How Much Does Thanksgiving Dinner Cost? Average Price For Meal Rises Slightly After Years Of Decline

The average cost of Thanksgiving dinner is set to increase for the first time in years, albeit only slightly. Conducting its 34th annual survey of prices for traditional Thanksgiving foods, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has found that the average cost of a meal for 10 is roughly $48.91. This is an increase in the price in 2018, which was $48.90.

“The average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is essentially unchanged from last year, after three years of decline since 2015,” AFBF Chief Economist Dr. John Newton said. “Americans continue to enjoy the most affordable food supply in the world, but most don’t realize only 8 cents of every dollar consumers spend on food goes to farmers.”

Breaking the down cost, AFBF found that Thanksgiving turkeys have taken a notable downturn in price, costing roughly $20.80, or $1.30 per pound, for a 16-pound bird. This is down 4% from 2018 and represents the cheapest turkeys have been since 2010.

Along with turkey, items like bread stuffing and canned pumpkin pie mix have decreased in price this year. Conversely, prices for things like dinner rolls, sweet potatoes, and milk have gone up.

The AFBF’s survey measures the cost of a number of items, including all previously mentioned foodstuffs as well as peas, cranberries, veggie trays, coffee, and whipped cream.

All items are measured in quantities sufficient for a 10-person dinner.