Thanksgiving Costs and Inflation Impact: Mixed Picture
New data from the American Farm Bureau Federation indicates Thanksgiving dinner costs may be stable or slightly lower for 2026 .
Cost Findings:
AFBF Survey: A Thanksgiving meal for 10 will cost $49.87, a slight decrease from last year's average of $50.11, and the lowest level since 2010 after adjusting for inflation
Datasembly Survey: A basket of 11 Thanksgiving staples cost $58.81, up 4.1% from last year
USDA: Wholesale turkey prices expected to rise 44% due to shrinking flock, but retailers are offering discounts
Reasons for Mixed Picture:
Turkey Prices: Wholesale turkey prices up significantly (81% in one survey) due to avian viruses, but retailers are offering discounted or loss-leader turkeys to attract shoppers
Tariffs: Tariffs on imported steel have increased canned goods prices; jellied cranberry sauce up 38% from last year
Weather: Cranberry production down 9% due to drought; pumpkin prices stable due to dry weather
