Holiday Sticker Shock: Survey Shows Cost for Thanksgiving Feast up 20%
November 18, 2022 
This chart provides some food for thought when it comes to rising food prices. The latest price survey from American Farm Bureau Federation indicates a marked jump in cost over last year for a classic Thanksgiving meal serving 10.
For those ready to chow down this Thanksgiving, make room on your plate for an extra side of inflation. According to American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) latest price survey, the average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 this year is $64.05 — a 20% jump over 2021.
To start, turkey costs more than last year, at $28.96 for a 16-pound bird. That’s $1.81 per pound, up 21% from last year, due to several factors beyond general inflation. Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 18-31, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices.
So, what about the fixins? Farm Bureau’s shopping list also includes stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, as well as coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers. In addition, the price survey also features ham, Russet potatoes, and frozen green beans. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost by $17.25, to $81.30. This updated basket of foods also increased in price (up 18%) compared to 2021.
“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,” says AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine. Farmers are working hard to meet growing demands for food – both here in the U.S. and globally – while facing rising prices for fuel, fertilizer, and other inputs.”
This marks the 37th year AFBF has conducted its informal price survey. The national average cost was calculated using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, according to the organization. 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.
“We should not take our food supply for granted,” adds AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Supporting sustainable productive agriculture in the U.S. and globally is imperative.”
For more details of American Farm Bureau’s Thanksgiving price survey, visit fb.org.
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