Give Thanks for the Discounts: Why Your 2025 Thanksgiving Feast May Finally Cost Less
After several years of sticker shock, grocery chains across the U.S. are rolling out aggressive Thanksgiving promotions, hoping to lure budget‑strained families back to fuller holiday tables. While price levels remain higher than before the pandemic, the trend line for the classic holiday basket is finally pointing down.
Why Your Thanksgiving Feast Costs a Little Less This Year
Government data, supermarket surveys and food‑industry reports all point to the same shift: the typical Thanksgiving meal is cheaper than it was a year ago, even though overall grocery prices are still above pre‑2020 norms. The key difference in 2025 is that supply chains have stabilized and retailers are more willing to sacrifice margins to win back price‑sensitive shoppers.
Analysts tracking the cost of a “classic” Thanksgiving dinner for 10—turkey, stuffing, rolls, cranberries, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie and whipped cream—are reporting a modest decline from last year’s record highs. The relief is not dramatic, but it is enough to make hosting a large gathering feel possible again for many households.
“Food inflation is slowing, and in some categories prices are falling, but consumers are still navigating the legacy of several years of elevated costs.”
That “legacy” is why many shoppers feel like the discounts are overdue—and why every sale sticker on a turkey or bag of flour matters this year.
What’s Cheaper, What’s Not: A 2025 Thanksgiving Price Breakdown
Turkey Takes Center Stage—with Smaller Price Tags
The biggest relief is on the bird itself. After avian flu outbreaks and feed‑cost spikes pushed turkey prices sharply higher in recent years, better flock health and more stable grain markets are helping wholesale prices retreat.
- Frozen whole turkeys are widely advertised at discounted per‑pound prices in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
- Store brands are particularly aggressive, sometimes even selling turkeys at or below cost when shoppers meet a minimum spend on other groceries.
- Fresh, specialty or organic birds are still pricier, but increases have slowed and deals are more common than last year.
Stuffing, Sides and Baking Staples
Stuffing mix, canned broths and boxed potatoes are also seeing modest price declines, largely because input costs such as wheat and transportation have steadied. Retailers are packaging these together in “meal deals” to create the impression—and often the reality—of a cheaper total bill.
Baking ingredients tell a more mixed story:
- Flour and sugar: Marginally cheaper or flat versus last year.
- Butter and eggs: Still elevated, but off the extreme highs that shocked bakers in 2023 and 2024.
- Canned pumpkin and pie crusts: Frequently used as promotional “loss leaders” in November circulars.
Still Pain Points: Fresh Produce and Specialty Items
Fresh fruits and vegetables—especially out‑of‑season items—remain stubbornly expensive, reflecting weather disruptions and higher labor costs. Imported cheeses, charcuterie boards and premium beverages also continue to command premium prices.
If you’re trying to rein in costs, this is where smart substitutions—fewer exotic ingredients, more rooted-in-season produce—will have the biggest impact.
How Real Hosts Are Stretching Their Thanksgiving Budgets
Across the country, hosts like Kayla Jenkins—preparing dinner for a table of 10 or more—are recalibrating what Thanksgiving looks like. A slightly cheaper turkey does not erase years of accumulated inflation, but it can free up room in the budget for an extra side dish or dessert.
Many households are:
- Scaling up potlucks: Guests are more willing than ever to bring a signature dish or dessert.
- Trimming the menu: Cutting one or two rarely touched sides can save both money and food waste.
- Shopping earlier and more strategically: Tracking weekly flyers and loyalty‑card deals in the month leading up to the holiday.
- Leaning on store brands: Especially for pantry staples where taste differences are minimal.
“Frugality isn’t about deprivation; it’s about deciding what you value most and directing your money toward those things.”
Approaching Thanksgiving with that mindset can turn a stressful budgeting exercise into a deliberate choice about which traditions matter most.
Smart Strategies to Save on This Year’s Thanksgiving Groceries
With discounts back on the table, a few well‑timed moves can compound your savings. The goal is not to chase every coupon, but to be systematic where it counts.
1. Build Your Menu Around Sales, Not the Other Way Around
Instead of writing a rigid menu and then buying whatever it demands, scan your store’s weekly ads first. If sweet potatoes or green beans are heavily discounted, make them star side dishes. If whole turkeys are cheaper than turkey breasts, adjust your plan accordingly.
2. Use Loyalty Programs and Digital Coupons
Many major chains now offer locked‑in holiday prices to loyalty‑card holders. Digital coupons layered on seasonal sales can produce notable savings on:
- Canned vegetables and broths
- Stuffing mix and gravy
- Pie crusts, whipped topping and baking chips
3. Compare Unit Prices, Not Just Shelf Prices
Larger packages sometimes offer lower cost per ounce—but not always. Use unit pricing labels, now more prominent after consumer‑advocacy pressure, to compare options quickly. This matters especially for staples like flour, sugar and cooking oil.
4. Plan for Leftovers on Purpose
A slightly larger turkey or extra tray of stuffing can be cost‑effective if you intentionally repurpose leftovers: turkey soup, pot pies, sandwiches and grain bowls can cover multiple weeknight meals, spreading the cost of the feast across several days.
Tools and Products That Make a Budget Thanksgiving Easier
While you do not need expensive gadgets to roast a turkey, a few reliable tools can help you avoid costly mistakes like overcooked meat or wasted ingredients.
- Meat thermometer: A dependable thermometer ensures your turkey is safely cooked without drying it out. Consider a highly rated option like the ThermoPro Waterproof Digital Meat Thermometer , which is popular among home cooks in the U.S.
- Heavy‑duty roasting pan: A sturdy pan distributes heat evenly and can last for years of holiday meals.
- Reusable storage containers: Durable, stackable containers make it easier to portion and freeze leftovers safely.
Investing once in durable basics can reduce last‑minute stress and prevent food waste over multiple holiday seasons.
Health‑Conscious Choices That Also Save Money
A lighter, more balanced Thanksgiving plate can often be cheaper, not just healthier. Many nutrient‑dense ingredients—like beans, whole grains and in‑season vegetables—tend to be more affordable per serving than heavily processed options.
- Swap part of the sausage in stuffing for lentils or mushrooms.
- Emphasize roasted root vegetables and brassicas that are in season.
- Offer at least one lower‑sugar dessert or fruit‑forward option.
Resources from organizations like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provide evidence‑based tips for enjoying holiday foods while keeping portions and ingredients in balance.
How Retailers Are Competing for Your Thanksgiving Cart
The economics behind your cheaper turkey are straightforward: grocers are in a fierce battle for foot traffic at a time when many households are trading down or cutting back altogether. Thanksgiving promotions are one of the few opportunities retailers have each year to win new loyalty.
Common tactics in 2025 include:
- “Free turkey with purchase” offers when you meet a spending threshold on other items.
- Limited‑time price locks on a full Thanksgiving basket.
- Digital‑only deals that nudge shoppers toward store apps and personalized coupons.
Economic reports from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, major supermarket chains’ earnings calls, and consumer‑spending coverage from Reuters all highlight the same tension: retailers need volume, but shoppers are cautious. Thanksgiving discounts are one visible result.
Rediscovering Thanksgiving Traditions Beyond the Price Tag
Even as hosts watch every dollar, the holiday remains anchored in family, gratitude and connection—values that are not indexed to the Consumer Price Index. Many families are reframing the feast around shared effort and time together rather than sheer abundance.
Simple, low‑cost traditions that are gaining renewed attention include:
- Handwritten gratitude cards at each place setting.
- Collaborative playlists built by family members across generations.
- Story circles where older relatives share memories of past holidays.
Social media creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok are also showcasing inventive low‑budget menus, thrifted table decor and meal‑prep strategies that emphasize creativity over cost.
Extra Tips to Make the Most of This Year’s Discounts
To extract the maximum value from this year’s slightly lower Thanksgiving prices, consider layering these final strategies:
- Freeze early buys: Purchase non‑perishables and freezable items when they first go on sale, rather than waiting until the final week.
- Share bulk purchases: Split oversized bags of potatoes or flour with neighbors or family members.
- Track your own “basket” over time: Keep a simple note on your phone listing what you paid this year for key items. Use it next year to gauge whether a sale is truly good.
- Plan a “second life” for every dish: Before shopping, jot down at least one way each major item will be used after the big meal.
For deeper context on food prices and budgeting, resources such as the USDA Food Price Outlook and practical guides from nonprofit organizations like Consumer Reports can help you plan not just for Thanksgiving, but for year‑round grocery savings.
As retailers and suppliers continue to adjust to a post‑pandemic economy, staying informed—and flexible—will remain your most powerful tool. This year’s slightly cheaper feast is a welcome sign that the pressure on holiday budgets can ease, even if only a little at a time.
