Thanksgiving week is here and as families plan their holiday menus, they’re also closely watching the prices. National reports show that those prices and the affordability of a Thanksgiving dinner are down to how shoppers decide to spend.
A report from the Groundwork Collaborative shows that the final receipt for Thanksgiving meal shopping is up almost 10% this year. That’s partly thanks to tariffs raising packing costs says the report.
However, an annual Wells Fargo report says that prices are down by nearly 3% if you shop with savings in mind. They estimate total of $80 for a store brand Thanksgiving meal.
For those of us going for a little bit more than a microwave meal this Thanksgiving, the shopping list can be a little long. Your Wyoming Link found at a Casper Grocery store with 15-pound turkey and various popular Thanksgiving menu items a cart is likely to total $70 to $100 dollars.
The averages for our items (averaged between name and store brands) were: $35 for a 15lb turkey, $5 for cornbread mix, $3 a can for cranberry sauce, $4 for a bag of dinner rolls, $1.50 for each can of vegetables, $1.50 for a bag of gravy mix, $8 for everything to make a green bean casserole, $4 for frozen pie crust, $4 for pie filling, and $5 for a 5lb bag of potatoes.
The overall cost to a family varies based on size, what is included on the menu, and what brand is picked up.
Speaking to local shoppers, opinions are mixed about this year’s prices.
“[There are] some lower prices in the ads, [but] you go in and things are things are definitely up. Especially the meats and the produce,” said Kristen a Casper local and mother of two.
“All the fresh produce [is] just very affordable for us, for the meal that we made here. So, I’ve noticed turkeys, butter balls, all seem to be fairly affordable this year,” said Casper local Chelsea.
But not everyone can afford the $30 turkey. Some said they are taking to budgeting to turn the math in their favor this year.
“I’m using some ChatGPT to break down prices and break down menu options and a lot of ordering ahead. I feel like that’s helping,” said Kirsten.
But others we spoke to said they found prices reasonable if you were cooking from scratch. One woman who chose to remain anonymous said she was happy to find a 10lb bag of potatoes for a low price.
Not being the only person paying can also help, some are taking advantage of family and community to create events that let everyone contribute.
“We do a kind of potluck style thing, so everybody pitches in on that alone and brings a dish,” said Chelsea. “ [It] like, spreads it out pretty evenly, and it makes it easier every year for us.”
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