The Pricey Truth About Your 2025 Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and yes, indulgent food. But in 2025, it’s also about budgeting wisely for your turkey. Whether you’re aiming for the classic golden roast or experimenting with smaller birds and alternative cuts, being price-conscious now can save a serious chunk of your holiday cash.

Turkey is the undisputed centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, and Americans take that role seriously. Back in 2017, the USDA reported a whopping 46 million turkeys were gobbled up on Thanksgiving Day. But in 2025, dinner planners might have to plan more than just their guest list—they’ll need to plan for the price tag.

The Price Is Up… Way Up

Last year, the average turkey cost $0.94 per pound, the lowest we’d seen since 2019. Not bad, right? For a standard 16-pound bird, that was just $15.04. Fast forward to this year, and that same bird is expected to land at $21.12—and that’s before your grocery store adds its markup. The USDA’s September report revealed a 40% jump in wholesale turkey prices from 2024. Initial estimates pegged it at $1.19 per pound, but after the report hit, it was revised to $1.315 per pound, or $1.32 at checkout.

That’s right—thanksgiving just got a little more expensive, and your stuffing might need to carry some extra weight financially too.

Why Your Turkey Is Costing More

The culprit? Avian flu. Early October saw turkey flocks hit again, with over half a million birds affected since the USDA report. While 195 million turkeys were raised this year, that’s actually the lowest number since 1985. Fewer birds plus steady demand equals a perfect recipe for higher prices.

So, while there’s no risk of a turkey shortage, fresh birds—especially the jumbo ones—might be hard to find. If your dream of a 20-pounder is already haunting your Thanksgiving plans, it’s not you—it’s the flock.

Where to Score a Deal

All hope is not lost! Shopping around could save you a pretty penny:

• Aldi: $0.77 per pound

• Walmart frozen Butterball: $0.97 per pound

• Whole Foods: $2.49 per pound

Pro tip: stores often use turkeys as a loss leader—selling them cheap to reel you in for the rest of your grocery haul. So, now might be the perfect time to nab a bargain. Fresh birds closer to Thanksgiving? Expect the prices to climb.

Local farms are another option if you want to support the neighborhood and snag something unique. Just remember: the early bird gets the bird… at a good price.