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Turkey Prices Climb, but Grocers Flood Thanksgiving With Deep Deals

Retail promotions with bundled meals keep many advertised turkey deals near last year’s levels.

Butterball frozen turkey, part of Walmart's basket of Thanksgiving goods, is displayed for sale at a store in Valley Stream, New York, U.S., November 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo
Display of Thanksgiving turkeys in a supermarket, Lafayette, California, November 13, 2025.
Wholesale turkey prices could rise to around $2 a pound this Thanksgiving, according to a new analysis from Purdue University. U.S. Department of Agriculture
Newington officials, police officers, firefighters and Stew Leonard’s team members help load 470 turkeys into vehicles to be distributed to residents in need during Stew Leonard’s 46th annual Turkey Brigade at the Newington store on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Stew Leonard’s distributed more than 3,000 turkeys from its stores across the tristate area. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)

Overview

  • USDA data show wholesale turkey prices up roughly 40% from 2024, while a Purdue analysis estimates a larger 75% jump and an average near $2.05 per pound.
  • Avian influenza continues to strain supply, and the USDA expects about five million fewer turkeys this year, a roughly 3% decline that marks a 40-year low.
  • Higher feed costs and tariffs on imported ingredients and packaging have lifted producers’ expenses, though some tariff rollbacks could slow future increases.
  • Major chains are countering with aggressive offers, including Walmart’s Butterball at $0.97 per pound, Aldi’s $40 feast for 10, Target’s under-$20 kit for four, Amazon’s $25 meal for five, and deep per‑pound discounts at Lidl, Wegmans, and other grocers.
  • Analysts say shoppers can limit costs by choosing frozen birds, comparing store brands, using loyalty apps and coupons, considering meal bundles, shopping early, and expecting tighter availability for fresh or specialty turkeys.