The average cost of a classic Turkey Day meal is up 20% over last year, according to a study from the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The year-over-year increase is the largest in the 37 years the group has presented the annual study with a 10-person Thanksgiving feast costing approximately $64.05 in 2022. That’s in comparison to $53.31 in 2021.
The study revealed that the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs $28.96 for a 16-pound bird, up 21% from 2021. Other dishes with sizable increases in price include cubed stuffing mix (up 69%), frozen pie crusts (up 26%), and whipping cream (up 26%).
According to AFBF officials, the rise in prices can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including the country’s high inflation rates and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine.”
This year’s national average cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal was calculated using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers used both in-person and online prices, looking for the best possible deals without taking advantage of special promotional coupons.
To view the full study, click here.
