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    • How much will it cost to make dinner this year?
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    How much will it cost to make dinner this year?

    Harry Posted on

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    Juicy turkey, decadent stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, and mouthwatering pumpkin pie: It’s the perfect, traditional Thanksgiving meal, but it can result in a pricey grocery bill.

    Ahead of Thanksgiving, food prices are already top of mind for many shoppers. Grocery prices remain crazy high, about 28% more expensive Last year alone, there was a price increase of 1.1% compared to 2019, According to the Consumer Price Index.

    Despite the inflated prices, there’s some good news: Your Thanksgiving feast might cost a little less this year.

    Experts say Thanksgiving could be less costly

    Every year, the University of Tennessee Extension, led by Ann Berry, releases a study about the price of Thanksgiving dinner. The research team is examining the food costs of feeding a group of 10 people with a traditional turkey feast.

    To find the cost, experts shop at 16 department stores and local grocery stores across Tennessee. They shopped for the same 23 ingredients at each store from November 1 to November 8 and then averaged the total cost across all stores.

    The project began in Tennessee in 2021, inspired by a national Thanksgiving price survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

    “We want to help our consumers make the best decisions wisely and provide research-based information that will help them and their families,” Berry said. “We want them to have safe food and not have it impact their budget too much.”

    Berry and his team see a gradual increase in grocery prices since 2021, reflecting national food inflation trends. In 2021, dinner cost $110. The cost of the same meal was $112 in 2022 and $128 in 2023. However, there has been some relief this year; costs fell.

    Berry’s team found that the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal to feed 10 people in 2024 is about $126. If you factor in the two most expensive grocery stores (The Fresh Market and Whole Foods), the average dinner cost drops to $116. This comes out to $11.63 per person.

    In Turkey, the cost is less and egg prices are higher

    One of the biggest factors in the decrease in food costs this year was the decrease in turkey prices by approximately 5 dollars. Last year a 16-pound bird cost about $30, but this year the turkey should cost you around $25.

    The price of eggs increased by 76 percent. This is a crucial ingredient for pies and stuffing: It’s not one to skip at Thanksgiving. The average price of a carton of eggs is $4.32 for an 18-pack.

    The price of pumpkin pie filling rose sharply in 2024. The cost of canned mix will be almost 80% more this year, according to Berry.

    Beware of shrinking

    Berry’s team found that food packages are getting smaller while price tags at the grocery store are getting bigger. Often companies reduce product sizes while keeping the price point equal. This has been called “degrowth” and is a marketing practice that affects a third of approximately 100 common consumer products. According to a CBS News report.

    Berry noted that packaging for frozen green beans and frozen peas has become smaller, especially during Thanksgiving research.

    Why do grocery prices fluctuate?

    There are several reasons why grocery prices change. Inflation is everywhere, and the food industry is no exception.

    First, disruptions in the supply chain can cause costs to change. Take Hurricane Helene, for example. The storm caused major damage to roads and Interstate 40, a major highway, affecting shipping and truck routes.

    Rising operating costs are also a factor. Since labor and shipping are more costly, the final product will come at a higher price.

    Thanksgiving content price averages

    These are the average prices of 16 grocery stores in Tennessee. Prices reflect the cheapest option possible, usually store-brand products, according to Berry.

    • Türkiye, 16 lbs. $25.46
    • Ham, 4 lbs. $21.10
    • Frozen green peas, 1 lb. $2.09
    • Frozen green beans, 1 lb. $2.43
    • Pie crusts (2) $3.68
    • Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs. $3.17
    • Russet potatoes, 5 lbs. $3.78
    • Instant vegetable tray, 1 lb. $8.20
    • Fresh cranberries, 12 oz. $2.48
    • Canned pumpkin pie mix or filling, 30 oz. (x2) $7.30
    • Jellied cranberry sauce, 14 oz. $2.23
    • Cream of mushroom soup can, 10.5 oz. $1.34
    • Sugar, 4 lbs. $3.91
    • Pecan halves, 10 oz. $7.70
    • marshmallows, 1 lb. $2.37
    • Stuffing mix, 6 oz. (x2) $3.24
    • Crispy Fried Onions, 6 oz. $2.91
    • Evaporated milk cans, 12 oz. (x2) $2.98
    • Roll, 12-pack 3.88 TL
    • Milk, whole, 1 gallon. $4.01
    • Whipped cream, pint, $3.16
    • Butter, 1 lb. $5.03
    • Eggs, 18, $4.32

    Savings tips at the supermarket for Thanksgiving

    There are ways to save money when preparing Thanksgiving dinner. It’s important to plan ahead and know exactly what materials you need. Berry shared her top tips for saving money at the supermarket.

    • Coupons, coupons, coupons. Find and use the ads that grocery stores publish every week.
    • Think about last year’s meal. Did your food go to waste? Can you cut it?
    • To use Save the Guest Imator of the Dinner to understand how much food to cook.
    • Shop smart. Make a list.
    • If you have leftovers, use them wisely and within 3-4 days.

    Harry
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