Thanksgiving Turkeys Cost More Than Last Year

Frozen whole turkeys average $1.26 per pound nationally, up from $1.03 a year ago, before store specials.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Inflation

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single whole turkey centered on a warm cream surface beside an empty circle, in muted ochre, rose, and sage tones. — Frozen whole Thanksgiving turkeys averaged $1.26 per pound nationally in early November, up from $1.03 a year earlier, though store specials may still lower shelf prices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you expect Thanksgiving turkey to cost less than last year?

Wholesale whole turkey prices averaged $1.80 per pound in late October 2026, up from $1.69 the same week last year. National average retail prices for frozen conventional whole turkeys reached $1.26 per pound in early November, compared with $1.03 a year earlier.

Why it matters

For households planning a Thanksgiving meal, the higher price levels mean the centerpiece bird costs more than it did a year ago, even as producers recover from last year's supply shortfall. Retail prices often reflect store promotions and contracted pricing more than the wholesale spot market, so shoppers may still find specials.

Wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.80 per pound in late October, compared with $1.69 the same week last year. The national average retail price for frozen conventional whole turkeys was $1.26 per pound in early November, up from $1.03 a year earlier.

The details

Grocers contract for Thanksgiving turkeys well in advance and use the birds to draw customers into stores, so retail shelf prices often reflect those earlier contracts and in-store promotions. Wholesale prices, by contrast, are what grocers and retailers pay suppliers on the spot market. Turkey production recovered from last year's decline of more than 8%, with the number of birds going to market up about 3% and total pounds of production up nearly 6%. Better demand, higher wholesale prices and lower feed costs have improved conditions for producers, and about 2,500 stores nationwide are advertising frozen conventional whole turkeys.

Late October 2025: Wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.69 per pound the same week last year.
Late October 2026: Wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.80 per pound.
Early November 2026: National average retail frozen turkey price reached $1.26 per pound.

Money Landscape

Turkey prices are recovering from a sharp supply-driven spike, with the 70% wholesale jump from 99 cents last year giving way to a more modest year-over-year increase. The change reflects a supply cycle rather than a broad shift in grocery price trends.

Households buying a frozen whole turkey for Thanksgiving are likely to pay more than last year at the national average, though store promotions and contracted pricing can narrow the gap. Shoppers may find better value by comparing advertised specials at nearby stores as the holiday approaches.

The takeaway

Retail turkey prices are driven as much by grocer promotions and earlier contracts as by the wholesale spot market, so comparing advertised specials before buying can help. Watch how prices track through the holiday season as producers' higher output reaches shelves.