Major retailers offer Thanksgiving deals
From Aldi's to Costco and Walmart, here's your shopping bargains
As Thanksgiving approaches, food prices continue to rise, but at a slower pace than just a few years ago. This year saw an increase of just 2.7% year-over-year in September (the prices are tracked September to September), down from 5.8% in 2023 and a record high of 9.9% in 2022, according to the Department of Agriculture, which has monitored retailers and prices for decades.
The good news is that retailers are working harder to offer special discounts for Thanksgiving.
ALDI, which has 10 stores in the Kansas City area, is the latest to offer a budget-friendly meal. It announced it has the ingredients for 10 people at just $40.
“The ALDI commitment to low prices is unwavering, and I am thrilled that we are able to offer an even more affordable holiday meal than last year,” said Atty McGrath, CEO of ALDI U.S. “Saving our shoppers money is our mission every day, but is especially important during the holidays when they need it most.”
For $4 a person, ALDI shoppers can purchase all of the items needed to fill their tables. This includes 21 total products and ingredients to dish out a 14-pound turkey, rolls, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. Items that are part of the meal are purchased individually and marked on shelf. No coupons or memberships needed.
Other retailers are also promoting meal ingredients at bargain prices.
Hy-Vee BOGO
Hy-Vee is pushing one of the most aggressive offers this year. The employee-owned company based in Des Moines is advertising a $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal that feeds up to six people and includes a turkey, sides and dessert. A gluten-free version is priced at $50, and the chain is bringing back its “buy a ham, get a turkey free” special that typically draws heavy early-November traffic. The promotion runs through Nov. 26. It also includes pick-up and online ordering.
Walmart’s undercutting stategy
Walmart is sticking with its strategy of undercutting competitors on price. Its Thanksgiving meal basket for 2025 is built to feed 10 people for less than $40, keeping the cost under $4 per person. The package includes a Butterball turkey at Walmart’s lowest per-pound price since 2019, along with staple sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned vegetables and pie ingredients. Walmart is also offering variations-gluten-free bundles, “balanced swap” options and a ready-to-heat version-along with free express delivery for first-time online customers.
Target trying to woo customers back
Struggling retailer Target is leaning on a smaller, budget-friendly spread. The retailer’s Thanksgiving kit for four people comes in under $20 and includes a Good & Gather turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, bread and frozen corn. The company, still recovering from a boycott over its transgender policies, is also keeping its private-label turkey price at 79 cents per pound, matching last year. The company is wrapping the food promotion into a broader holiday push that includes décor and seasonal clothing aimed at budget-minded families.
Sam’s Club offering ‘upscale’ option
Sam’s Club is targeting larger gatherings with a Member’s Mark meal built to serve 10 for under $100. It features a smoked turkey and a lineup of prepared sides-macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and both pumpkin pie and apple cobbler. The club retailer is pitching it as an “effortless but elevated” option for hosts who don’t want to fuss in the kitchen.
Costco has the most expensive meal
Costco is also taking a more premium approach, which is promoted by Martha Stewart. Its Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner, typically priced around $270, is discounted this season to about $200. It includes an Amish-raised turkey breast, multiple reheatable side dishes, dinner rolls and two desserts. Everything ships frozen and is designed for minimal prep, appealing to families who want a full holiday meal without the shopping or cooking marathon.
Amazon straight to your door
Amazon has quietly introduced its own low-cost competitor-a Thanksgiving meal for five priced at $25. The bundle includes an 8-pound Butterball turkey along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, crescent rolls and a holiday pie. The offer is aimed primarily at smaller households or ‘friendsgiving’ gatherings, looking for a simple, inexpensive option. The retailer has struggled in the food retail sector because of the personal nature of shopping for ingredients for a big meal.
Price Chopper deals
Price Chopper is offering customers a $40 dinner bundle for 10 individuals. It includes a frozen turkey, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie and even cranberry sauce. You can purchase it individually or as a bu ndle in-store or online.
The overall trend across retailers is unmistakable: lower prices, simplified meal kits and value-driven promotions for a holiday that many families say they don’t want to scale back, even in a tighter economy.
–Dwight Widaman
