Good news for those preparing for the holidays: the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner will be lower this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings for ten people is estimated to cost $58.08, a 5% decrease compared to 2023.

Now in its 39th year, the federation’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey relies on volunteer shoppers from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, who visit local grocery stores to check prices on classic holiday foods. The survey includes items such as turkey, cubed stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, frozen peas, fresh cranberries, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix, pie crusts, whipping cream, and whole milk.

Most of these items have seen a decrease in price this year, including turkey, sweet potatoes, frozen peas, carrots, celery, pumpkin pie mix, pie crusts, and whole milk. However, prices for dinner rolls, fresh cranberries, whipping cream, and cubed stuffing have increased.

Processed foods experienced the largest price hikes due to inflation and labor shortages. Despite this, the cost of turkey, which accounts for the largest portion of the total dinner bill (44.2%), has dropped by 6% this year compared to 2023 due to decreased demand.

Additionally, ham, russet potatoes, and frozen green beans also saw price reductions compared to last year.

This decrease in Thanksgiving dinner costs offers a bit of relief for consumers amidst continuing high prices in other areas.

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(Image credit: AL.com)