Thanksgiving 2024: Ranking the Most Affordable Grocery Stores

Thanksgiving dinner is a cherished tradition, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. This year, the cost of a 10-person feast is estimated at $58.08—about $5.81 per person—according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. That’s a 5% drop from last year and the lowest it’s been since 2021. While that’s good news for inflation-weary shoppers, not all grocery stores price Thanksgiving staples the same way.

To help you plan a budget-friendly feast, we’ve analyzed prices across popular stores for key ingredients based on data from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. We also ranked the cheapest pre-made Thanksgiving meal deals offered by major retailers like Aldi, Walmart, and Costco.

Related: 10 Stores Offering FREE Turkey During Thanksgiving Week

Price Comparison: Thanksgiving Staples Across Stores

For those preparing a meal from scratch, it’s critical to know where each ingredient costs the least. The following analysis compares prices for essential Thanksgiving items, such as turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes, across stores like Aldi, ShopRite, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.

Turkey Prices

The cost of a 16-pound turkey varied significantly between stores, making it a key item for savings.

• Aldi: $13.92 (lowest)
• Trader Joe’s: $39.84 (highest, tied with Whole Foods)
• Whole Foods: $39.84 (highest, tied with Trader Joe’s)

Aldi offered the cheapest turkey by a wide margin, making it an obvious choice for budget-conscious shoppers. On the other end, both Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods charge nearly triple Aldi’s price, catering to a premium market.

Stuffing Costs

Stuffing, a staple on most Thanksgiving tables, showed a moderate price difference.

• Aldi: $1.63 (lowest)
• Big Y: $3.29
• Stop & Shop: $3.59
• Whole Foods: $4.54 (10-oz bag for $3.79)
• Trader Joe’s: $4.99 (highest)

Aldi once again came out on top with a price of just $1.63, while Trader Joe’s charged the most at $4.99 for their own label of stuffing.

Sweet Potatoes

For a 3-pound bag of sweet potatoes, prices ranged significantly across the stores.

• Aldi: $1.99 (lowest)
• ShopRite: $2.37
• Big Y & Stop & Shop: $2.97
• Trader Joe’s: $3.42
• Whole Foods: $3.78
• Stew Leonard’s: $5.97 (highest)

Thanksgiving 2024 Meal Cost Breakdown

If cooking from scratch isn’t your style, pre-packaged meal deals can be a lifesaver. This year, Aldi, Walmart, and Costco are competing to provide the best value for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s how they stack up:

Average cost for 10-person Thanksgiving dinner: $58.08

Cost per person: $5.81

This represents a 5% drop from last year and the lowest since 2021. Inflation-adjusted, it’s among the most affordable in decades.

1. Aldi

• Meal Package: Feeds 10 people
• Cost: $47
• Per Person: $4.70
• What’s in it? Whole turkey with spices, gravy, rolls, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, ingredients for cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.

Why It’s the Best:

Aldi consistently offers the lowest prices for essential items, making it the most cost-effective choice for own-brand groceries. Families shopping for Thanksgiving staples like dairy, meat, and pantry items will find unbeatable deals here. The smaller selection may limit options, but for core Thanksgiving items, it’s a reliable choice.

2. Walmart

• Meal Package: 29 items for 8 people
• Cost: $56
• Per Person: $7.00
• What’s in it? Whole turkey with seasoning and ingredients, green beans, sweet potatoes, marshmallows, corn muffin mix and more.

Why It’s Ranked Second:

Walmart shines in offering exceptional value for certain staples, particularly cheese, vegetables, and beef. While slightly more expensive than Aldi on average, its competitive pricing makes it a strong contender for families seeking quality and affordability. The wide product availability further solidifies its spot as the go-to for budget-conscious shoppers.

3. Costco

• Meal Package: Feeds 12-15 people
• Cost: $180 ($50 off for Costco members)
• Per Person: $15
• What’s in it? Whole turkey breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, and apple and pumpkin pies.

Why It’s Ranked Third

Costco appeals to shoppers purchasing in bulk, offering significant savings on items like milk, seafood, and frozen produce. While it’s around 5% more expensive than Aldi overall, the high quality and bulk discounts make it ideal for larger families or holiday gatherings. However, Costco’s membership requirement could be a barrier for some.

For shoppers looking to stretch their budget at Thanksgiving 2024, Aldi is the clear winner with its rock-bottom prices and extensive product selection. Walmart follows closely, excelling in specific staples, while Costco offers great value for bulk purchases.