We searched for the lowest possible price for common Thanksgiving items at four popular stores.
ATLANTA — It’s no surprise that Thanksgiving dinner is a bit more expensive this year. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of dinner will be 20 percent more than in 2021.
The survey included 10-12 menu items totaling $64.05 as the average price.
11Alive reviewed four popular stores (Target, Walmart, Publix, and Kroger) that carry a wide range of ingredients and have locations anyone can walk to. Since everyone’s menu is different and everyone has their own special ways of making certain dishes, we stick to the stereotypical items or basic ingredients to make dishes. We search for the lowest possible price for items and list items, with prices readily available online. Items that returned a “prices vary” result based on store location are not listed.
(All prices are based on what is advertised on each store’s site, availability, and may change after this writing.)
Walmart was the cheapest in five of the 10 categories, and Kroger won in four of the 10 categories. Target and Publix tied for the most expensive items. However, Kroger wins as the cheapest store if you buy all of the items listed below.
If you were to buy one of each of the cheaper items (regardless of store) listed below and a dessert, the cost would be $28.38 before tax.
If you were to buy all the items (one per category) in the same store, the costs would be:
Walmart: $38.14 (if you buy the cheapest dessert)
Kroger: $32.92 (if you buy the cheapest dessert)
Goal: $44.39 (if you buy the cheapest dessert)
Publix: $42.24 (if you buy the cheapest dessert)
Turkey: Winner, Publix (price depends on sales and coupons)
Target: $23.80, Butterball turkey, $0.99 per pound, 16-20 pound turkey
Kroger: $15.18, store brand turkey, $.69 per pound, 20-24 turkeys (This item is currently on sale. A coupon is available on the website that would make this item cheaper with the purchase of other items.)
Walmart: $20.94, Honeysuckle White turkey, $.98 per pound, 16- to 26-pound turkey
Publix: $12.74, store brand turkey, $0.49 per pound, 24- to 28-pound turkey. (This item is currently on sale through 11/23.)
Sweet Potatoes: Winner, Kroger/Publix for individual potatoes, Walmart for a 3-pound bag
Target: $0.99 per pound, single potato/$2.99, store brand, 3-pound bag
Kroger: $.49 per pound, single potato/$3.99, store brand, 3-lb. bag
Walmart: $.63 per pound, single potato/$2.98, Simply Perfect brand, 3 lb. bag
Publix: $0.49 per pound, individual fries (3-pound bag prices were not available)
Green Beans (Canned): Winner, Walmart
Target: $.65 per can, Good & Gather brand, 14.5 oz
Kroger: $.89 per can, store brand, 14.5 oz
Walmart: $.50 per can, Great Value brand, 14.5 oz.
Publix: 10 cans for $10, multiple brands, 14.5 oz
Cranberry sauce (premade or canned): Winner, Walmart
Target: $1.49, Market Pantry brand, 14 oz.
Kroger: $1.50, store brand, 14 oz
Walmart: $1.36, Great Value brand, 14 oz.
Publix: 2 for $2, Ocean Spray, 14 oz.
Russet Potatoes: Winner, Target, and Kroger
Target: $2.99, Good & Gather brand, 5-pound bag
Kroger: $2.99, store brand, 5-pound bag
Walmart: $3.97, Idaho Potatoes brand, 5-pound bag
Publix: $3.99, store brand, 5-pound bag
Dinner/Crescent Rolls: Winner, Kroger by Item
Target: $3.49, Pillsbury brand, 8 crescent rolls
Kroger: $1.49, store brand, 8 crescent rolls
Walmart: $1.78, Great Value brand, 8 crescent rolls
Publix: $3.29, buy 1 get 1 free, Pillsbury brand, 8 crescent rolls
Milk (whole): Winner, Walmart
Target: $3.99, Good & Gather brand, gallon
Kroger: $2.89, store brand, gallon
Walmart: $2.33, Great Value brand, gallon
Publix: $4.74, store brand, gallon
Pumpkin Pie (Premade): Winner, Kroger
Target: $4.99, Rocky Mountain brand, 8-inch cake
Kroger: $3.99, Bakery Fresh brand, 8-inch cake
Walmart: $4.28, Freshness Guaranteed brand, 8-inch cake
Publix: $4.99, cake baked in-store 24 hours in advance, serves 4-6
Pecan Pie (Premade): Winner, Walmart
Target: $8.99, Rocky Mountain brand, 8-inch cake
Kroger: $5.99, Marie Callender’s, 32 oz pie (This item is frozen.)
Walmart: $4.98, Freshness Guaranteed brand, serves 5
Publix: $8.99, cake baked in store 24 hours in advance, serves 4-6