Cost of Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Down Slightly for 2023
November 16, 2023 
The latest price survey from American Farm Bureau Federation indicates a slight drop in cost over last year for a classic Thanksgiving dinner serving 10.
Graphic courtesy of American Farm Bureau Federation
While high inflation has left folks feeling extra bloated around the holidays the last few years, there might be a tiny bit more room for another helping this Thanksgiving. According to the latest survey from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal is down slightly this year — about 5%. While that is good news coming off last year’s record-high average cost ($64.05), perspective is everything. This year’s average of $61.17 for a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 is still 25% higher than 2019.
Current turkey prices are helping bring down the overall cost of dinner. The average price for a 16-pound turkey is $27.35. That is $1.71 per pound, down 5.6% from last year. These numbers are as of Nov. 1-6 when Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices. This also was before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices.
The shopping list for AFBF’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. All are in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty of leftovers.
Here is a breakdown of individual prices:
- 16-pound turkey: $27.35 or $1.71 per pound (down 5.6%)
- 14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.77 (down 2.8%)
- 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.50 (down 4.9%)
- Half pint of whipping cream: $1.73 (down 22.8%)
- 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.88 (down 1.1%)
- 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.84 (up 2.9%)
- Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.95 (down 4.4%)
- 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.44 (up 3.7%)
- 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.74 (down 2.6%)
- 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.97 (up .3%)
- 1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.90 (up 2.3%)
- 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.10 (down 18.3%)
Honoring changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey also includes an expanded menu, which includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes, and frozen green beans. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $23.58, up to $84.75.
Survey Stats
According to Farm Bureau, this year’s national average cost was calculated using 245 surveys completed with pricing data 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.
AFBF’s Thanksgiving dinner survey has been conducted since 1986. For comparison’s sake, the average Thanksgiving meal cost back then was $28.74! Check out a graphic here that shows the difference of prices over the years.