Thanksgiving grocery prices: Are Thanksgiving grocery prices really cheaper this year? White House claims affordability amidst mixed inflation data
Are Thanksgiving grocery prices really cheaper this year?
The White House is touting affordability this holiday season, highlighting that some Thanksgiving staples are cheaper than they were a year ago. While government data shows the cost of trips to the grocery store is still 2.7% higher than last year, officials argue the significant savings are helping to ease the pressure on family budgets.
Topping the list is Walmart’s Thanksgiving food cart, which they say is 25% cheaper than last year. The list consists of fewer products and lower-cost brands, but management still points to this as a sign of improved affordability. According to a report by WCVB, egg prices have also plummeted by almost 90%; This is largely due to fewer bird flu outbreaks affecting supply.
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What prices are actually falling?
Eggs have seen the most dramatic decline, and Walmart’s limited-price Thanksgiving basket is another example the White House is using to show relief. But grocery store inflation hasn’t disappeared. Small businesses, including stores that rely on imported products, still face rising costs, according to a report by WCVB.ALSO READ: Why didn’t Barack and Michelle Obama attend Dick Cheney’s funeral? Here’s why Emily Friedberg, co-owner of Every Peach Market in Washington, D.C., described the challenge: “How do we cover our costs? We have to cover our costs to bring it in. But we have to decide how important the product is to her and what our customer’s appetite is,” she said. “Mostly we meet in the middle and try to make our margin a little more acceptable.”
How do tariffs affect grocery bills?
Tariffs continue to raise prices on a range of imported foods. President Donald Trump recently lowered tariffs on beef, coffee and tropical fruits, acknowledging that tariffs “may have increased prices” but arguing that import duties generally do not affect consumer prices, according to a report by WCVB.
But beef is still at record levels. Agricultural economist Michael Swanson noted that the impact of tariff changes depends on the type of cattle, as much of what is used in ground meat is imported and could still face tariffs.
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Is Thanksgiving dinner really cheaper?
For 2025, the cost of serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people is $55.18; This figure reflects both falling costs on some items and increasing pressure on others. The cost was about $46.9 in 2020, $43.47 in 2010 and $36.78 in 2005, according to a report by WCVB.
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FAQ
Have grocery prices really dropped this Thanksgiving?
Some items are cheaper, but overall grocery costs are still up 2.7% from last year.
How much will Thanksgiving dinner cost in 2025?
The cost to serve 10 people is $55.18.
