Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a festive meal, but hosting the traditional feast comes with costs that have risen significantly in recent years. While there’s good news about turkey prices, the overall expense of Thanksgiving dinner remains higher than before the pandemic.
In Illinois, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is $62.84, placing the state in the mid-range of affordability nationwide, according to GOBankingRates.
Turkey, often the centerpiece of the meal, is one area where shoppers might find some relief. Thanks to increased production and fewer avian flu cases, the average price of a 16-pound turkey has dropped to $25.67 this year, down from $27.47 last year. However, other Thanksgiving staples like stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie mix remain higher than they were before the pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall food prices have risen 25% since 2019, with Thanksgiving food items up 19%.
For families looking to save, many retailers often offer special deals, such as budget-friendly meal packages and discounts on holiday essentials. Shoppers are also encouraged to compare store-brand options with name brands to find additional savings. However, experts caution to be mindful of “shrinkflation,” a trend where package sizes are reduced while prices remain the same, which has been noted in items like frozen peas and green beans.