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Home chefs across America are gearing up for the biggest feast of the year. But with consumer debt mounting and product costs rising, Thanksgiving 2023 might be more expensive for most people.
Some families are having to find alternative ways to prepare the turkey, which is the main course of the Thanksgiving meal, due to this year’s high grocery costs. FinanceBuzz collected turkey prices from U. S. grocery stores to find the average cost of a Thanksgiving turkey in each state.
Gobble, gobble! It’s that time of year again when families gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving with a delicious feast. And what’s a Thanksgiving feast without a juicy, roasted turkey? But before you head to the grocery store, you might be wondering, “how much does a 16 lb turkey cost?”
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to dive into the world of turkey prices and help you find the best bang for your buck.
Perdue Whole Turkey: A Budget-Friendly Option
Let’s start with the Perdue Whole Turkey, a popular choice for many Thanksgiving dinners This bad boy comes in two sizes: 10-16 lbs and 16-20 lbs. The price? $11499 for the larger size and $84.99 for the smaller one.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 10-16 lb Perdue Whole Turkey: $84.99
- 16-20 lb Perdue Whole Turkey: $114.99
Pro tip: Perdue is currently offering a free shipping deal on orders over $159.99! So, if you’re planning on buying a few other Thanksgiving essentials, you might be able to snag that turkey for free.
Bob’s Turkey Farm: Fresh and Flavorful
Bob’s Turkey Farm is an excellent choice if you want a fresh turkey that is produced nearby. There are several sizes available for their Fresh Whole Turkey, including a 16–18 lb option. The price for this bad boy is $84. 83.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 16-18 lb Fresh Whole Turkey from Bob’s Turkey Farm: $84.83
Because Bob’s Turkey Farm sells its turkeys by actual weight, the cost of your bird may differ slightly based on its precise weight.
So, Which Turkey Should You Choose?
The best turkey for you depends on your budget and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Perdue Whole Turkey is a great choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a fresh, locally-sourced turkey, Bob’s Turkey Farm is the way to go.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Perdue Whole Turkey | Bob’s Turkey Farm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $84.99 (10-16 lbs), $114.99 (16-20 lbs) | $84.83 (16-18 lbs) |
| Freshness | Frozen | Fresh |
| Source | National brand | Local farm |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited availability |
Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving feast is to compare prices and options at your local grocery stores and farms.
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our other Thanksgiving-related articles for more tips and tricks on how to make your holiday feast a success!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much turkey should I buy per person?
A: A good rule of thumb is to buy 1 lb of turkey per person, plus 5 lbs for waste. If you want leftovers, plan on 2 lbs per person.
Q: How do I cook a turkey?
A: There are many different ways to cook a turkey. You can roast it in the oven, smoke it, or even fry it. There are also many different recipes available online and in cookbooks.
Q: What are some good side dishes for Thanksgiving?
A few of the most well-liked Thanksgiving side dishes are green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
Q: What are some good desserts for Thanksgiving?
A: Some popular Thanksgiving desserts include pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie.
Q: What are some tips for hosting a Thanksgiving dinner?
A: Here are a few tips for hosting a Thanksgiving dinner:
- Plan ahead and make a list of everything you need to do.
- Delegate tasks to your guests.
- Make sure you have enough food and drinks for everyone.
- Relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Additional Resources
How much are Thanksgiving turkeys this year? Average turkey costs by state
As is the case with many goods, the most expensive average turkey prices in the U. S. were found away from the contiguous United States. Residents of Hawaii can expect to pay the highest rate in the country ($52. 85) for a 15-pound turkey. That’s nearly 50% more than the national average of $35. 40.
Turkeys cost more than $10 less in Alaska ($42. 35), but that still makes the bird more expensive than in any of the remaining 48 states. Hawaiians and Alaskans are no strangers to high prices. Alaska and Hawaii are frequently listed among the most expensive states to live in because it is costly to ship goods to the non-contiguous states.
Most expensive states for a Thanksgiving turkey
| State | Cost for a 15-pound turkey |
| Hawaii | $52.85 |
| Alaska | $42.35 |
| Minnesota | $41.85 |
| California | $41.85 |
| Rhode Island | $39.35 |
| Connecticut | $38.85 |
| Georgia | $38.85 |
| Kentucky | $38.85 |
| South Carolina | $38.85 |
| Wisconsin | $38.85 |
On average, Minnesota and California have the highest turkey prices on the US mainland, with a 15-pound bird costing $41. 85 on average in each of those states. America’s smallest state, Rhode Island, rounds out the top five.
States with the most affordable Thanksgiving turkeys
Turkeys are most affordable in Louisiana, where they cost just $27. 30 on average. That’s over $8 cheaper than the national average. A number of nearby states have similarly affordable turkeys this year. Oklahoma ($27. 85), Kansas ($27. 85), Mississippi ($29. 25), and Missouri ($29. 35) make up the most affordable states.
Least expensive states for a Thanksgiving turkey
| State | Cost for a 15-pound turkey |
| Louisiana | $27.30 |
| Kansas | $27.85 |
| Oklahoma | $27.85 |
| Mississippi | $29.25 |
| Missouri | $29.35 |
| Texas | $30.80 |
| North Dakota | $30.85 |
| Colorado | $31.35 |
| Maine | $31.35 |
| Arkansas | $31.85 |
| Iowa | $31.85 |
| Ohio | $31.85 |