Overview
- USDA data show wholesale frozen turkey prices up about 40% year over year to roughly $1.32 per pound, while a Purdue analysis projects some wholesale prices near $2 per pound and an average 15‑pound bird around $30.
- Analysts tie higher producer costs to avian influenza losses, processing‑plant closures, and pricier feed and inputs, including ingredients affected by tariffs.
- Major chains are leaning on bundle promotions: Walmart advertises a roughly $40 basket for 10 with a 13.5‑pound Butterball at $0.97 per pound, Kroger prices its bundle near $4.75 per person, Aldi targets about $40 for 10, Target offers a smaller kit under $20 for four, and Amazon lists a “feed 5 for about $25” option in some areas.
- Wells Fargo’s Agri‑Food Institute estimates a traditional Thanksgiving menu costs about 2–3% less than last year, with bigger savings for shoppers who choose private‑label items over national brands.
- FactCheck.org reports the president’s claim of a 25% drop based on Walmart’s meal is misleading because this year’s basket has fewer and different items, finding a like‑for‑like decline of about 6.5% as overall grocery prices remain up 2.7% year over year.