For Hoosiers, Thanksgiving dinner will cost less this year

Here’s something worthy of saying thanks: Hoosiers will spend about 10% less on a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year than in 2022, according to the Indiana Farm Bureau.

The price of turkey alone softens the blow, this year costing an estimated $1.38 per pound for a whole turkey, the bureau’s market basket survey discovered, or $22.11 on average for a 16-pounder. That’s a 21% decrease from last year’s price, according to data released Wednesday.

“This is largely due to the dramatic reduction in avian influenza cases and a recovery of the turkey population in the United States, specifically the Midwest, which produces the most turkeys,” the bureau stated in a release.

A market basket survey conducted by the bureau estimated that Hoosiers will pay an average of $54.64 for a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people, or $5.46 per person if you feel like adding — or not inviting — an extra person.

Indiana shoppers will spend about 11% — 66 cents — less than the national average of $6.12 per person, the bureau stated Wednesday.

The Indiana Farm Bureau considers a traditional Thanksgiving meal includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, a carrot and celery veggie tray, whole milk, cranberries, whipping cream, ingredients for pumpkin pie and miscellaneous baking items.

A few items considered in the survey saw a decrease in price year over year, turkey, whipping cream and cranberries, while a couple staples saw in increase in price compared to 2022 — pumpkin pie filling mix and frozen peas.

In fact, the survey determined, only pumpkin pie filling, sweet potatoes, a veggie tray and cranberries are more expensive in Indiana this year than you’d pay nationally. Pie shells, however, are cheaper than the U.S. average.

While comparing one year to the next may have shown a decrease, Hoosiers are still paying 28% more than four years ago, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bureau stated.

“Even though the rate of inflation is not as extreme as last year, the cumulative effect of food inflation is still very much present,” said INFB Chief Economist Todd Davis. “This includes the collective impact of labor, fuel, packaging and transportation costs, all of which are costs beyond the farm gate.”

Droughts in recent years have affected the cost of food.

“It’s been a difficult few years for farmers in terms of high input costs and getting what we need to produce food, fuel and fiber for the world,” said Isabella Chism, INFB 2nd vice president, in the release. “And the amount farmers are being paid hasn’t covered the increase of their input expenses.”

Average Thanksgiving dinner costs for Hoosiers

Turkey (16 pounds) — $22.11 Stuffing (14-ounce package) — $3.69

Pumpkin pie filling mix (30-ounce can) — $4.82

Pie shells, 9 inch (2 per package) — $2.89

Sweet potatoes (3 pounds) — $4.02 Rolls (1 dozen) — $3.65

Peas (16-ounce package, frozen) — $1.71

Veggie tray (.5 ounces each, fresh carrots and celery) — $0.93 Whole milk (gallon) — $3.04 Cranberries (fresh, 1-pound package) — $2.26

Whipping cream (1⁄2 pint) — $1.56 Misc. ingredients (such as coffee, butter, onions, eggs, sugar and flour) — $3.95

Average meal cost — $54.64