ATLANTA () – According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest findings, the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving feast for ten people is estimated at approximately $55.18 this year. This marks a decrease of around 5% compared to 2024 and continues a three-year trend of price reductions, the organization’s annual report reveals.

The primary factor in this decline is the significant reduction in turkey prices. Reports from both the Farm Bureau and other market analyses indicate a 16% drop in turkey costs, making a typical 16-pound frozen turkey available for just over $20, contributing to the overall lower expenditure on holiday meals.

However, not all Thanksgiving staples are seeing a price cut. About half of the usual holiday items are pricier this year, with sweet potatoes and certain prepared foods experiencing notable price hikes due to weather-related and supply chain issues. The Farm Bureau and various media sources report that sweet potatoes have seen an increase of 37% to 40%, largely due to crop damage in major farming areas last year.

Consumers are experiencing mixed impacts from these price changes. While some are adapting by hunting for bargains and opting for alternative proteins like ham or duck, others are simplifying their menus or reducing the number of side dishes to offset the rising costs of specific items, such as gourmet cheeses and some canned or pre-prepared foods.

“Most meats have gone up, but I just focus on bargain shopping,” explained David Carter, a shopper in Atlanta. “I explore different stores to find the best prices and then make my decisions. This year, we shopped at Costco and managed to snag a good deal on ham, and we also had roasted duck, so it’s all working out fairly well.”

Economists point to a mix of factors. Tariffs and trade moves have limited some foreign supply, putting upward pressure on beef and other proteins in certain markets, while fierce retailer competition and promotional pricing have driven down turkey at the register.

“Well, so we’re actually seeing an increase in prices for beef. Because we’ve got some tariffs against foreign beef. So, lack of supplies is putting us under pressure there,” said Tom Smith, and economics and marketing professor at Emory University.

If cooking feels like too much, retailers are pitching cheaper alternatives. Grocers and discounters have pushed family meal bundles and turkey promotions to capture shoppers, and several chains are advertising low-cost kits and ready-to-heat options ahead of the holiday. Those promotions, along with aggressive loss-leader turkey pricing, are part of why many consumers will pay less overall even as some items cost more. 

“We’re getting on with our sides. We’ve kept the sides the same. And everything has been pretty moderate,” Carter said. Like, for example, macaroni and cheese. The cheese has went up a lot. But that’s okay, because there are certain cheeses that I use for my macaroni and cheese, and that’s not going to change. And that’s just the way it is. But when you go to see the roasted duck, you’re going to see a brown sugar honey glazed ham, homemade dressing, macaroni and cheese, candy yams, and cheddar cheese biscuits.”

You may see a noticeably cheaper turkey but higher prices on a handful of sides and prepackaged items. For budget-conscious hosts, experts recommend comparing unit prices across stores, considering alternative proteins, and taking advantage of bundled meals or store promotions that can cut prep time and cost.