Walmart slashes Thanksgiving meal to under $4 a person
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Walmart is cutting the cost of its Thanksgiving meal basket to under $4 a person, $3 less than last year — with Butterball turkeys at the lowest price since 2019.
Why it matters: The world's largest retailer is lowering prices even as the U.S. faces its smallest turkey flock in decades, a flex of Walmart's scale and value strategy.
The big picture: With grocery competition heating up, the company's expanded holiday meal lineup — including new gluten-free, prime rib and "balanced Thanksgiving swaps" options — extends its effort to own the dinner table through Christmas.
Driving the news: The Bentonville-based retailer called the bundle its "most affordable holiday meal yet," with the 2025 basket serving 10 people for less than $40.
- It features Butterball turkeys at $0.97 per pound and a mix of national brand products and Walmart private-label items.
- Customers can add a donation to The Salvation Army at checkout as well.
Reality check: Walmart's deal lands amid a broader holiday price war.
- Discount grocer Aldi last week unveiled a $40 Thanksgiving meal that feeds 10 — also about $4 per person — with a 14-pound turkey and ingredients for nine sides, including stuffing, mac and cheese and pumpkin pie.
- Sam's Club, Walmart's warehouse sibling, is holding its Member's Mark Feast steady at under $100 for 10 people, the same price as last year, but with an extra side.
- The competition comes with grocery prices rising at their fastest pace in more than three years, and with many categories up substantially over last year.
The bottom line: Despite higher turkey prices expected this season, retailers are sharpening their value pitches, competing to keep Thanksgiving meals affordable.
