Simple ways to get a Thanksgiving meal under $40

As people prepare for the holiday feast, finding a Thanksgiving meal under $40 might seem like a holiday wish. With a little planning, a bounty of holiday food can fill the table. It is time to skip the panic and be fill the plate with a delicious meal.

From small turkeys to empty shelves, the news cycle can have people thinking that the holiday meal might involve a trip to the drive-thru. Although no one can argue that food prices are increasing, the reality is that value can be found.

According to the America Farm Bureau’s findings, a “Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $53.31 or less than $6.00 per person. This is a $6.41 or 14% increase from last year’s average of $46.90.” This feast includes “turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers.”

While those numbers can be concerning, the reality is that shoppers need to be thoughtful with their choices. Instead of just filing the cart with food, a little care regarding the what and the where needs to be considered.

Several popular stores have proven that a Thanksgiving meal under $40 is doable. Although it will require more cooking versus just ordering, the reality is that shopping values can be found.

Where can you get a Thanksgiving meal under $40?

Recently, Walmart shared that its Thanksgiving meal for 10 people costs under $40. According to the brand, “customers can get all their Thanksgiving staples for just $38.55 – a savings of more than $14 compared to the national average ($53.31).”

Walmart has always put cost savings as a priority for its customers. From its Great Value line to rollback pricing, the reality is that food deals can be found on the shelf.

Even as consumers want more convenience, Walmart has an option that fits their needs. Scheduling pick-up times to last minute orders, there are plenty of ways to ensure that nothing is left off that holiday shopping list.

In addition to Walmart, other stores appreciate that a cost-effective Thanksgiving feast is a priority for consumers. Ibotta offered its Thanksgiving meal rebate program. Although that offer required a little extra planning, many people took advantage of the savings.

ALDI created a Thanksgiving meal priced at $30. From the turkey to the pumpkin pie, it included all the staples. Given that offer, it left plenty of room in the cart for all the other great ALDI holiday finds.

Lastly, LIDL created its Thanksgiving meal priced at less than $3 a person. Including a 13-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and dessert, it proves that savings can be had.

For LIDL, it is important to offer the value not just for its Thanksgiving staples but for all its offerings on the shelf. Since the Thanksgiving feast can cost least, there is extra room to grab a bottle of its award winning wines, some cheese or even a few pastries to add to the holiday meal.

Overall, a Thanksgiving meal under $40 is doable. Even as the food news cycle talks about meatflation, skipping the turkey for a chicken or empty shelves, the reality is that a holiday meal doesn’t have to leave the host with an empty wallet.

What is your tip to create a Thanksgiving meal under $40? Have you changed your plans this year because of higher food costs?