The American Thanksgiving feast. For many of us, that phrase conjures up mental images of Normal Rockwell paintings. Above all, it is a time for family to gather. Additionally, it’s a time for many Americans to stuff themselves at the dinner table. However, with grocery store prices at an all time high, many Americans are searching for ways to save money on their Thanksgiving menu.
As a matter of fact, a recent survey from SingleCare.com shows just that. Their press release reveals 69% of Americans are searching for ways to save money on their holiday feast.
Turkey Prices May Be A Bit Lower, But Thanksgiving Dinner Still Costly
With inflation at an all-time high last year, Thanksgiving turkeys were more expensive than ever. Although prices on that juicy bird have come down a bit this year, Thanksgiving dinner will still be more expensive.
In fact, I checked out WellsFargo.com for their annual “Agri-Food Intelligence” report for Thanksgiving 2023. Although turkey prices are less expensive this year, other items on your Thanksgiving menu will cost more. For example, ham prices are up about 5%. In addition, canned pumpkin prices have risen a whopping 30%. Of course, every holiday dinner table has to have a green bean casserole on it. The article by Dr. Michael Swanson, Courtney Buerger Schmidt, and Brad Rubin says the price of green beans is up almost 9% from last year.
Easy Ways To Cut Costs On Your Thanksgiving Menu
At this time, it’s a little too late to advise you to “shop early.” However, if you’re shopping this weekend or next week, you can still use coupons and savings apps. That’s according to an article on TakeChargeAmerica.org. Additionally, they advise cutting back on the number of appetizers. Furthermore, limit the number of beverage choices for your guests. These are two areas where my family goes overboard every year. We love our appetizers and holiday spirits.
Now, scroll down for five more easy ways to save money on this year’s holiday feast. These money-saving tips are courtesy of an article by Jennifer Streaks, edited by Libby Kane. I found it on BusinessInsider.com. Happy Thanksgiving!
1) What's In Your Cupboards And Pantry?
Before you even decide to head on over to the grocery store to shop for your Thanksgiving Day feast, be sure to check to see what’s inside your kitchen cabinets. Just because you traditionally have a green bean casserole on the holiday table doesn’t mean you must every year. You may have other canned or jarred vegetables that you can use as a tasty holiday side dish. Either way, be sure to check what you have on hand so you don’t overbuy at the supermarket.
A dark-haired woman looks on her kitchen shelves at various jars and canned goods. The wooden shelves are stocked with glass jars of dry beans, dry pasta, nuts, and other ingredients.
2) How Many Different Cuts Of Meat Do You Need?
Sure, we all look forward to Thanksgiving dinner to stuff ourselves on turkey and ham. Some families love to add a beef roast. Others like to have a seafood course on the table as well. Is all of that really necessary? Well, maybe this year your holiday table won’t be packed with meat for a change. Maybe it’s time to add some vegetable or quiche options instead. We’re certainly not recommending that your Thanksgiving feast be devoid of meat. Roast that turkey! But, maybe so many meat options aren’t necessary this year.
Egg tart stuffed with asparagus, spinach, chard, cream and cheese, served with white wine. Rustic style.
3) Why Do You Have To Buy All The Food?
It’s always a generous gesture to treat family and friends to a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner. However, why do you have to spend all that cash to treat everyone? Instead, ask those you invite over to bring a dish that they love at their family’s traditional holiday table. Not only will this idea help you cut costs, you may also discover some delicious dishes that you’d like to incorporate into your future Thanksgiving feasts.
A smiling woman bringing food through the front door of a senior citizen’s home in a bluish-green metal covered pot.
4) Purchase A Thanksgiving Meal Kit
According to the BusinessInsider.com article, stores like Walmart, Target, and Trader Joe’s offer full Thanksgiving Day meal kits. Most are priced for budget conscious shoppers. For example, Walmart’s meal kit “includes a 16-pound turkey, chicken stuffing mix, canned turkey gravy, french fried onions, cream of mushroom soup, canned cranberry sauce, and a pack of rolls.” The cost? Just $30 bucks! Not bad.
Different food in paper bag on wooden background.
5) Use Cuts Of Turkey Instead Of The Entire Bird
What is your family’s favorite part of the turkey? The breast? The thighs? Turkey legs? Whichever it is, trying buying them as parts instead of purchasing an entire bird. You may be able to get more of what your family loves instead of trying to find uses for the leftover parts most don’t enjoy.
Top view of two fresh turkey thighs on a wood cutting board with a knife on a white background.
