NASHVILLE, TN – Early Thanksgiving food-cost estimates show a wide range depending on the menu and shopping method, with one new state-by-state study putting dinner for eight near $117 nationally.
With the holiday just three weeks away, the BC.Game analysis priced a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, vegetables, pie ingredients, milk and wine at Walmart stores in one major city per state. Wisconsin ranked highest near $134, while Alabama was lowest near $102.
A separate 2026 analysis from Self Financial estimates a broader Thanksgiving meal for 10 at $137.93. Its basket includes additional dishes such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, salad and pecan pie, making direct comparisons difficult.
Retail promotions are considerably cheaper. Walmart is offering a 26-item meal for 10 at $35, while ALDI says its traditional basket for 10 costs under $39.
The American Farm Bureau Federation has not yet released its 2026 Thanksgiving survey, which remains the most consistent annual national benchmark.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Early estimates suggest higher turkey and cranberry costs, but aggressive grocery promotions could significantly reduce consumers’ actual Thanksgiving food bills.