Turkey prices drop ahead of Thanksgiving, customers say they notice a difference
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With Thanksgiving just days away, many are finalizing their holiday shopping, and for those hoping to serve turkey on the dinner table, there's good news -- prices are lower this year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, turkey prices have dropped by 6% compared to last year, easing some of the financial burden for Thanksgiving hosts. A 16-pound turkey, which cost shoppers over $27 last year, will now be priced at just under $26. The cost of an entire Thanksgiving feast for 10 people has also decreased, with the total bill now averaging around $58—down from approximately $61 last year, according to the federation. This price drop comes as a relief to many shoppers, who were worried about rising food costs. Experts attribute the change in turkey prices to several factors. Although the avian flu has caused a shortage in turkey supply—affecting over 14 million turkeys since 2022—economists believe the overall shift in consumer preferences away from turkey to other meats might also be contributing to lower prices. Local shoppers are noticing the savings. John Green and Bobby McIntosh, both avid bargain hunters, shared that they were able to purchase their turkey for just $14 this year. "Significantly, about [a] 40% difference" Green emphasized. "We might not be able to get prices like this next year," McIntosh said. 8News also spoke with multiple shoppers who said they noticed a change in prices of other kinds of meat, like steak and ham. Green and McIntosh have always bought a ham for Thanksgiving, but say they might rethink it this year if they can't find a cheaper one. "When I'm buying meals for families, we do this every year, and I always definitely get a ham," McIntosh said. "But I would not buy a ham at $45." The price of a whole turkey ranges, but they are around $1 per pound: A 14-16 lb. turkey from Kroger is $1.09 per lb. A 16 lb. turkey from Aldi is $1.07 per lb. A 10-16 lb. turkey from Walmart is $1.04 per lb. A 16-20 lb. turkey from Target is $.99 per lb. Despite these low turkey prices, experts advise not to wait until the last minute to purchase your turkey. The drop in prices is a welcome change, but supply chain concerns remain, and experts recommend securing your holiday meal sooner rather than later. As many are already preparing for Thanksgiving, the price relief on turkey is one less thing to worry about this holiday season.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With Thanksgiving just days away, many are finalizing their holiday shopping, and for those hoping to serve turkey on the dinner table, there's good news -- prices are lower this year.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, turkey prices have dropped by 6% compared to last year, easing some of the financial burden for Thanksgiving hosts.
A 16-pound turkey, which cost shoppers over $27 last year, will now be priced at just under $26.
The cost of an entire Thanksgiving feast for 10 people has also decreased, with the total bill now averaging around $58—down from approximately $61 last year, according to the federation.
This price drop comes as a relief to many shoppers, who were worried about rising food costs. Experts attribute the change in turkey prices to several factors.
Although the avian flu has caused a shortage in turkey supply—affecting over 14 million turkeys since 2022—economists believe the overall shift in consumer preferences away from turkey to other meats might also be contributing to lower prices.
Local shoppers are noticing the savings. John Green and Bobby McIntosh, both avid bargain hunters, shared that they were able to purchase their turkey for just $14 this year.
"Significantly, about [a] 40% difference" Green emphasized.
"We might not be able to get prices like this next year," McIntosh said.
8News also spoke with multiple shoppers who said they noticed a change in prices of other kinds of meat, like steak and ham.
Green and McIntosh have always bought a ham for Thanksgiving, but say they might rethink it this year if they can't find a cheaper one.
"When I'm buying meals for families, we do this every year, and I always definitely get a ham," McIntosh said. "But I would not buy a ham at $45."
The price of a whole turkey ranges, but they are around $1 per pound:
- A 14-16 lb. turkey from Kroger is $1.09 per lb.
- A 16 lb. turkey from Aldi is $1.07 per lb.
- A 10-16 lb. turkey from Walmart is $1.04 per lb.
- A 16-20 lb. turkey from Target is $.99 per lb.
Despite these low turkey prices, experts advise not to wait until the last minute to purchase your turkey. The drop in prices is a welcome change, but supply chain concerns remain, and experts recommend securing your holiday meal sooner rather than later.
As many are already preparing for Thanksgiving, the price relief on turkey is one less thing to worry about this holiday season.
