Despite wholesale prices remaining high, this Thanksgiving in the United States, the prices of turkeys (the main dish for Thanksgiving dinner) at supermarkets across many states are lower than expected.
Shoppers in several states have told reporters that they have found turkey prices significantly reduced this year. This trend is also reflected in a recent nationwide survey.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Survey showed that the average price of a 16-pound (about 7.3 kilograms) frozen turkey is $21.50, or $1.34 per pound. Last year, the same size turkey was priced at $1.60 per pound according to the same survey.
These price reductions stem from the retail industry’s common “loss-leader” strategy, where stores sell popular items like Thanksgiving turkeys at a loss to attract more customers and drive overall sales. Stores often set quantity or condition limits on promotional items.
While retail supermarket prices have decreased, wholesale turkey prices have increased significantly. According to data from the USDA, the average wholesale price of a frozen whole hen turkey (hens are smaller in size and have tender meat) has risen from 94 cents per pound four years ago to an estimated $1.35 per pound this year, mainly due to the impact of avian flu.
Retail chains such as Walmart and Aldi in the United States offer discounted prices to shoppers, with a turkey and side dishes meal package for 10 people priced at around $40.
In California, there is a high demand for organic products and an early restriction on the use of antibiotics in livestock. California Fresh Market advertises Mary’s Fresh antibiotic-free whole turkey at $3.28 per pound.
Kelly Hacker, a resident of Orinda in the San Francisco Bay Area, told reporters that the prices of turkeys and sides are similar to last year.
However, Hacker mentioned that the prices won’t deter her, as Thanksgiving is a celebration for her family to gather all relatives in the state, “So for me and my family, this is really a very, very important thing.”
Tanya Elcock from Orange County mentioned in a text message that she has not yet started buying the ingredients for the family feast but is not concerned about costs this year. She said, “I believe the president’s policies will soon begin to lower the cost of daily living. Trump wants to repair much of the damage caused by Biden’s disastrous term.”
In the northern part of Florida, the supermarket chain Publix sells frozen turkeys for 49 cents per pound, with a limit of 2 turkeys per purchase. The store also offers a buy one get one free deal on frozen turkey breast meat with gravy, originally priced at $4.59 per pound.
Michelle Childers, a shopper from Florida, told reporters that she bought a prepared turkey meal with 4 side dishes at Fresh Market for $109, serving 8 to 10 people. She said, “Honestly, I am surprised at such a low price. The deals are indeed out there; you just need to shop around.”
In rural areas of East Texas, shoppers mentioned that the prices are similar to last year.
On November 20th, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted the survey conducted by the Farm Bureau stating that the price of a 16-pound frozen turkey has decreased by 16%, proving Trump’s commitment to reducing the cost of living.
The survey showed that the average cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal this year is $55.18, lower than the peak price of $64.05 during the inflation surge in 2022 but still higher than the $46.90 price in 2020. The average prices vary by region, with the highest in the West at $61.75 and the lowest in the South at $50.01.