At this time every year, we look forward to the annual survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) to tell us how much we should be paying for Thanksgiving Dinner. While this is an informal survey of price trends, and not a scientific study, we like to see the trends from year to year. The menu had not changed since the survey began in 1986… until now. This year, in addition to the traditional basket, the AFBF added three new items so we will have a more robust basket comparison beginning next year.
For the past 33 years, the AFBF has sent out a group of volunteers with a list of “traditional” Thanksgiving staples. The shoppers are asked to look for the best prices they can find without using coupons. This year 166 volunteers checked prices at grocery stores in 37 states. AFBF Chief Economist Dr. John Newton summed it up nicely: “Since 2015, the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner has declined steadily and is now at the lowest level since 2010.”
Now, if yours costs more, you’re not alone. This menu does not include beverages, appetizers or any extras. But, here’s the price break down:
