Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Comparison: Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. The age-old debate of whether to cook a feast at home or head to a restaurant has taken an interesting turn this year. As we approach Thanksgiving, there’s a significant twist in the tale—falling turkey prices and rising restaurant costs might just make it more affordable to celebrate at home.
1. The Thanksgiving Dilemma
Families face a tough decision when it comes to Thanksgiving—cook at home or dine out? The primary factor influencing this choice is the cost involved. Let’s break down the factors contributing to this dilemma.
2. Turkey Prices Take a Dive
Good news for turkey lovers! Retail prices for turkeys, the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving dinners, have seen a decline compared to last year. This is a stark contrast to 2022 when turkey prices skyrocketed due to inflation and the avian influenza outbreak.
3. Understanding the Price Surge
In 2022, turkey prices rose by over 20%, largely due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak. The ripple effect led to a Thanksgiving feast for 10 costing 20% more than the previous year’s average. Fast forward to 2023, and the avian flu has started to wane, allowing farmers to boost production and bring turkey prices down.
4. Turkey Production Bounces Back
In July, turkey production reached 432.3 million pounds, a 9.7% increase over the previous year. This surge in production means ample turkeys for Thanksgiving, with prices about 8% lower than last year, providing a ray of hope for those looking to save on the main course.
5. Bargains and Deals
As Thanksgiving approaches, supermarkets, stocked with plenty of turkeys, often roll out promotions and discounts. With last year’s supply disruptions behind us, grocers may sell turkeys at prices lower than wholesale, making it an even better deal for consumers.
6. Side Dish Sticker Shock
While turkey prices are on the decline, the same cannot be said for classic Thanksgiving side dishes. The Wells Fargo report highlights increases in the cost of ingredients, including russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, canned green beans, cranberries, canned pumpkins, and even alcoholic beverages.
7. Dining Out vs. Cooking In
Despite the drop in turkey prices, dining out might not be the cost-effective solution it once was. The overall cost of food away from home has risen by about 6%, outpacing the 2.4% increase in food at home from a standard grocery trip.
8. Rising Restaurant Costs
Experts warn that restaurant menu prices have surged even more drastically than grocery prices. Higher wages offered by restaurants to attract employees post-pandemic have led to increased menu prices, making dining out a more expensive option.
9. The 2023 Foot Race
In the ongoing foot race between restaurant and supermarket costs, 2023 seems to favor cooking at home. The affordability of the main course, coupled with grocery stores offering deals, puts home cooking ahead this year.
10. Side Dish Reality Check
While turkey prices may offer some relief, the increased costs of side dishes mean that the overall savings might not be as substantial as one would hope for.
11. Verdict: 2023’s Thanksgiving Decision
In conclusion, with turkey prices down and grocery stores enticing with deals, 2023 may indeed be the year to savor a homemade Thanksgiving. However, it’s essential to note that overall food prices remain high, tempering expectations of significant savings compared to the previous year.
12. Conclusion: Home Cooking Prevails
In the grand Thanksgiving feast showdown, the scales tip in favor of cooking at home this year. While restaurant prices have sprinted ahead, the lower turkey prices and grocery store promotions make celebrating at home a more cost-effective and satisfying choice.