Turkey Prices Are Down This Year But Side Dishes Might Gobble Up Your Budget
Bright and early on October 15, 2024, Good Morning America featured a Wells Fargo assessment of Thanksgiving food prices for this holiday season. The exclusive report brought news of price increases for many ingredients used in Thanksgiving side staples, such as canned pumpkin, which is up 30% compared to last year. The causes of these increases are attributed to the rising costs of labor and transportation. As for the popular proteins at the big table, turkey prices are down 16% but the bird may have to fly solo as ham prices are up 5.2% compared to 2023.
This year, the reason why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving might be in part because it is selling at a mouthwatering price. These poultry price drops can even be found in the new prices of holiday meals at some chain grocery stores. The report shares that Aldi stores nationwide will provide holiday meal deals, from now until Christmas, that serve up to 10 people for only $47; this is the third lowest price for Aldi's meal deal in the last five years. Walmart is providing a similar meal deal for up to 10 people it's billing as "inflation-free holiday meals." This special comes out to under $7 a person.
Prices for many ingredients have shifted, sometimes dramatically
Apart from the dramatic increase in canned pumpkin prices, other popular side ingredients are experiencing significant price changes this holiday season. The Good Morning America report shares that the prices of sweet potatoes are up 4% and russet potatoes are up 14% compared to last year. Additionally, the cost of canned green beans has risen by 9%, so comparing the difference in prices between fresh and canned forms of these holiday ingredients is likely essential to your budget. Furthermore, when choosing ingredients this Thanksgiving, it is perhaps just as important to know how to store green beans and other fresh ingredients.
The price changes in cranberries in particular is dramatic; while canned strawberry sauce prices are up 7% compared to last year, fresh cranberry prices are down by a whopping 20%. This may be the perfect time to grab a few extra cups of fresh cranberries to make festive compound butter, especially since fresh cranberries that are purchased now and stored properly in a cool and dry place will likely still be good for Thanksgiving dinner.