Thanksgiving dinner costs down from 2022 record high – but still 25% higher than 2019

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, many in Alabama might see reduced prices of several holiday staples. After 2022’s record high national costs, families from across the country can now look forward to celebrating the holiday for a smaller price.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual survey, the average cost of this year’s holiday meal for 10, is $61.17 or less than $6.20 per person. This represents a 4.5% decrease from last year’s record-high average of $64.05, but a Thanksgiving meal is still 25% higher than it was in 2019.

“Traditionally, the turkey is the most expensive item on the Thanksgiving dinner table,” said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. “Turkey prices have fallen thanks to a sharp reduction in cases of avian influenza, which have allowed production to increase in time for the holiday.”

Currently, the average price for a 16-pound turkey in the country is $27.35. That is $1.71 per pound, down 5.6% from last year.

RELATED: Alabamians to ‘finally’ see grocery tax relief Sept. 1st

AFBF President Zippy Duvall discussed why prices have gone up in recent years.

“While shoppers will see a slight improvement in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, high inflation continues to hammer families across the country, including the nation’s farmers,” said Duvall. “Growing the food families rely on is a constant challenge for farmers because of high fuel, seed, fertilizer and transportation costs, just to name a few.”

She also noted that even after the price increases, the U.S. has “has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world.”

According to Duvall, that success is partially due to strong farm bill programs.

“Although our focus is sharing time with family and friends this Thanksgiving, our thoughts also turn to encouraging Congress to double down on a commitment to passing a new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise the crops and livestock that supply Thanksgiving dinner and every dinner.”

Individual Prices:

• 16-pound turkey: $27.35 or $1.71 per pound (down 5.6%)
• 14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.77 (down 2.8%)
• 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.50 (down 4.9%)
• Half pint of whipping cream: $1.73 (down 22.8%)
• 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.88 (down 1.1%)
• 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.84 (up 2.9%)
• Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.95 (down 4.4%)
• 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.44 (up 3.7%)
• 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.74 (down 2.6%)
• 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.97 (up .3%)
• 1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.90 (up 2.3%)
• 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.10 (down 18.3%)

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.