Nov 19, 2021 - Economy

Thanksgiving inflation: Cost of turkey feast up 14%

Data: American Farm Bureau Federation; Chart: Sarah Grillo and Will Chase/Axios; Note: Milk was removed from our analysis, resulting in minor differences between our totals and those reported by the Farm Bureau Federation
Data: American Farm Bureau Federation; Chart: Sarah Grillo and Will Chase/Axios; Note: Milk was removed from our analysis, resulting in minor differences between our totals and those reported by the Farm Bureau Federation

Putting together a traditional Thanksgiving meal will cost about 14% more this year than it did in 2020.

Why it matters: Thanksgiving inflation, according to price estimates from the American Farm Bureau, is even greater than the overall increase in the cost of food.

Details: A 16-pound turkey will set you back about $24, almost $5 more than the average cost a year ago, according to the American Farm Bureau's informal survey of prices at grocery stores across the country.

  • The ingredients for a "classic" Thanksgiving meal add up to $53, per the Farm Bureau. Add a ham and a couple more sides to the table, and the total rises to $65.
  • Inflation, supply-chain problems and "high global demand for food, particularly meat" have all contributed to the rising costs, Farm Bureau senior economist Veronica Nigh said in a release.

Yes, but: The Farm Bureau's math is based on the quantities of food you'd need to feed 10 people, and for a 10-person gathering, a $53 meal would still come out to less than $6 per person.

What's next: Shortages and supply-chain problems are likely to persist throughout the holiday season.

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