Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and if you’re hosting, chances are you’re already scanning grocery store circulars for coupons and deals.
Each year, retailers offer savings on Thanksgiving dinner packages or deals that work up to something like a free turkey.
But are those deals worth it? Or are there better ways to save? Here’s what we found.
How Much Does Thanksgiving Dinner Cost on Average?
While the 2026 averages aren’t out yet, last year’s data from the Farm Bureau put the average American’s 10-person Thanksgiving dinner at $55.18. That breakdown includes:
- A 16-pound turkey: $21.50
- 12 oz. cranberries: $2.28
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes: $4.00
- 1/2 pound each of carrots and celery: $1.36
- 16 oz. green peas: $2.03
- Two 9-inch pie shells: $3.37
- 14 oz. cube stuffing: $3.71
- One dozen dinner rolls: $3.56
- 30 oz. pumpkin pie mix: $4.16
- One gallon of whole milk: $3.73
- 1/2 pint of whipping cream: $1.87
Are Grocery Store Meal Deals Worth It?
Leading up to Thanksgiving, countless meal deals are advertised at grocery stores across the country.
Amazon boasts a $25 Thanksgiving meal with same-day delivery, featuring an 8-pound turkey. Walmart says you can feed 10 with its $35 bundle, including a Butterball turkey at $0.97 per pound.
So what’s the catch?
That depends on how many you’re hosting and which dishes you’re making. Bundles can be a good starting point, but you’ll likely need other odds and ends to pull dinner together, such as cookware, baking trays, butter, milk and other kitchen staples.
For example, ALDI’s under-$39 bundle includes celery and peeled carrots along with whole milk and heavy whipping cream, while other deals opt for evaporated milk and canned veggies.
On the other end of the spectrum, $200 at Costco will get you up to 5 pounds of Amish-raised, free-range turkey breast and ready sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole and more.
How valuable a grocery deal is to you depends on what you’re willing to spend, how much you value convenience and how particular you are about your holiday recipes.
Other Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner
Grocery bundles aren’t the only way to save. Consider these suggestions:
- Don’t wait for one big trip. Add shelf-stable items like canned veggies or stuffing mix to your weekly shop now to spread out the cost.
- Take advantage of coupons and sales. Watch those weekly circulars leading up to the holiday for good savings.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around. You don’t have to buy your entire meal in one trip from one store. Price match and compare deals at the stores in your area.
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing about cost-of-living issues for USA TODAY.
Reporting by Kaitlyn McCormick, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY
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