The Average Price Of Thanksgiving Dinner Predicted To Top $50 For The First Time Ever This Year
Though we’ve already been told that avian flu and pumpkin shortages won’t have a huge effect on prices this year, turkey prices are up 6.4%, the American Farm Bureau Federation said in a statement.
The entire meal — consisting of 12 items typically served during the holiday, for 10 people — will cost about 1.4% more than it was last year: last year’s price tag was $49.41, compared to this year’s price tag of $50.11 on average.
A 16-pound turkey will go from $23.04 to $21.65, while sides like sweet potatoes, rolls, stuffing and pumpkin-pie mix/shells are up by about $0.01 to $0.08, according to a survey by 138 volunteer shoppers in 32 states.
You’ll be saving a few cents on other items this year: a gallon of whole milk will cost $0.14 cents less than last year, and whipping cream, fresh cranberries, green peas, miscellaneous ingredients and a relish tray will cost you anywhere from $0.03 to $0.30 less than 2014.
“Retail prices seem to have stabilized quite a bit for turkey, which is the centerpiece of the meal in our market basket,” John Anderson, the farm group’s deputy chief economist, said in a statement. “Despite concerns earlier this fall about pumpkin production due to wet weather, the supply of canned product will be adequate for this holiday season.”
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