Major retailers are slashing Thanksgiving meal prices to historic lows, offering families relief from Biden-era inflation with complete holiday dinners starting under $20 as grocers compete to restore affordability to American dinner tables.
Story Highlights
- Target announces its lowest-ever Thanksgiving meal price under $20 for four people.
- Walmart cuts basket prices 25% from last year, serving 10 people for under $40.
- Lidl offers a complete Thanksgiving dinner for less than $3.60 per person.
- Retailers respond to consumer demand for relief from lingering grocery inflation.
Target Leads Price Competition with Sub-$20 Family Meal
Target delivered the strongest blow against grocery inflation by announcing its lowest-priced Thanksgiving meal ever. The complete dinner for four people costs under $20 and includes premium items like Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey at 79 cents per pound, matching last year’s competitive pricing.
The bundle features traditional favorite,s including russet potatoes, Ocean Spray cranberry sauce, Stove Top stuffing, Heinz gravy, French bread, and frozen corn, giving families everything needed for a classic celebration.
Target Reveals Family Thanksgiving Meal at Lowest Price Ever at Less Than $5 a Person https://t.co/6H4lKIULSU
— People (@people) November 5, 2025
Walmart Slashes Prices 25% with Comprehensive Holiday Bundle
Walmart escalated the pricing war by offering its most aggressive Thanksgiving deal since launching the program in 2022. The retail giant’s one-click basket serves 10 people for less than $40, representing a dramatic 25% reduction from 2024 prices.
CEO John Furman emphasized the company’s commitment to affordability, noting the $14 price drop brings costs to just under $4 per person. The comprehensive package includes over 20 national and private brand items, anchored by Butterball turkey at 97 cents per pound with free express delivery for new pickup customers.
Discount Chains Drive Prices Even Lower
Aldi and Lidl pushed affordability boundaries further with their competitive offerings. Aldi reduced its 10-person Thanksgiving meal to $40, dropping $7 from last year’s pricing.
Lidl offered the most aggressive per-person pricing at $3.60 for 10 people, totaling less than $36 for a complete holiday dinner. The German discount chain’s pricing includes a whole turkey for 25 cents per pound through their MyLidl app, establishing what the company calls its lowest price ever in the United States market.
Warehouse Clubs Offer Premium Value Through Membership Benefits
BJ’s Wholesale and Costco provided value through different approaches targeting their membership bases. BJ’s returned its popular free turkey promotion, giving members who spend $150 on Thanksgiving items a complimentary Butterball turkey worth up to $25.
Costco focused on convenience with pre-orders for complete gourmet dinners serving eight people at $25 each. Their premium package includes Amish-raised free-range turkey breast, multiple sides, two desserts, and all traditional accompaniments, targeting families seeking upscale options without restaurant pricing.
Retailers Combat Wholesale Turkey Price Increases
These aggressive retail promotions directly counter wholesale turkey price forecasts showing 40% increases this holiday season. The American Farm Bureau Federation attributed rising wholesale costs to economic factors and disease challenges affecting poultry production.
Retail expert Ali Furman explained that grocers launched promotions earlier than typical years because overall grocery bills remain elevated from the previous administration’s inflationary policies. This strategic timing helps families spread holiday spending while retailers absorb higher wholesale costs to maintain customer loyalty and market share.
