Fact-Checking the Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner in 2025
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the question on everyone’s mind is: how much will this year’s turkey and trimmings cost? According to recent data, grocery prices are 2.7% higher than they were in 2024, making it a concern for many households. President Donald Trump has claimed that the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down 25% this year, citing a prepackaged Thanksgiving meal basket from Walmart. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that this claim may be misleading.
Examining the Claim
President Trump’s claim is based on a comparison between Walmart’s 2025 meal basket and the one from 2024. While it is true that the 2025 basket costs about 25% less than the one from 2024, this is because it offers fewer items and different products that make it more affordable. As David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M University, points out, “It’s not apples to apples, right? What this does highlight is individual retailers’ strategies for getting customers in the door.”
The 2025 basket costs less than $40 and feeds 10 people, about $4 a head, according to Walmart. In contrast, the 2024 basket cost approximately $56 for eight people, less than $7 per person. However, the baskets differ significantly, with the 2025 version including just 15 items compared to last year’s 29. It is also missing many dessert items, such as pecan pie, mini marshmallows, and muffin mix, as well as savory items like sweet potatoes, yellow onions, and celery stalks.
Changes in the Meal Basket
The superstore retailer has also substituted some products in the 2025 basket. For example, instead of 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls, the 2025 deal includes 12 dinner rolls. Both are from Walmart’s store brand. Additionally, the amount of each item varies, with customers promised a 10-16 pound turkey in 2024, but a 13.5 pound one this year. And they’ll get one can of cream of mushroom soup instead of two.
According to a recent report from Wells Fargo, the cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal has fallen 2% to 3% since 2024, depending in part on whether customers go for national name brands or cheaper store labels. Some economists have concerns about the price of turkey, with Purdue University’s College of Agriculture reporting that wholesale prices are up 75% since October 2024, while retail prices are 25% higher than a year ago.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while President Trump’s claim that the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down 25% this year may be misleading, it is true that some retailers, such as Walmart, are offering more affordable options for customers. However, it’s essential to examine the facts and consider the changes in the meal basket and the prices of individual items. For more information, visit Here
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