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how much does thanksgiving dinner cost ?

**How Much Does Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in 2023?**

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. But as the holiday approaches, many of us are wondering: How much does a traditional Thanksgiving dinner actually cost? With inflation and rising food prices, the cost of turkey, cranberry sauce, and all the fixings has become a hot topic. Let’s dive into the numbers and see what you can expect this year.

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### **The Rising Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner**

According to recent reports, Thanksgiving dinner has become more expensive in recent years. In 2022, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people reached a record high of **$53.31**, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This upward trend continued in 2023, with estimates suggesting that the cost could rise even further due to ongoing inflation and supply chain issues.

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### **Breaking Down the Costs**

To understand the total cost, let’s break down the price of each item on the Thanksgiving table:

1. **Turkey**: The star of the meal, a 16-pound turkey, has seen one of the largest price increases. In 2022, it cost an average of **$28.96**, which works out to about **$1.81 per pound**. This is a significant jump from previous years.

2. **Cranberries**: Fresh cranberries have become slightly more affordable, with a 12-ounce bag costing around **$2.57** in 2022.

3. **Sweet Potatoes**: A 3-pound bag of sweet potatoes now costs approximately **$3.96**, up from **$3.56** in 2020.

4. **Dinner Rolls**: A dozen dinner rolls now cost about **$3.73**, up **$0.68** from previous years.

5. **Stuffing**: A 14-ounce bag of stuffing mix costs around **$3.88**, though this is slightly lower than in 2020.

6. **Pie Crusts**: Two frozen pie crusts for dessert now cost about **$3.68**, up **$0.77** from 2020.

When you add all these items together, the total cost for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in 2022 was **$53.31**. This is the most expensive Thanksgiving dinner on record, surpassing the previous high of **$48.91** in 2019.

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### **Inflation’s Impact on Thanksgiving**

The rising cost of Thanksgiving dinner is a microcosm of the broader inflationary trends affecting the U.S. economy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have increased by about **10%** over the past year, with protein prices (like turkey) and produce (like cranberries and sweet potatoes) seeing some of the largest increases.

While inflation has affected all aspects of the meal, some items have been hit harder than others. For example, the cost of a turkey has increased by nearly **$5** compared to 2020, while cranberries and stuffing have seen smaller increases or even slight decreases.

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### **How to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner**

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of your Thanksgiving meal, there are a few strategies you can try:

1. **Buy a Smaller Turkey**: If you don’t need a full 16-pound turkey, consider buying a smaller bird or even a turkey breast instead.

2. **Shop for Sales and Discounts**: Many grocery stores and retailers offer discounted Thanksgiving items in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Keep an eye out for sales on turkeys, cranberries, and other essentials.

3. **Make a Meal Plan**: Stick to a budget-friendly menu and avoid buying unnecessary items.

4. **Cook at Home**: While dining out is an option, cooking at home is almost always more affordable. If you’re short on time, consider buying pre-made sides or frozen desserts.

5. **Shop at Discount Stores**: Stores like Aldi and Lidl often offer cheaper prices on staple items like sweet potatoes and cranberries.

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### **Conclusion**

Thanksgiving is a time to come together and give thanks, but it’s no secret that the cost of the meal has been on the rise. While a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people now costs around **$53.31**, there are ways to save and still enjoy a delicious meal. By planning ahead, shopping smart, and focusing on what truly matters—time with loved ones—you can make this Thanksgiving both memorable and affordable.

Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃