Full Breakdown
Decline in Thanksgiving Dinner Costs for 2025
11/20/2025, 8:58:27 AM
Overview of Cost Trends
The cost of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for ten people has decreased for the third consecutive year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The average cost for a traditional Thanksgiving meal is now $55.18, reflecting a 5% decline from the previous year. This marks a significant reduction from the record high of $64.05 in 2022. The primary contributor to this decrease is the price drop of turkey, which is a staple of the holiday feast.
Key Price Changes
The average price for a 16-pound frozen turkey is $21.50, equating to $1.34 per pound, down over 16% from 2024. This reduction is attributed to grocery stores offering promotional deals to stimulate consumer demand, despite a rise in wholesale prices for fresh turkey. The AFBF's survey, which has been conducted annually since 1986, includes a shopping list of traditional items such as stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, peas, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, all sufficient for ten servings.
While turkey prices fell, other items experienced price increases. Sweet potatoes rose by 37%, and a veggie tray saw a staggering increase of 61%. These increases are partly due to adverse weather conditions, such as Hurricane Helene, which impacted North Carolina's sweet potato production.
Regional Cost Variations
The AFBF analysis revealed regional disparities in Thanksgiving dinner costs. The classic meal is most affordable in the South at $50.01, followed by the Midwest at $54.38, the Northeast at $60.82, and the West at $61.75. When including additional items like boneless ham and Russet potatoes, the South remains the least expensive region at $71.20, while the West has the highest cost at $84.97.
Official Statements & Responses
AFBF Economist Faith Parum noted, “It’s encouraging to see some relief in the price of turkeys, as it is typically the most expensive part of the meal.” AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, stating, “We lost 15,000 farms last year because of factors including historically low crop prices, high supply costs, and trade uncertainty.” He urged Congress to address these economic conditions to support farm families.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the overall decline in Thanksgiving dinner costs, concerns persist regarding the volatility of fresh produce prices. Factors such as labor shortages and rising farm wages contribute to increased costs for vegetables and potatoes. Duvall highlighted that even modest price increases in traditionally low-cost items can significantly affect year-to-year cost comparisons.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the AFBF survey indicates a general decline in Thanksgiving dinner costs, the increases in specific items like sweet potatoes and fresh vegetables raise questions about the overall affordability of holiday meals for families. The impact of supply chain disruptions and natural disasters on food prices remains a critical area for further investigation.
Conclusion
The 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost survey reflects a mixed landscape of declining overall costs alongside significant price increases for certain items. As families prepare for the holiday, the affordability of traditional meals continues to be influenced by various economic and environmental factors.
