Thanksgiving, a time for family, friends, and of course, feasting! But just how much turkey does America gobble up on this special day? Let’s dive into the delicious details.
The Turkey Tally: A Feast for Millions
According to the National Turkey Federation a whopping 46 million turkeys find their way onto Thanksgiving tables each year. That’s enough to feed a flock of hungry humans almost twice the size of the entire population of California!
A Bird for Every Bite: 88% of Americans Gobble Turkey
But who’s behind this massive consumption? The answer is a staggering 88% of Americans. That means nearly nine out of ten people in the U.S. enjoy a slice of turkey on Thanksgiving. Now that’s a whole lot of gravy-soaked goodness!
The Cost of the Feast: A Bird’s-Eye View of Spending
So, how much are we shelling out for all these birds? In 2023, Americans are expected to spend a grand total of $1.28 billion on Thanksgiving turkeys. That’s a hefty sum, but hey, it’s a small price to pay for a delicious and memorable holiday meal.
From Farm to Table: A Look at Turkey Prices
The price of a Thanksgiving turkey can vary depending on factors like size, location, and even the year. In 2023, the average cost of a 16-pound turkey is expected to be around $27.90. This is a slight increase from the previous year, but still a reasonable price for a centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast.
Fun Facts to Gobble Up: Turkey Trivia
Did you know that the heaviest turkey ever raised weighed a whopping 86 pounds? That’s almost as big as a large dog! And speaking of size, female turkeys, or hens, are usually the ones sold as whole birds, while male turkeys, or toms, are processed into various cuts like sausages and deli meats.
Beyond the Bird: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving
While turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving show, there are ways to save some dough on your holiday meal. Here are a few tips:
- Plan ahead: Create your menu early so you can shop for ingredients when they’re on sale.
- Frozen is your friend: Frozen turkeys are usually cheaper than fresh ones, and they just need a few days to thaw.
- Share the cost: Team up with friends or family to share the cost of the meal and the cooking duties.
The Bottom Line: A Thanksgiving Feast for All
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and of course, enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones. Whether you’re a turkey enthusiast or prefer other Thanksgiving dishes, there’s no denying that this holiday is a celebration of abundance and joy. So, go ahead, grab a drumstick, and let’s give thanks for the bounty of the season!
The cost of turkeys this Thanksgiving
- The estimated number of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving Day is 46 million.
- The number of Americans who are probably having a turkey dinner is 293 million.
- 88%: Proportion of Americans to be feasting on Thanksgiving turkey
- $1.3 billion: Spend on turkeys this Thanksgiving
Research shows 293 million Americans will eat turkey this year.
Americans aren’t the only ones riding the train to Gravy Town and getting stuffed this Thanksgiving. Each year, roughly 88% of Americans eat Thanksgiving turkey, according to the National Turkey Federation.
This means roughly 293.3 million people will eat turkey on Thanksgiving in 2023.
In comparison to last year, Finder ran the numbers to determine how much Americans are predicted to spend on turkey this Thanksgiving.
In 2023, Americans will spend an estimated $1. 28 billion on festive fowls, a slight increase of roughly $16 million from the $1. 27 billion paid for Thanksgiving turkeys in 2022.
This is based on a projection that 16 lb. turkeys will cost $27. 90 the week before Thanksgiving. We projected the weekly price of a whole frozen turkey during Thanksgiving using weekly retail price data from the Agricultural Marketing Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), obtaining information dating back to 2010.
Did You Know – How Much Turkey Is Consumed On Thanksgiving
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