LOUDON, Tenn. — Recent national media outlets have reported that the cost of Thanksgiving Dinner this year will be considerably less than 2024 (USA Today, November 6, 2025; Forbes, November 6, 2025).
However, the grocery basket used for the cost comparison holds items from a smaller list than the typical one used in Tennessee with one of the main items — ham — missing from the national list.
UT Extension’s Consumer Economics Leadership Team determined that the average cost this year for a traditional Tennessee Thanksgiving dinner will be $128.50 … up from last year’s $116.26 by 9.5%.
TURKEYS, EGGS AND MILK (OH MY!)
Some of the factors contributing to the increase in cost are explained by Andrew Griffith, Professor-Agriculture and Resource Economics. Griffith shares that wholesale turkey breast prices have been trading over $6 per pound since the middle of August and were $7.23 per pound the last week of October.
Turkey breast prices are 261 percent higher than October a year ago. Similarly, 8– to 16-pound frozen whole hen prices at the wholesale level are up 70% from a year ago and will likely be trading between $1.60 and $1.80 per pound leading up to Thanksgiving.
Turkey production has been negatively impacted by HPAI outbreaks this year that have resulted in massive depopulation. The retail price of eggs in August was $3.59 per dozen, which is an increase of $0.39 per dozen compared to August 2024. This compares to $3.65 per dozen in November 2024.
Additionally, the retail price of a gallon of milk is up 3.1 percent compared to last year at $4.17 per gallon.
The Consumer Economics Leadership Team surveyed grocery stores across the state between October 16 and November 1 to find out how much families can expect to pay for the holiday meal. (Consumers may be able to find better prices closer to the holiday).
Sixteen retail grocers from across Tennessee located in rural and urban locations, independently owned grocery stores, super centers, and conventional grocery stores were surveyed.
The items on the shopping list included the main ingredients needed to serve traditional turkey (we priced whole turkeys, not turkey breasts) and stuffing, cranberry sauce, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, English pea salad, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and rolls.
Some families may serve cornbread dressing (ingredients not included in the shopping list) instead of stuffing and may serve creamed peas instead of English pea salad.
At the time the survey was conducted, the total cost of the holiday meal was $128.50, with a cost per person of $12.80. In 2024 the total cost of the complete meal for 10 was $116.26.
Broken down by type of grocery store, the super centers average the lowest with $103.16. The independently owned grocers cost an average of $118.45. The highest cost for the holiday dinner at $153.64 was found at conventional supermarkets.
HAMMING IT UP
The featured items for the holiday meal and usually the items that take the greatest portion of the budget for the meal — the turkey and the ham — average of $27.37 for turkey and $26.24 for ham this year.
Last year, these items also took a good portion of the meal budget, with turkey averaging $26.46 and ham averaging $21.10. The turkey price reflects an increase in price of 7.5% and ham an increase of 24.4%.
Super centers and conventional supermarkets are offering meal packages that are an option, but these deals may include items you may or may not want to serve or may not have the items you traditionally serve at the holiday meal.
Always plan your holiday meal before you head to the grocery store and take advantage of specials and coupons on items on your list.
Thanksgiving and rich, flavorful foods go hand-in hand, but our bodies need good nutrition, even on Thanksgiving! Consider adding a fresh vegetable tray or fruit salad to your holiday meal plan or replacing one of the richer dishes for one of these.
HEALTHY TIPS
Dr. Kristen Johnson, Associate Professor and Nutrition Specialist, offered the following tips to help you make healthy choices while you enjoy the holiday:
• Fill up your plate with foods that are full of nutrients like fruits and vegetables. These foods are naturally low in calories and saturated fats and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
• Remember that Thanksgiving is about more than delicious food! Focus on the other aspects of this holiday by practicing gratitude and focusing on quality time spent with friends, families and people close to us.
• Eat nutritious foods throughout the day! Avoid skipping meals to “save up” for the holiday meal. You will be more likely to overeat when you are very hungry.
• Eat mindfully. Take time to enjoy the flavors, texture and aroma of Thanksgiving dishes. Listen to your body’s cues and stop eating when you sense you are full. This can help you avoid getting more calories from your meal than your body needs and can also keep you from feeling “stuffed” and sluggish after the meal.
• Balance Thanksgiving “treats” with nutritious foods. Thanksgiving meals are full of delicious foods that are part of our traditions and celebrations. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dishes that are important to you while balancing them with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and other nutritious foods.
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