Even though turkey prices are expected to be up this Thanksgiving, Walmart is offering a meal with its lowest Butterball turkey price in more than five years. In fact, the whole meal serves 10 people for just under $4 per person.
That’s more than $1.80 lower than the estimated per-person prices for a Thanksgiving dinner, based on 2024 figures from the American Farm Bureau Federation. It estimated last year that a Thanksgiving feast for 10 would cost a little more than $58, with turkey prices coming in at $1.60 per pound.
Walmart announced its Thanksgiving deal in a Tuesday press release that said its Butterball turkey will be just $0.97 per pound this year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, overall U.S. turkey prices are estimated at $1.32 per pound this year, a 40% increase compared to last year.
“The reason the birds – traditionally the centerpiece at the Thanksgiving table – are getting more expensive comes down to supply,” CBS News explained. “The number of available turkeys has shrunk in recent years amid slightly weakened demand and avian flu outbreaks, according to USDA data.”
More than 3 million turkeys have already been impacted by bird flu outbreaks this year, said the outlet. There were more than half a million impacted turkeys reported this month alone.
These supply issues don’t seem to be dampening Walmart’s Thanksgiving plans. Along with turkeys at the company’s lowest price since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the “incredible basket” offer includes items from “over 20” national and private brands at the lowest price ever offered since Walmart started the Thanksgiving basket program in 2022 – last year, the meals were closer to $7 per person. Customers can get the offer with one click and first time pick up and delivery customers can get free express delivery.
Audacy has recently reported on multiple factors putting stress on American consumers ahead of the holiday season. These include growing wealth disparities, increasing healthcare costs, increasing prices for consumer goods like food and candy, and changes to the job market such as investment into artificial intelligence over hiring human workers.
As a government shutdown continues due to Democrats and Republicans failing to successfully negotiate spending priorities, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps an estimated 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries is set to go on pause Nov. 1. This week, the Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump’s administration “is rejecting the idea of using roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep food aid flowing into November,” citing a “Department of Agriculture memo that surfaced Friday.”
“We want every family to be able to share a meal and celebrate without compromising on quality, quantity or tradition,” said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. Since the program started three years ago, millions of customers have taken up Walmart on its Thanksgiving offer.
Here’s what is in the meal package this year:
· Butterball Turkey, 13.5 lb. ($0.97/lb. — lowest price since 2019)
· Kinder’s Fried Onions, 4.5 oz.
· Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz. (1 can)
· Stove Top Turkey Stuffing, Twin Pack 2 x 6 oz.
· Great Value Dinner Rolls, 12 ct.
· Fresh Russet Potatoes, 5 lb.
· Fresh Cranberries, 12 oz.
· Great Value Baby Carrots, 2 lb.
· Great Value Corn, 15 oz. (3 cans)
· Great Value Green Beans, 14.5 oz. (3 cans)
· Great Value Artisan Macaroni & Cheese, 12 oz. (3 boxes)
· Great Value Brown Gravy Mix, 0.87 oz. (2)
· Great Value Pie Crusts
· Great Value Evaporated Milk, 12 fl. oz.
· Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin, 15 oz.
Walmart is also offering a gluten free Thanksgiving meal deal, “Balanced Thanksgiving” swaps for high protein items, and a Prime Rib meal basket. It said these deals can be shopped with a “single click” online or in stores through Dec. 25. More information is available at Walmart.com/ThanksgivingMeal. Aldi is also offering a similarly priced deal.