Americans preparing Thanksgiving dinner could spend slightly less on their holiday meal this year, per the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute report.
Its 2026 report estimated that a traditional Thanksgiving feast for 10 people would cost $78.93, about 0.4 percent less than last year.
That comes to approximately $7.89 per person. While the decrease offers some relief to households planning a holiday gathering, the savings remain modest. Six of the 10 food categories included in the report became cheaper, while three saw price increases and one remained unchanged.
Thanksgiving Dinner Costs $78.93 for a Family of 10
The estimate assumes a traditional Thanksgiving menu of turkey, stuffing, cranberries, frozen vegetables, salad mix, mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie.
Six groups were priced lower than in 2025. Turkey prices were 0.5 percent lower. Cranberries were down 6.6 percent, and frozen vegetables were down 4.2 percent. Prices were also down for stuffing, dinner rolls and whipped cream.
That was only part of the story, because some holiday-season staples did cost more. Prices for pumpkin pie increased 2.5 percent, gravy mix was up 2.2 percent and prepared mashed potatoes cost 1.3 percent more. Salad mix prices stayed the same.
Turkey and Cranberries Offer Some of the Biggest Savings
Thanksgiving pricing was weighed down by lower prices for turkey and cranberries. Lower turkey prices were supported by a boost in poultry production, which came on the heels of a decline in cases of avian influenza.
“Turkey prices are lower as a result of a sharp decline in avian flu cases and the subsequent ability to ramp up production in time for the holiday,” said Veronica Nigh, American Farm Bureau Federation senior economist.
Cranberries saw the greatest dollar price decline of the Thanksgiving staples mentioned here: a 6.6 percent decrease. Additionally, frozen vegetables became less expensive, which can help provide more side-dish options.
Another tip was bulk shopping for savings. A large 58-ounce pumpkin pie costs about 11 cents per ounce, while a smaller 22-ounce pie costs about 26 cents per ounce. While the total price of the larger package will be higher, you’re getting more to eat for your money.
How Parents Can Plan an Affordable Thanksgiving for Their Families
For parents providing Thanksgiving dinner, even a little cost savings on food may help when preparing a meal for children and other family members. You can also consider a meal that is customized to those who will be eating it to avoid buying food that might be left on the plate.
Parents can also compare national-brand and store-brand prices, choose larger portions, take advantage of special offers and adjust the proportions based on how many people are coming. They can also ask relatives to bring a side dish or a dessert so they do not have to provide the whole meal.
Children can also take part in simple meal preparations such as setting the table, helping select a vegetable side dish, or other age-appropriate work around the kitchen. This can also become a family tradition. This will help to give the child a sense of inclusion during the holidays without the need for extra money spent on elaborate entertainment.
Thanksgiving Food Prices Remain Higher Than in 2019
Despite the slight year-over-year decrease, the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal remains considerably higher than it was before the recent period of inflation. The Wells Fargo estimate put the 2026 meal for 10 about 25 percent above its 2019 cost of $48.91.
Adding drinks can also increase the bill. The institute estimated that a meal including beer, wine and sparkling water would cost $127.54, about 0.5 percent more than the previous year.
The modest reduction in food prices may offer some relief to families this Thanksgiving, but it does not erase the increases households have experienced over several years. Planning portions, comparing prices and sharing meal preparation can help families make the most of their holiday budget.
