Mon Nov 24 14:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

A new analysis by Wells Fargo indicates that Thanksgiving dinner grocery costs are expected to decrease by 2-3% in 2025 compared to the previous year. While overall grocery prices have increased due to protein costs like beef and eggs, Thanksgiving staples are not contributing to this inflation. Major retailers like Aldi, Walmart, Target, and Amazon Fresh are offering budget-friendly Thanksgiving meals, with Aldi providing the lowest price per person.

News Article:

Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Expected to Drop in 2025, Relief for Holiday Budgets

By Taylor Fishman, The National News Desk (TNND)

[City, State] – Good news for families planning Thanksgiving dinner this year! A new analysis by Wells Fargo projects a 2-3% decrease in grocery costs for a typical Thanksgiving meal in 2025 compared to 2024. This comes as a welcome relief for consumers who have seen rising grocery prices in recent years due to overall inflation.

While general grocery prices have increased by approximately 2.7% in the past year, Wells Fargo’s research indicates that traditional Thanksgiving staples are not the driving force behind this inflation. The report highlights that the surge in the Consumer Price Index’s food-at-home increase is primarily due to rising protein costs, specifically beef and eggs, which are not typically included in a Thanksgiving menu.

Consumers can expect to spend around $80 on groceries for a Thanksgiving dinner serving ten people if they opt for store brands, and approximately $95 for brand-name items, according to the analysis. This estimate includes traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, stuffing, frozen vegetables, prepared mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh cranberries, dinner rolls, salad mix, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Several major retailers are stepping up to offer even more affordable options for budget-conscious families. Aldi is boasting the lowest price per person, offering a complete Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey and ingredients for nine side dishes, for just $4 per person.

“Price leadership is part of our DNA, and the holidays are when our commitment to value really shines,” said Scott Patton, chief commercial officer of Aldi U.S. “We believe families shouldn’t have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving.”

Target is offering a Thanksgiving meal for under $20, designed to serve four people. “Our under-$20 Thanksgiving meal is priced even lower than last year’s, but we’re not stopping there,” stated Lisa Roath, Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of food, essentials, and beauty.

Walmart is also participating with a Thanksgiving basket that serves ten people for less than $40, also around $4 per person. Amazon Fresh is offering a full meal with side dishes for $25, designed for six people.

With these budget-friendly options and the projected decrease in overall Thanksgiving grocery costs, families can look forward to a more affordable and festive Thanksgiving celebration in 2025.

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