As grocers continue serving up Thanksgiving and holiday meal deals, this year, prices are lower than ever as they look to nab budget-conscious consumers.
Target said its Thanksgiving meal this year — $20 to feed four people — is at its lowest price ever. That deal features a Good & Gather turkey, which at 79 cents per pound, is “one of the most affordable prices among grocers,” the company said. Midwest grocer Schnuck Markets said its frozen Schnucks brand turkey this year is at its lowest price in at least 15 years.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl are offering Thanksgiving meal deals this year that shave off around $7 and $9, respectively, from what they charged last year. Aldi noted in its announcement that its approximately $4 serving size costs “less than a pumpkin spice latte,” while Lidl has an in-app coupon for $1.04 off per pound on a Shady Brook Farms frozen whole turkey, which brings the cost down to 25 cents per pound.
Not surprisingly, private label is the star of many of the retailers’ holiday meal deals. For example, nearly all of the ingredients in Kroger’s Freshgiving bundle and Wegmans’ Thanksgiving meal deal are store brand ones.
What retailers are charging for Thanksgiving meals
Along with the holiday meals, retailers are also rolling out price cuts and promotions. Giant Eagle offered a free turkey to people who spent at least $350 between Oct. 16 to Nov. 6. Similarly, BJ’s Wholesale Club offered a free turkey to shoppers who spent $150 or more in a single transaction between Nov. 1 and Nov. 10.
Dollar General is providing savings through ingredient bundles on popular Thanksgiving foods, including $5 off when customers buy $15 on select items. Last week, Target announced price cuts on 3,000 grocery items and other essential items.
While price is playing a key role in holiday meal offerings, some grocers are also spotlighting alternatives that cater to specific lifestyle preferences and dietary needs. Hy-Vee’s Thanksgiving meal deal includes a gluten-free option, while Natural Grocers has vegetarian and vegan options, such as Tofurky and Quorn “roasts,” on sale through Nov. 30.
Hopping on the fungi food trend, Southern California grocer Erewhon is the first U.S. retailer to sell Prime Roots’ mycelium Cracked Pepper Turkey and Black Forest Ham plant-based roasts.
