Thanksgiving dinner costs on average a little less than last year

The star of Thanksgiving Day is turkey. The average cost this year for a 16-pound is 21.71 USD, or about 1.36 USD per pound, down from 22.38 USD in 2017. The Farm Bureau found that retail prices for turkey Thanksgiving are the lowest since 2014.

"Since 2015, the average cost of the Thanksgiving dinner has steadily decreased and is now at the lowest level since 2010," said John Newton, chief economist of the organization. "Thanks to the abundant supply, turkey remains affordable for consumers, which also helps keep the total price of the dinner at a reasonable price."

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The other foods in the party survey are:

• Stuffing – 14 ounce package, $ 2.87 (instead of $ 2.81 in 2017)
• Sweet potatoes – 3 pound bag, $ 3.39 (instead of $ 3.52)
• Rolls – a dozen, $ 2.25 (instead of $ 2.26)
• Green peas – one pound bag, $ 1.47 (instead of $ 1.53)
• Fresh Cranberries – 12 oz bag, $ 2.65 (instead of $ 2.43)
• Carrot and celery tray – 1 pound, 75 cents (instead of 74 cents)
• Pumpkin Pie – 30-ounce mixing box, $ 3.33 (instead of $ 3.21); two 9-inch pie shells, $ 2.47 (instead of $ 2.45); whipped cream, $ 2.08 (unchanged)
• Milk – 1 gallon of whole fat, $ 2.92 (instead of $ 2.99)
• Coffee and ingredients needed for recipes, such as butter, condensed milk, onions, eggs, sugar and flour – $ 3.01 (instead of $ 2.72)

"Thanksgiving continues to be an affordable meal for Americans across the country at under $ 5 per person for this classic meal," said Newton. "Food prices have been relatively stable in the United States for several years."

However, ordering a traditional Thanksgiving dough from popular food delivery services pushes the average total to about 60%, with a 16-pound turkey to nearly 50% more, or about $ 2 a pound. This is the first time that the Farm Bureau reviews delivery services.

The organization's exploration of the costs of some other Thanksgiving foods is also debuting this year. Adding a 4-pound ham with ham, 5 pounds of Russet potatoes and a pound of frozen green beans brings the average meal to $ 61.72.

The Farm Bureau surveyed 166 willing buyers in grocery stores in 37 states, accused of finding the best prices without resorting to coupons or promotional offers.

"After adjusting for inflation, this year's Thanksgiving dinner will cost $ 19.37, the most affordable price for over a decade," said the organization.

Karen Koscher Jones said she planned to spend three days cooking and at least $ 300 for her Thanksgiving dinner. Her table in Alpharetta, Georgia, will include a family of four and eight guests.

What makes the 53-year-old bookkeeper's bill so high is that most of what she buys is organic and nothing is frozen. While Jones opts for a Whole Foods bird and homemade appetizers with whipped cream, gravy and fruit cups, she says she appreciates the fact that there are foods for all price levels.

"Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday of the year," she said. "It's home, it's food, it's comforting, it's a total family tradition."

TO CLOSE

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