Every year, Thanksgiving becomes a financial challenge for many families looking to celebrate with a traditional dinner without exceeding their budget. Finding the most affordable ingredients or even opting for pre-made meals can make a significant difference.

FinanceBuzz conducted a detailed analysis of Thanksgiving dinner costs to determine which stores are the most affordable.

What is the cheapest store for a home-cooked dinner?

If you’re planning to cook at home for a group of eight, Aldi tops the list as the most affordable option, with a total cost of only $34.83 for all the necessary ingredients. From the turkey to the mashed potatoes, this chain shows that you don’t have to overspend to enjoy a traditional meal.

Other chains like Walmart ($35.83) and Target ($36.52) also offer affordable options, standing out as solid alternatives for those seeking quality at a low cost. On the other hand, Whole Foods is the most expensive option, totaling $76.92, reflecting its focus on organic and premium products.

What does the price of a home-cooked dinner include?

The total cost of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner includes the following essential items:

• A 12-pound turkey.
• Sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and corn.
• Desserts like a traditional pumpkin pie.

According to FinanceBuzz’s study, the turkey is the largest expense, followed by vegetable sides and dessert. The national average for this dinner is $50.91, although chains like Albertsons and Hy-Vee also offer prices below this average.

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What options are there for pre-made dinners?

For those looking to save time, stores also offer pre-made dinners ready to heat and serve. Here, Target stands out as the cheapest option, offering a dinner for four people for just $20.00, which equals $5.00 per person.
However, options vary significantly in price and content:

• Publix offers a dinner for 7-10 people for $69.99, which equals $8.75 per person.
• Costco is the most expensive option, costing $269.99 for a dinner for 8-10 people, equivalent to $30.00 per person.

Which store offers the best balance between price and quality?

For those looking for a balance between cost and quality, chains like Kroger ($12.86 per person) and Sam’s Club ($10.00 per person) stand out by offering complete dinners with a good variety of sides and desserts.
On the other hand, Whole Foods, despite its high price of $21.25 per person, includes high-quality ingredients, such as herb-seasoned sides and vegetarian options, which may justify the cost for certain consumers.

How can you save more this Thanksgiving?

The cheapest stores for Thanksgiving depend not only on the initial cost. You can maximize your savings with strategies such as:

• Using grocery credit cards with rewards. Some cards offer discounts or points when buying groceries.
• Taking advantage of local promotions. Stores like Albertsons and Meijer often have specific offers during the season.
• Opting for generic brands. Many chains, like Walmart, have their own brands at reduced prices.

If you want to read the FinanceBuzz study, click this link to do so.

Thanksgiving Ingredient Costs by Store

General data for a dinner for 8 people:

• Aldi: $34.83 (cheapest)
• Walmart: $35.83
• Target: $36.52
• H-E-B: $43.42
• Albertsons: $44.51
• Hy-Vee: $48.45
• Kroger: $51.23
• Meijer: $54.27
• Publix: $73.58
• Wegmans: $60.41
• Whole Foods: $76.92 (most expensive)
• Average: $50.91

Cost breakdown by category:

1. Average cost by ingredient category:
   • Turkey: $20.88
   • Potatoes and gravy: $4.26
   • Stuffing: $2.76
   • Vegetable sides: $8.37
   • Other sides: $7.47
   • Pumpkin pie: $7.16
2. Most expensive categories:
   • Turkey at Publix: $34.44
   • Vegetable sides at Whole Foods: $12.52
   • Pumpkin pie at Whole Foods: $14.99
3. Cheapest categories:
   • Stuffing at Aldi: $1.78
   • Potatoes and gravy at Aldi: $3.29
   • Other sides at Aldi: $6.25

Cost of Pre-Made Thanksgiving Dinners by Store

General data for pre-made dinners:

• Target: $20.00 for 4 people ($5.00 per person, cheapest)
• Publix: $69.99 for 7-10 people ($8.75 per person)
• Meijer: $59.99 for 6 people ($10.00 per person)
• Safeway: $69.99 for 6-8 people ($10.00 per person)
• Kroger: $90.00 for 6-8 people ($12.86 per person)
• Hy-Vee: $119.99 for 8 people ($15.00 per person)
• H-E-B: $129.99 for 8 people ($16.25 per person)
• Wegmans: $179.00 for 10 people ($17.90 per person)
• Whole Foods: $169.99 for 8 people ($21.25 per person)
• Walmart: $168.88 for 6 people ($28.15 per person)
• Costco: $269.99 for 8-10 people ($30.00 per person, most expensive)

Key pre-made dinner cost highlights:

1. Lowest cost per person: Target: $5.00
2. Highest cost per person: Costco: $30.00

Average cost per person: Approximately $10 to $15.