JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – What’s the real cost of a Thanksgiving dinner?
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says a classic feast for 10 will run you $58.08.
Their annual Thanksgiving dinner survey finds that the cost is down 5% from last year but it’s still 19% higher than five years ago.
Under $60 for 10 people seems pretty low.
Nobody believed that was possible when I shared the statistics in the newsroom. So, we went shopping at a local grocery store to compare the prices in Jacksonville.
How did AFBF get this number? Every year, volunteer shoppers from all 50 states and Puerto Rico visit their local grocery to survey the prices of items used in a classic Thanksgiving feast.
The list is slim and doesn’t include some staples like ham, Russett potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.
Thanksgiving Dinner Shopping List (with local prices)
- Turkey (+16 lbs): $19.20
- Cubed stuffing (12 oz): $2.98
- Sweet potatoes (+3 lbs): $2.20
- Dinner rolls (1 doz): $3.24
- Frozen peas (16 oz): $0.98
- Cranberry sauce (12 oz): $1.98
- Celery (1 lb): $2.72
- Carrots (1 lb): $1.08
- Pumpkin pie mix (30 oz): $2.34
- Pie crusts (2): $2.54
- Whipping cream (1/2 pt): $3.37
- Whole milk (1 gal): $2.93
Surprisingly, the total for all the items on AFBF’s shopping list came out to $45.56, which is under the estimated $58.08. A few items were on sale, but most were regularly priced.
Now, let’s add some other Thanksgiving staples:
- Ham (10 lbs): $22.99
- Russet potatoes (5 lbs): $2.78
- Fresh green beans (32 oz): $5.98
- Elbow macaroni (2 lbs): $1.92
- Cheddar cheese (1 lb): $4.22
- Colby jack cheese (1 lb): $4.22
- Mozzarella cheese (1 lb): $4.22
That adds an extra $46.33 to your bill, bringing the total to $91.89. That sounds more like it to me, but of course, it’s all about what you like and where you shop.
I might add a bottle of red wine to the list too! Happy Thanksgiving!