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Seven Ways to Save on the High Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner
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By Bill McEwen, News Director
Published 2 years ago on
November 17, 2022

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Thanksgiving dinner hasn’t escaped the ravages of inflation.

In western states, putting together and cooking a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people costs an average of $88.55.

According to the Farm Bureau, the average cost of a “classic” feast for 10 people is $64.05 this year. That’s a 20% hike, or $10.74, from the 2021 price.

However, average cost doesn’t tell the whole story. In western states, putting together and cooking the same meal costs $88.55.

“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said Roger Cryan, chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, in a news release.

“General inflation has been running 7% to 9% in recent months, while the most recent Consumer Price Index report for food consumed at home reveals a 12% increase over the past year.”

The Farm Bureau’s Thanksgiving shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk — all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.

From 2011 through 2020, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner actually dropped a couple of dollars. But it jumped by $6.41 to $53.31 in 2021 and nearly $11 more this year.

Thanksgiving Cost-Cutting Tips

  • Go potluck and have guests bring the side dishes.
  • Check your cupboard for items you already have and whip up creative side dishes.
  • Smaller portions will spare your wallet and waistline.
  • With the cost of turkey soaring, roast a chicken instead.
  • Make your own pies instead of buying them at the store.
  • Shop around. Aldi, for example, says it is keeping non-perishables at its 2019 prices.
  • Look for deals. Some stores offer specials on turkeys.

The Farm Bureau’s Thanksgiving Menu

The Farm Bureau’s Thanksgiving shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk — all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.

From 2011 through 2020, prices for a Thanksgiving dinner actually dropped a couple of dollars. But they jumped by $6.41 to $53.31 in 2021 and nearly $11 above that this year.

Thanksgiving Dinner Costs
(American Farm Bureau Federation)

How the Cost Is Calculated

The national average cost is based on 224 surveys from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.

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Bill McEwen,
News Director
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email

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