WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The cost of preparing a classic Thanksgiving dinner is moving lower for the third straight year, giving families some relief as grocery bills remain a significant concern. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual survey shows the traditional meal for ten people averaging $55.18, down 5 percent from last year and well below the 2022 peak.
The most significant driver is turkey, where a 16-pound frozen bird now averages $21.50, more than 16 percent cheaper than last year as retail promotions and rebuilding flocks boost availability. USDA market data also shows that advertised turkey prices fell further during the second week of November.
Other staple items contributed to the lower meal cost. Dinner rolls, stuffing, and several flour-based foods declined as wheat prices eased. Fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes moved higher, however, partly due to hurricane damage in North Carolina — the nation’s top sweet-potato state — and broader supply-chain pressures, including labor shortages and volatile produce markets. Farm Bureau economists note that even small price shifts can yield large percentage moves because these items typically trade at low prices.
Regional data shows the South offering the most affordable Thanksgiving meal at $50.01, followed by the Midwest, Northeast, and West. An expanded menu that includes ham, Russet potatoes, and green beans lifts the overall cost to $77.09, but it remains lower than in 2024. Farm groups say the declining meal cost is welcome, even as farmers themselves face historically low commodity prices, high input costs, and continued financial strain across the countryside.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to break down the numbers, explain what’s behind the price shift, and discuss what consumers — and producers — should know going into the holiday season.
In her interview, Ayoub outlined how the Farm Bureau survey is conducted each year, what foods are included on the menu, and why the benchmark is vital for tracking food affordability. She explained that lower turkey prices and easing supply pressures helped bring overall costs down, though a few items will still see small increases compared to 2023.
Ayoub also emphasized that the survey reflects the reality faced by farmers and ranchers who work year-round to keep grocery store shelves stocked. She noted that, despite lower retail prices this Thanksgiving, producers continue to navigate tight margins, high input costs, and market challenges as they work to meet consumer demand.
