Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mixed Signals on Holiday Food Costs: Traditional Thanksgiving Meal Down as Many Staples Rise

Fact-checkers say Trump's 25% boast relies on a smaller Walmart bundle rather than comparable price cuts.

Overview

  • The American Farm Bureau Federation pegs a 10-person Thanksgiving dinner at $55.18, about 5% lower than 2024, largely from cheaper frozen turkeys.
  • Bankrate reports 78% of 50 CPI-based holiday staples cost more than a year ago, indicating broader price pressure beyond discounted turkey deals.
  • A report from the Groundwork Collaborative, the Century Foundation and AFT estimates a near 10% jump in a fuller holiday basket, with steep increases for items such as onions and canned sides.
  • PolitiFact rated Trump's claim of a 25% cheaper Thanksgiving "Mostly False," finding Walmart's promoted kit shrank in items and sizes compared with last year.
  • Government data show grocery prices up 2.7% year over year in September, and a Data for Progress poll finds most respondents expect Thanksgiving to be harder to afford.