expected to cost less than last year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the average cost of staples for a traditional feast has fallen to $55.18, or about $5.52 per person. This marks the third consecutive year of price declines, although it still doesn’t completely offset the record highs that were seen in 2022, when the average meal cost soared to $64.05.
The main reason for the lower overall cost is the drop in turkey prices, which have long been the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. A 16-pound frozen turkey now averages $21.50, translating to $1.34 per pound—a decrease of more than 16% from 2024. While wholesale prices for fresh turkeys have actually risen, grocery stores have been offering holiday deals to encourage shoppers to bring home the iconic bird, which has helped keep retail prices down.
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AFBF volunteer shoppers surveyed stores across the country in early November to track these prices. They found that half of the meal’s key ingredients, including stuffing and dinner rolls, have become more affordable, largely thanks to lower wheat prices. On the other hand, fresh produce has seen price increases. For example, veggie trays are up more than 61%, and sweet potatoes have risen 37%, partially due to natural disasters in key growing regions and supply-chain disruptions. Despite these fluctuations, AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized that the U.S. remains fortunate to produce such an abundant food supply, even as farm families face economic pressures that threaten their livelihoods.
Interestingly, this year’s survey also recognizes the changing nature of Thanksgiving menus. Items like boneless ham, Russet potatoes, and frozen green beans were added to the classic lineup, bringing the cost of an expanded meal to $77.09 for ten people. Regional differences were noted as well, with meals generally most affordable in the South and most expensive in the West.
However, not all news is rosy. Another report highlights that turkey prices have jumped nearly 40% in some cases due to fewer birds being produced, disease outbreaks, and tighter supply chains. Highly pathogenic avian influenza and other poultry viruses have affected millions of birds, making leftovers more important than ever. With turkey now being one of the most expensive items on the grocery list, families are encouraged to maximize every meal, turning leftovers into creative dishes like turkey pot pie, cranberry wraps, or casseroles.
USDA and CDC guidelines remind families to store leftovers safely, refrigerating or freezing cooked turkey and sides within two hours, and using them within recommended time frames. Many home cooks are taking it a step further, portioning and freezing turkey in meal-sized packs to stretch the holiday feast into several additional meals. This approach not only saves money but also reduces food waste—a growing concern in American households.
So this Thanksgiving, while some items are cheaper, the real value might be found in the leftovers. With careful planning, what starts as a holiday feast can become a week of delicious, budget-friendly meals. Families can enjoy the holiday without overextending their wallets and make the most of the bounty on their table.
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