Thanksgiving Grocery Prices Show Mixed Trends, Impacting Holiday Meal Costs
Thanksgiving grocery prices in 2026 are exhibiting mixed trends, with some traditional holiday foods becoming less expensive while others see price increases. According to an analysis by Alexis Villacis, assistant professor at The Ohio State University, while certain items like turkey might be found at lower prices due to seasonal discounts, overall grocery costs have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. For instance, egg prices in October 2026 were approximately 81% higher than in 2019, and sugar prices were nearly 70% above pre-pandemic levels, despite recent declines. Wholesale turkey prices were estimated to be about 7% higher than the previous year, though retail promotions may mitigate this for consumers. The Wells Fargo Thanksgiving Food Report estimates a traditional meal for 10 people will cost $78.93, a 0.4% decrease from 2025, but this contrasts with PwC's projection of an almost 8% increase for turkey.
