Why Are Thanksgiving Food Prices Higher in Wisconsin This Year?

Thanksgiving is about family, food and traditions, but recent grocery bills have felt like a surprise. According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Marketbasket survey, the cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in Wisconsin is $61.84 this year. That’s up 6.7% from 2024. What… jump to content

Image of Cassie Sonnentag Cassie Sonnentag

Thanksgiving is about family, food and traditions, but recent grocery bills have felt like a surprise. According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving Marketbasket survey, the cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in Wisconsin is $61.84 this year. That’s up 6.7% from 2024.

What is driving Wisconsin’s higher Thanksgiving meal price?

Thanksgiving

It’s not just one item pushing costs up but rather a mix of factors. Turkey prices did rise this year, partly because poultry farmers are still managing the ripple effects of avian influenza which has reduced flocks nationwide, which means fewer birds in the market.

But turkey isn’t the whole story. Sweet potatoes, relish trays and a few other staples also saw price bumps. Add in regional supply chain costs and smaller retail markets, and Wisconsin’s average ends up higher than the national number.

Do farmers profit from higher grocery prices?

Despite the highs and lows of grocery store prices, farm families earn less than 16 cents of every food dollar. Meanwhile, the costs of growing their products continue to climb. So while you are paying more at the store, farmers are working hard just to break even.

How can I cut costs on my Thanksgiving meal?

Here are few practical tips to keep your holiday budget in check this year:

  • Watch for turkey deals: The Marketbasket survey does not account for sales and coupons. Many grocers will run specials in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
  • Go smaller or swap proteins: A smaller bird or alternative meat cuts can make a big difference in your overall cost.
  • Cook from scratch: Homemade stuffing, rolls and pies often cost less than their pre-made counterparts.
  • Plan accordingly:Avoid one-time specialty ingredients and choose items that you can repurpose into other dishes and meals later on.
  • Shop local and seasonal: Local brands and in-season produce can help stretch your budget while supporting farmers close to home.

Why does this matter for Wisconsin families?

Food prices are more than just the numbers, they can have an impact on how we celebrate traditions. Understanding why costs rise helps us make informed choices and support the people growing our food. When buying Wisconsin-grown products, you are choosing to keep your dollars in the local community and strengthen the local food system.world is either lost or wasted. Shoppers can reduce food waste at home by sticking to grocery lists, creatively repurposing leftovers or donating unopened, nonperishable food items to local food pantries.