Thanksgiving Meal Deals: Gobbling Up Savings Without Sacrificing Taste

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, many Americans are beginning to plan their holiday feasts while keeping a careful eye on their budgets. Thankfully, major grocery retailers across the country are offering impressive meal deals this season, making it possible to host a delicious Thanksgiving celebration without breaking the bank. From budget-friendly complete meals to discounted ingredients for home cooking enthusiasts, these retailers are serving up options that cater to various preferences and party sizes—proving that holiday tradition and affordability can indeed go hand in hand.

Aldi and Lidl are leading the charge with some of the most budget-friendly complete meal packages this year. Aldi has reduced its Thanksgiving offering price compared to last year, providing a spread for 10 people at just $40—that’s merely $4 per person for a complete holiday feast. Their package includes all the essentials: a 14-pound turkey and ingredients for traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, rolls, and even pumpkin pie. No coupons or memberships are required; shoppers simply need to look for specially marked items throughout the store. Similarly, Lidl has significantly dropped its prices from last year, offering a complete meal for 10 people at under $36—less than $3.60 per person. Their deal includes a Shady Brook Farms frozen turkey at the remarkably low price of $0.25 per pound (with the MyLidl app), plus all the fixings for classic sides and dessert, available through November 26th.

For those who prefer online shopping or membership-based retailers, Amazon and Walmart are delivering impressive value this season. Amazon’s deal runs from November 12-27, featuring a complete meal that feeds five people for just $25. The package includes a Butterball frozen turkey priced at $0.69 per pound, alongside pre-made Reser’s brand side dishes including homestyle stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, crescent rolls, and a holiday pie. Amazon is also offering pie deals under $7 and discounts of at least 25% on baking essentials from their private-label brands. Meanwhile, Walmart is boasting its “best offer yet,” with a one-click basket serving 10 people for less than $40, featuring over 20 national and private brand items. Their deal includes a Butterball turkey at $0.97 per pound (their lowest turkey price since 2019) plus all the ingredients needed for classic side dishes. First-time pickup and delivery customers can even receive free express delivery on this meal basket.

Target has also returned with its popular holiday meal deal, now at its lowest price ever. For just under $20, Target shoppers can feed four people at less than $5 per person. The package includes a Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (frozen, up to 10 pounds), russet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, turkey gravy, French bread, and frozen corn. Beyond this core meal deal, Target is maintaining 2024 pricing of 79 cents per pound on their Good & Gather turkeys and offering deals on thousands of other grocery items and everyday essentials, making it a solid option for budget-conscious hosts planning smaller gatherings.

For those seeking convenience or premium options, membership clubs like Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club have appealing offers. Costco’s Complete Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner costs $269.99 and serves eight people—about $25 per person with member discounts. While more expensive than other options, this meal offers convenience and quality with an Amish-raised, free-range five-pound turkey breast and an extensive array of sides and desserts including mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, stuffing, sweet corn, pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, cranberry relish, turkey gravy, and dinner rolls. Everything arrives frozen with detailed reheating instructions, and customers can pre-order with chosen delivery dates through November 21. BJ’s Wholesale Club is taking a different approach with a member loyalty reward: those who spend $150 or more in a single transaction between November 1-10 will receive a coupon for a free Butterball turkey (valued up to $25). These coupons become available to eligible members starting November 15 and can be redeemed through November 26, while supplies last.

While economic pressures continue to affect many households, these grocery retailers are clearly making concerted efforts to keep Thanksgiving affordable this year. Whether you’re looking to cook from scratch, assemble pre-made components, or simply heat and serve, there’s an option to fit virtually every budget, cooking skill level, and time constraint. The wide variety of deals available—from Lidl’s remarkable $3.60 per person feast to Costco’s premium $25 per person gourmet experience—ensures that families across America can gather around tables filled with traditional favorites without financial strain. As these retailers compete to offer the most attractive holiday deals, consumers are the ultimate winners in what has become a season of surprising affordability amid ongoing inflation concerns.