If it feels like high prices have taken a big bite out of your weekly grocery shop, you’re not wrong. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts that overall food prices will rise between 2.6% and 3.4% in 2025, on top of two years of unusually steep increases. The cost of many staples — especially meat — remains stubbornly high (1).
Now, just as families gear up for Thanksgiving, the wholesale price of a pound of turkey, $1.32, is expected to jump by 40% compared to last year’s recent low of $0.94, according to numbers from the USDA and the American Farm Bureau Federation (2). And that’s not counting retailers’ markup. AFBF says ongoing bird flu outbreaks have impacted supply (3).
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As Americans face inflation, layoffs, a wobbly economy, and uncertainty about the future of government benefits, many aren’t sure how they’re going to put Thanksgiving dinner on the table. However, some retailers are looking for ways to make Thanksgiving easier on the wallet. Here’s where you can look for deals.
Thanksgiving grocery deals
Grocery retailers know consumers are watching every dollar, and many are offering special promotions to make the holiday meal a little more affordable. Here’s how the biggest players stack up this season:
Walmart
The mega-retailer’s Thanksgiving basket includes over 20 items — with turkey, gravy, stuffing and a pie for dessert — for under $40, or less than $4 per person for a 10-person feast. The price is 25% lower than last year and first-time delivery customers get free express shipping (4).
Aldi
Aldi’s Thanksgiving meal deal costs $40 for 10 people, which is $7 cheaper than last year. The meal includes 21 items, such as a turkey, rolls, cranberry sauce, both potatoes and sweet potatoes, and boxed macaroni and cheese. The no-frills grocer offers one of the most affordable options in 2025 (5).
BJ’s Wholesale
BJ’s is bringing back its free Butterball turkey (up to $25) for members who spend $150 or more on holiday essentials in a single transaction. Customers can redeem the offer on the BJ’s website or app between Nov. 15 and 26 (6).
Costco
Costco’s prepared Thanksgiving dinner feeds eight people for $25 per person with a manufacturer’s discount. It includes a free-range turkey breast, stuffing, mac and cheese and two desserts — a higher quality, but pricier option for those who want to avoid spending all day in the kitchen.
Local grocers
Local grocery stores are also offering deals. Publix, a brand popular in the southern U.S., is offering a prepared complete dinner for eight for $69.99 (7). Northeastern grocer Giant Eagle is offering a free turkey if shoppers spend $350 total between Oct. 16 and Nov. 6 (8). Check flyers to see what grocery stores near you are offering. Even with higher food prices, these bundles show how competitive grocery chains have become about value. For context, the average cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in 2024 was about $58, according to the Farm Bureau — so some of these deals undercut last year’s averages by 20 to 30% (9).
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How to keep your budget on track this holiday season
The best way to handle rising prices isn’t just chasing deals — it means planning ahead. Here are a few simple strategies to make it through the holidays without losing sight of your financial goals (10).
Create a holiday spending plan
Decide how much you can realistically afford to spend on both gifts and gatherings, then stick to it. Factor in travel, decorations and food, so there aren’t surprises later. Setting aside a bit every month can make the holiday spending easier to handle — consider starting a savings plan in January for next year.
Set gifting expectations early
If you worry about overspending on gifts, suggest simplifying your gift giving with friends and family. Secret Santa exchanges or agreeing to buy gifts only for kids can cut down on costs. Framing it as a collective way to save can help keep everyone on board — and bringing it up now can help set the tone for your entire holiday season.
Leverage loyalty programs and credit card points
Use store loyalty apps and rewards programs to score discounts or cash back. Many grocery stores also offer extra fuel points during the holidays, which can help reduce travel costs. Make sure to check which credit cards offer the best rewards so you can maximize points earned.
Accept help
If you’re hosting, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a side dish or dessert. Most people are happy to contribute — especially with prices this high. By making a plan together, you can reduce the amount every one spends and avoid overbuying.
Finally, remember it’s okay to say no. Between holiday parties, gift swaps and dinners, holiday expenses can add up fast. You don’t have to say yes to every invite or event — protecting your finances now can make for a less stressful start to the new year.
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Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
USDA (1); USDA (2); American Farm Bureau Federation (3); Walmart (4); Aldi (5); BJ’s (6); Costco (7); Publix (8); American Farm Bureau Federation (9); CNBC (10)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.