BAF NEWS

TL;DR

The 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost averages $55.18 for 10, a roughly 5% drop from 2024. Here’s the twist: turkey is driving the savings, while sides like sweet potatoes and veggie trays spiked. That means the average cost of Thanksgiving 2025 looks better, yet checkout totals still depend on where you shop and which deals you catch.

2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost: headline numbers

The 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost lands at $55.18 for a “classic” basket that feeds 10. That’s about $5.52 per person and roughly 5% lower than last year, based on the afbf thanksgiving survey 2025. You might be surprised that the average cost of Thanksgiving 2025 fell despite ongoing food inflation.

Here’s the twist: the survey tracks a specific basket and portions. So, the headline is real, but your table may not match it. The methodology matters for what ends up in your cart.

What’s driving the 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost

Turkey did the heavy lifting. The average price for a 16‑pound frozen bird is $21.50, or about $1.34 per pound. In short, turkey price 2025 is down around 16% from last year.

Retailers are leaning in with aggressive promos to win your trip. That’s why turkey price 2025 improvements are showing up even when some wholesale dynamics are mixed. As grocers battle for traffic, the bird gets cheaper, and the total follows.

Not everything is cheaper: sides surge

Now the curveball: several sides jumped. Sweet potatoes are up about 37%. Veggie trays soared more than 61%. Frozen peas rose roughly 17%, and whole milk climbed about 16%.

According to available reports, these increases reflect mixed supply, weather, and cost pressures. Despite the afbf thanksgiving survey 2025 showing an overall drop, the basket hides some painful line items. Consequently, the average cost of Thanksgiving 2025 depends on how side-heavy your menu runs.

Where you shop matters: regions and promotions

Regional price gaps are real. The South averages around $50 for the classic basket, highlighting how regional thanksgiving costs south can undercut the national number. If you’re flexible on brands and sizes, you can beat the average.

Retail chains are piling on discounts. Walmart is advertising a Thanksgiving bundle for under $40, while Target’s promo kit is roughly $20 for four. That’s why thanksgiving meal deals 2025 can be the difference between a $55 bill and something closer to $40.

And there’s more: some states still tax groceries, sometimes near 9%. That adds up at the register, so two shoppers can see different totals for the same cart. Therefore, when comparing regional thanksgiving costs south to national averages, factor taxes, promos, and local store competition.

You might be surprised that thanksgiving meal deals 2025 can beat even the South’s average. The fine print matters, though: pack sizes, brands, and availability can shift what you actually pay.

What AFBF’s basket includes, and leaves out

What no one is mentioning: the “classic” basket skips some fan favorites. There’s no green bean casserole and, this year, no mashed potatoes in the official list. The survey also assumes lean portions and minimal leftovers.

If your spread is fuller, expect more. One estimate for a broader menu puts a comparable feast at about $76.50 for eight. So, the average cost of Thanksgiving 2025 headline is a helpful baseline, not a final bill.

What’s next: final promos and updated estimates

Promotions tend to intensify right up to the holiday. Retailers will keep adjusting prices and bundles to draw last‑minute shoppers. As a result, your receipt will hinge on product mix, local taxes, and the strongest deal you can find.

Expect updated snapshots as groups refresh their figures. Future surveys will reflect late-breaking discounts, which could push the 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost even lower for some shoppers. Until then, shop early, compare bundles, and keep an eye on the circulars.