Although Thanksgiving Meal Costs Are Down in Iowa, They’re Still High.

Each year roughly 88% of Americans eat Thanksgiving turkey, according to the National Turkey Federation. The figure for 2022 was around 293.3 million turkey eaters. Americans tend to buy 365 million pounds of turkey during the last week of November, mostly in the form of whole turkeys. In 2022, Americans spent roughly $1.1 billion on turkeys, an increase of roughly $151 million from 2021. This year those costs seem to be dropping, but your Thanksgiving Day meal is still going to set you back close to $100.

Well, as Iowan's prepare for the annual Thanksgiving feast, the American Farm Bureau Federation's latest survey reveals a welcomed drop in the cost of this year's holiday dinner. The average expense for a gathering of 10 is now projected at $61.17, marking a 4.5% reduction from last year's record-high of $64.05. Despite the price dip, this year's meal still stands 25% higher than the pre-pandemic price of 2019. This is due to the continued impact of supply-chain disruptions and inflation on US grocery bills.

One major contributor to the decrease in cost is the more affordable price of the turkey centerpiece. The average cost of a 16-pound turkey has dropped by 5.6% to $27.35. This decline is attributed to a significant reduction in cases of avian influenza, allowing for increased turkey production just in time for the holiday season. Unfortunately, the contagious avian flu has had 13 verified reports in Iowa since October.

The Farm Bureau's shopping list for the traditional Thanksgiving meal also includes stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Prices for these items have fluctuated, with some seeing decreases, while others increased. Check out the full list below:

• 16-pound turkey: $27.35 or $1.71 per pound (down 5.6%)
• 14-ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.77 (down 2.8%)
• 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.50 (down 4.9%)
• Half pint of whipping cream: $1.73 (down 22.8%)
• 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.88 (down 1.1%)
• 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.84 (up 2.9%)
• Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.95 (down 4.4%)
• 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.44 (up 3.7%)
• 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.74 (down 2.6%)
• 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.97 (up .3%)
• 1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $.90 (up 2.3%)
• 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $2.10 (down 18.3%)

While regional differences in the cost of the classic Thanksgiving meal exist, our area of the Midwest enjoys the lowest cost at $58.66. The overall national average was based on 245 surveys conducted across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The shoppers considered in-person and online prices, avoiding special promotional coupons or any purchase deals. This provided the most accurate representation of the true cost of the Thanksgiving feast. That being said, most families will spend upwards of $100 dollars depending on extras purchased and number of people being fed. Most families will make expenses manageable again this year by going potluck style, having each family member bring a separate dish to share.

How much have Thanksgiving feast prices changed for Americans over the years?

• 1986: $28.74
• 1987: $24.51
• 1988: $26.61
• 1989: $24.70
• 1990: $28.85
• 1991: $25.95
• 1992: $26.39
• 1993: $27.49
• 1994: $28.40
• 1995: $29.64
• 1996: $31.66
• 1997: $31.75
• 1998: $33.09
• 1999: $33.83
• 2000: $32.37
• 2001: $35.04
• 2002: $34.56
• 2003: $36.28
• 2004: $35.68
• 2005: $36.78
• 2006: $38.10
• 2007: $42.26
• 2008: $44.61
• 2009: $42.91
• 2010: $43.47
• 2011: $49.20
• 2012: $49.48
• 2013: $49.04
• 2014: $49.41
• 2015: $50.11
• 2016: $49.87
• 2017: $49.12
• 2018: $48.90
• 2019: $48.91
• 2020: $46.90
• 2021: $53.31
• 2022: $64.05
• 2023: $61.17

As families come together to celebrate gratitude and abundance, the Farm Bureau's analysis sheds light on the economic factors influencing the affordability of doing so. This year I encourage you to remember those that will go without and think of those with nowhere to go. Be thankful for what you have, and willing to gift it to others when able.