Turkey prices are taking flight this year, and not in the way anyone hoped. If you’ve been dreaming of plopping a golden, glistening bird in the center of your Thanksgiving table, brace yourself: that bird might cost nearly 40 percent more than last year. According to USDA projections, wholesale turkey prices range from $1.32 to $1.71 per pound, with retail averages as high as $2.05 per pound in certain markets. That’s a sticker shock that could ruffle even the most unflappable holiday host. The culprit? Highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu), which returned with a vengeance, slashed supply by millions of birds and reduced the national turkey population to a four-decade low. Throw in general food inflation, and you’ve got a recipe for hard choices at the checkout line.
But wait—before you swap the turkey for a bucket of chicken, take heart: there are still plenty of ways to score a feast-worthy bird without carving into your savings. First, be a deal detective. Supermarkets are waging their own turkey price wars, with chains like Walmart and Aldi offering value bundles or even sub-$1-per-pound deals when you buy a certain amount or snag their house brands.
Many grocers use turkey as a “loss leader,” selling it at or below cost just to lure you in, betting you’ll also pick up their sides, desserts, and at least three cans of cranberry sauce that will sit in the pantry until next summer. It’s a similar tactic employed by warehouse giant Costco, which is also taking pre-orders for its complete turkey-day dinner at a fixed price. So, browse those weekly flyers like it’s your side hustle—and don’t be afraid to ask the butcher about future markdowns.
How to Carve Out Some Savings
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Feeling flexible? Consider buying turkey parts—breasts, thighs or legs—rather than the whole bird. Not only are parts often less expensive per serving (and faster to cook), but they also ensure that everyone gets their favorite piece without the annual drumstick duel. Cooking for a small crew? Game hens, capons, rotisserie chickens or even a Tofurky can save you cash and land you extra credit for creativity with your most Instagram-savvy relatives. And if you’re a true traditionalist, time your turkey run. Prices tend to drop as Thanksgiving approaches, so biding your time, risky as it may feel, could put a few extra coins back in your gravy boat.
According to Yahoo, this year, sides are your financial friends. The price on potatoes, cranberries, stuffing mix, and even butter haven’t soared the way turkey has, so pile your plate high with supporting players. Finally, never underestimate the power of technology: digital coupons, app-exclusive flash deals, and rewards programs can all shave down your final bill—sometimes enough to cover the pumpkin pie.
No matter how you slice it, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a lesson in resourcefulness, flexibility, and good old-fashioned deal hunting. With a bit of planning and plenty of humor, you can keep both your traditions and your budget intact, proving once again that, when life throws you an overpriced turkey, you serve up an extra helping of sweet potatoes and creativity on the side.
