Thanksgiving Dinner 2024: Rising Costs & Budget-Saving Strategies

As Thanksgiving approaches, many consumers are noticing an uptick in the cost of their holiday meals. A recent PissedConsumer survey indicates that 76.3% of individuals have observed higher prices for Thanksgiving dinner in 2024, with 74.1% reporting that inflation is impacting their holiday shopping overall.

Price Increases in Key Thanksgiving Items

Thanksgiving costs present mixed trends this year, as noted by Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute. A Thanksgiving meal using store-brand items costs around $73, up 2.7% from last year, while a similar meal with name brands totals $90, showing a slight decrease. Turkey prices remain stable, though name-brand turkeys saw a 2% drop, while store-brand turkeys rose by 5%. Other staples, like stuffing and dinner rolls, have seen price increases between 3% and 9%, with store brands generally offering modest savings. This allows consumers to balance brand preference and cost.

Consumer Behavior and Sentiment

In response to these price changes, consumers are adjusting their shopping habits. Many are opting for store-brand products, which can help with budget-conscious shopping.

Retailers are also introducing budget-friendly options to help consumers stretch their holiday dollars. Aldi, for example, offers a Thanksgiving meal bundle for ten people at just $47, a significant savings for consumers facing rising expenses. One reviewer noted on PissedConsumer.com:

“It’s a wonderful way to celebrate for people who cannot afford Thanksgiving.”

Shoppers should consider starting early to make the most of this offer, as availability varies by location. As one consumer noted, “I know that meal was advertised on the news, and I thought it was still offered.”

Other Thanksgiving Issues

Beyond rising costs, some consumers have reported issues with holiday meal preparations. For instance, one customer shared an experience of purchasing two turkeys for Thanksgiving, both of which had problems. Despite contacting the company and being promised a gift card, they never received it. Such experiences highlight the importance of quality assurance and customer service during the holiday season.

Tips for Saving on Thanksgiving Costs

For those looking to manage holiday expenses, a few practical Thanksgiving tips can help:

Shop early

Take advantage of discounts on non-perishable items well before Thanksgiving. Many retailers offer deals in the weeks leading up to the holiday, which can help avoid last-minute price spikes.

Consider frozen options

Opting for a frozen turkey instead of fresh can lead to substantial savings without sacrificing quality. Just remember to leave enough time for proper defrosting.

Mix store and name-brands

With some name-brands now priced competitively, a mix-and-match approach can keep quality high while controlling costs. Prioritize store brands for items like canned goods and staples, while reserving name brands for preferred specialty items.

Plan a balanced menu

Focus on a few crowd-pleasers rather than an extensive menu. Selecting recipes that use affordable ingredients, like potatoes and seasonal vegetables, can keep both guests and budgets satisfied.

Explore local markets

Shopping at local farmers’ markets or smaller grocers can sometimes yield better deals on produce and baked goods while supporting local businesses.

Originally published on Consumer News & Trends.