Business

These Are the 11 Foods Making Your Thanksgiving Dinner More Expensive

The cost of a standard American Thanksgiving dinner keeps rising. In 2001, the holiday meal on average cost $35.04. This upcoming holiday, it will be nearly $50. According to a report by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the price of the Thanksgiving feast increased roughly 13 percent from last year alone.

Of course, the main culprit for this increase is the rising cost of the food. While a relish tray decreased in price, all the other foods examined cost more. A 16-pound turkey costs nearly $4, or 22 percent, more than last year. Based on AFBF’s report, researchers at 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 11 main ingredients of a typical Thanksgiving dinner.

The AFBF’s annual report, its 26th in a row, looks at the traditional foods consumed at an average 10-person Thanksgiving dinner. The price estimates are based on Farm Bureau volunteers from around the country who report the standard food prices without using special coupons or deals.

According to the report, the foods include a 16-pound turkey, a gallon of milk, a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix, a half pint of whipped cream, 14 oz. of cubed stuffing, a pound of green beans, 12 rolls, three pounds of sweet potatoes, 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, 2 pie shells, a 1-pound relish tray (carrots and celery) and various other ingredients.

24/7 wall has examined 11 of the ingredients, looking at how much the United States produces of each of these goods, and how much the prices of the basic food commodities have changed over time.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive11. One-Pound Relish Tray (carrots and celery)
2010 price: $0.77
2011 price: $0.76
Price change: -$0.01
Pct. change: -0.01 percent

The relish tray is the only item that declined in price from last year. 68,000 acres of carrots were planted last year, which is less than the two previous years, according to the USDA. Celery planting and harvesting, on the other hand, is up slightly. The price of carrots declined over a three-year period, while the price of celery is up over that same period.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive10. Two Pie Shells
2010 price: $2.46
2011 price: $2.52
Price change: $0.06
Pct. change: 2.4 percent

While a homemade pie is always a treat, for most Americans, pre-made pie shells are the standard. Compared to last year, the price of two shells went up by 6 cents, a 2.4 percent increase, which is in line with inflation. In 2010, 91.3 billion eggs were produced in the U.S., up from 90.4 billion in 2009. The U.S. production of wheat, another major ingredient in pie crusts, dropped by approximately 4 million acres between 2010 and 2011, and the price per metric ton increased by roughly 45 percent from last October.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive9. Sweet Potatoes, 3 lbs.
2010 price: $3.19
2011 price: $3.26
Price change: $0.07
Pct. change: 2.1 percent

The price of three pounds of sweet potatoes has increased by about 7 cents in the last year. National production of the crop, nearly half of which occurs in the state of North Carolina, jumped from 97,300 acres in 2008 to 116,900 acres in 2010.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive8. Fresh Cranberries, 12. oz.
2010 price: $2.41
2011 price: $2.48
Price change: $0.07
Pct. change: 2.9 percent

While the gelatinous substance that comes in the shape of a can is a common Thanksgiving dish, many American families opt for fresh cranberry relish instead. Since last year, the cost of 12 ounces of cranberries has increased by about 7 cents, a 2.9 percent increase. Cranberry production in the past three years has gone up by 585,000 barrels, an 8 percent increase. In 2011, the U.S. produced 7,498,000 barrels of the berries, almost all of which were grown in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive7. Rolls, 12
2010 price: $2.12
2011 price: $2.30
Price change: $0.18
Pct. change: 8.5 percent

The price of 12 dinner rolls, the staple opening course at many Thanksgiving dinners, has increased substantially in the past year, jumping 8.5 percent to $2.30. The likely culprit is the rising cost of wheat in the United States, which increased by roughly 45 percent per metric ton from last year.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive6. Green Peas, 1 lb.
2010 price: $1.44
2011 price: $1.68
Price change: $0.24
Pct. change: 16.6 percent

When it comes to the debt ceiling, the President says America has to eat its peas. The USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council could not agree more. “We take President Obama’s comment on the need to ‘eat our peas’ as a reference to the first lady’s push to get all Americans to eat a more healthy diet as part of the Let’s Move campaign,” the council’s director of marketing told The Los Angeles Times in July. The national production of peas in this country has dropped precipitously in the past three years from 205,400 acres in 2008 to 108,000 acres in 2010 — a drop of almost 20 percent. Yet, the price per ton has fallen from $357 to $278. Consequently, a pound of green peas now costs 16.6 percent more than it did in 2010.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive5. Cubed Stuffing, 14 oz.
2010 price: $2.64
2011 price: $2.88
Price change: $0.24
Pct. change: 9.1 percent

Like most traditional Thanksgiving dishes, stuffing, or dressing, comes in many varieties. In the south, they use day old white bread and cornbread mixed with celery, onion and sausage. Other variations even add oysters to the mix. The traditional cubed stuffing usually consists of toasted bread, chicken broth and onions, all of which have increased in price in the past year. Spring onions, in particular, more than doubled in price.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive4. Milk, 1 Gallon Whole
2010 price: $3.24
2011 price: $3.66
Price change: $0.42
Pct. change: 12.9 percent

For the kids sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table, nothing is better than a cool glass of milk. According to the National Dairy Council, “Children ages 2 – 8 are encouraged to consume two cups of milk or equivalent milk products each day, as recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” The cost of a gallon of milk is up 12.9 percent from last year.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive3. Whipping Cream, 0.5 pints
2010 price: $2.62
2011 price: $3.03
Price change: $0.41
Pct. change: 15.2 percent

No pumpkin pie is complete without a hefty dollop of whipped cream. The price of milk has nearly doubled since 2009. A half-pint of whipping cream, according to the survey, costs $0.41 more than it did last year. That amounts to a 15.2 percent increase.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive2. Pumpkin Pie Mix, 30-oz.
2010 price: $2.62
2011 price: $3.03
Price change: $0.41
Pct. change: 15.6 percent

It was a bad season for American-grown pumpkins. Generally damp conditions and terrible storms — including Hurricane Irene a few months ago — have decimated parts of the Northeast’s crop. Partially as a result, the cost of two 15-oz. cans of pumpkin pie mix is up $0.41, more than a 15 percent increase.

The Foods Making Thanksgiving Much More Expensive1. Turkey, 16-lb.
2010 price: $17.66
2011 price: $21.57
Price change: $3.91
Pct. change: 22.1 percent

According to the USDA, 248 million turkeys were raised in the U.S. this year, 4 million more than last year. The largest percentage of these birds was raised in Minnesota, which produced 46.5 million turkeys this year. Despite the increase in production, the cost of a single 16-pound bird is up by nearly $4, or 22 percent, from 2010.

(Michael B. Sauter/Becket Adams—24/7 Wall St./The Blaze)

Comments (53)

1 2
  • cwoz10
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 9:49am

    I shot an 18lb tom, cost, 1 shotgun shell
    Potatoes, onions, carrots, green beans, came from the garden.
    The pies are made from other family members, from scratch
    We also have fresh Venison and Bear meat

    I only have to buy the stuffing and milk. Everything else comes from hard work, but its a labor of love.

    Report Post »  
  • Semper4everSemper
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 10:40pm

    Sing along time
    Apologies to, well just apologies:

    Nibblin on stale cake
    Hope that they don’t take
    All that remains of my efforts and toil
    Barry’s the new king
    To him we must now sing
    My blood pressure’s beginning to boil

    Chorus:
    Barry’s takin’ us all to Che’ Guevarra-ville
    Says he’s lookin’ for those rich people at fault
    Some people claim that we don’t know his real name
    And I fear it‘s freedom’s last call

    I can’t see the reason
    Barack is so pleasin’
    Nothin’ to show but that smile in a suit
    Though not his sworn duty
    He swoons all the cuties
    Those Obama girls don’t have a clue

    Chorus:
    Barry’s takin’ us all to Che’ Guevarra-ville
    Says he’s lookin’ for those rich people at fault
    Some people say that we don’t know his real Game
    Now I think
    We’re in for a fall

    I hear by the tick tock
    We’ve run out the game clock
    Chicago politics ruling our home
    There’s no food in the freezer
    I’ll soon be a believer
    There’s nothing left to help me hang on

    Chorus:
    Barry’s takin’ us all to Che’ Guevarra-ville
    Says he’s lookin’ for those rich people at fault
    Some people say that we don’t know his real Game
    Now I think We’re soon gonna fall

    Yes and some people claim that the press is to blame
    BUT I know – it’s our own damn fault

    Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:25pm

    The national production of peas in this country has dropped precipitously in the past three years from 205,400 acres in 2008 to 108,000 acres in 2010 — a drop of almost 20 percent. Yet, the price per ton has fallen from $357 to $278. Consequently, a pound of green peas now costs 16.6 percent more than it did in 2010.

    -.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-

    Um this is Post Office math..the drop in production is nearly 50% – NOT 20%. The cost per ton has DROPPED nearly 22%

    and the retail price is UP 16+% ?????

    OH yea.. fuel and interstate commerce taxes & fees & regulations.. I forgot.

    Report Post » Stoic one  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:07pm

    we have a staples list: dry dog food, paper products, dish soap, etc, and it used to cost $54 a month. it just cost $83 at our walmart for the exact same list. = frightening.

    and the emergency dry ramen noodles just went from $1.98 a12pk case to $2.28. just saw them switching it up today.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • Joel Knows
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:05pm

    Seems to me the foods that our current occupants of The White House have told us we should be eating stayed almost the same, but those foods they have told us not to eat had the greatest rise in price. To add insult to injury, we keep seeing them enjoying all those foods they have told us not to eat. I’ll end it here and not mention the vehicles they drive, or using Air Force One as private jets for vacations around the world, or any of the other things they do using tax payer money to live in opulence and luxury.

    Report Post » Joel Knows  
  • HTuttle
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 6:45pm

    I just bought a 25+lb turkey for under $13. A&P.

    Report Post »  
  • assertiveconservative
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:28pm

    I used to be able to stay even,but in the past couple of months,grocery shopping and trying to stay on budget is much more difficult.Raising 3 grandkids on my own,without aid,but this liberal agenda is slowly killing me!

    Report Post »  
    • J Z S
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 5:47pm

      I think your a tad confused. If your struggling to make ends meet you are in the 99% like most of the rest. It’s not liberal policies which has you struggling but fat cat coddling grandmother food denying republicans. In would advise your change your name to Stockholm syndrome conservative!!

      Im sure if you were honest you would admit that the record setting years of the bush catastrophe had you further behind at the end of the month then now but that would not advance the conservative agenda you are so hopelessly changed to. Go ahead and admit it. I’ll hold my breath.

      Report Post »  
    • Lssmc
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:06pm

      God Bless you. I help my son with his 3 children. Their mother left 7 years ago. He has become an incredible cook. I love Thanksgiving more than Christmas. Christmas has become so commercial and so PC. I really don’t need a specific day to thank God for sending the Son.
      Everyone should love TG. I know native americans feel it’s degrading, but the overall concept is to be with family and be thankful for what we have.
      BTW, my son wants to deep fry a turkey this year. Might be a little different.

      Report Post »  
    • Silent-No-More
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 7:11pm

      Ignore the ignoramus who called you a helpless conservative hostage. Thanks for being a responsible member of society. What an insult to call you part of the 99% You don’t strike me as the kind of person who would defecate on a cop car or destroy the property of others. And yes, prices are going up due to inflation as the inevitable result of printing more money to pay for massive government spending. Blessings to you in this time of struggle. I hope if you need help, you are able to find it from a church or other private source. That way you will have the encouragement of knowing there are people who actually care about you and your struggles, not about buying your vote with another person’s money.

      Report Post »  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 8:03pm

      To JZS, I guess a good Marxist like you thinks that the government should give us the food. Why is it when you left wing fruitloops start losing an arguement you just try to shout poeple down. Who are you blaming now Bush 41, Bush 43, Reagan or the Pope. Look in the mirrow, that is who to blame as to why our country is in shambles right now, left wing nut jobs like you. Go vote for Obama again you danm marxist.

      Report Post »  
    • Cat
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 9:16pm

      Assertive … & Lssmc

      This Thanksgiving I’m serving Paella Valencia, the old way, chicken without seafood.
      Total cost to serve 10 … $25.00
      We’re giving thanks for what we have left.

      Report Post » Cat  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 11:43pm

      @JZS-

      When was the last time you got out of mommy’s basement? Obviously it has been a while if you actually believe any of the BS you just spewed. Are you so doped that you do not realize that the price of goods has gone up A LOT since your prince of darkness took office?

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • assertiveconservative
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 7:53am

      I hope you are still holding your breath!

      Report Post »  
    • JG79504
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:09am

      Do not listen to this liberal fool. I work in produce merchandising and I have seen a larger increase in cost over the last two years then ever before. Whatever this fool is trying to say has no merit at all. The cost of fuel and the amount of regulations coming down from the government is destroying us.

      Report Post »  
  • suejenkins
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 4:21pm

    Veggies – we either grow or buy at the farmers market

    Pie shells and biscuits – Make my own. You always pay more for prepared.

    Coupons and store sales –
    Paid 67 cents for stuffing, whip cream from milk (which I buy with $1 off coupons), and just bought two turkeys at 59 cents/pound.

    Yes, prices are going up. And, yes, there are ways to help yourself and save money

    Report Post »  
    • mwhaley
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 4:50pm

      Hopey and changie thang works for me. I see the difference

      Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:49pm

    Subliminal – Seniors over the age of 65 in 2009 – just a hint ? Like the one I was sent.

    Report Post »  
  • gmoneytx
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:42pm

    Come on now, you don’t have to worry, that’s why Obama wants to spread the wealth, if you calculate the wealth spreading factor, we all will pay about the same…that’s why they call it spreading the wealth.

    See, that what liberals sound like, just take notice if you haven’t already!

    Report Post » gmoneytx  
  • lynnetteg
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:14pm

    Yea but haven’t you heard there is no inflation.

    Report Post »  
  • angelofmercy
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:10pm

    I think a better way to measure inflation would have been on the everyday items. Milk , eggs , sugar , flour . Canned , fresh , or even frozen veggies. Not everyone in America buys the premade stuff. Not every household has a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner every year. For example our household had Deer meatloaf. Along with homemade pies, cookies ,rolls and Bread. Not to mention the veggies from our garden.

    Report Post »  
  • spudwhite
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:10pm

    Umm, making me hungry AND making me angry. Lots of folks hurting and the government is purposely making our lives more wretched. Pray hard for the USA.

    Report Post »  
  • sillyfreshness
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:07pm

    How dare TheBlaze accuse our government of inflation. As you know, our government has said “there is no such thing as a Muslim terrorist or hijacker” and “there is no such thing as inflation.” Well in the latter, our government has pointed out that inflation is only .02% annual. How dare you point out that utility bills have gone up 15%, gas is up 15%, milk up 12%. Our government has said, using their statistics of inflation, such as the price of wash machines, jumbo jets, bulldozers, oil tankers, etc. the inflation rate is only .02% increase. You aren’t suppose to follow the real world inflation rate. Stop pointing out our government’s lies. Thank you.

    T

    Report Post » sillyfreshness  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:14pm

      @SILLY…

      How dare you speak the truth ;-) .. the MSM would not be happy with you … educating people on the actual facts.

      Report Post »  
    • smitty1007
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:10pm

      Gasoline is up 100% since Obama took office!

      Report Post »  
  • mom4times
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:07pm

    raised our own turkeys…..make pumpkin pie from scratch ( received free pie pumpkins)

    Report Post » mom4times  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:16pm

      Good going! We’re definitely going to HAVE to learn to become more independent.
      Ron Paul predicted the housing bubble and says we’re on the edge of a depression — not recession — depression.

      Report Post »  
    • jakartaman
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Paul is 100% right and its not going to take much to really collapse our economy.
      The Government is just kicking the can down the road. We are going to have to pay the piper sooner rather than later.
      Maybe the Iran Israeli thingy, maybe the Euro collapse , maybe hyper – Inflation, maybe ben’s printing press is removed by the rest of the world or maybe Obama gets re-elected

      Report Post »  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 11:55pm

      Funny- we are the same way. Everything at my Thanksgiving dinner table is homemade as I do not know any other way. We will have to buy the turkey, however. But the items listed which are relevant to me are the turkey and milk. We don’t like the cranberries that much, but flour is one of the biggest staples we buy because I make all our bakery items myself from scratch. It’s unfortunate that more people do not know how to garden or do not have the means. I am learning though. I am trying to be more and more self-sufficient every day.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:06pm

    Buy one for me and mine, buy one to give away to others. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Report Post »  
  • takingonissues.com
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:55pm

    The price increases are all George W Bush’s fault. Fire Obama in 2012 http://www.takingonissues.com

    Report Post »  
  • I_Hate_Libs
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:48pm

    Were having porterhouse steak you can keep the turkey.

    Anyone But Obama 2012!

    Report Post »  
    • someonewhocares
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:03pm

      Not good news.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • beebacksoon
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:21pm

      I_Hate_Libs
      Good for you and yours! American families choose what they want to eat/serve on Thanksgiving, and steak sounds good to me. My family, however, longs for that one meal a year with turkey and the fixings.
      If hardships occur, a family can come up with substitutes that work with their budget. Regardless of what is served, it is all about “count your blessings, one by one”, and I give Thanks to my God, family and friends.

      Report Post »  
  • angelcat
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:39pm

    I got a coupon for a free 16 pound turkey from TXU electricity, our provided. And, before you ask, our rates were quite reasonable. As hot as it was here in the Houston area this summer, It never went above about $250 to cool our 2500 sp. ft. 2 story home. As for Thanksgiving prices, everything has been going up and up and up the lst few years. I actually store as much food as I can without it spoiling to try to avoid some of the increases.

    Report Post »  
    • HotFixIt
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:35pm

      check out http://www.powertochoose.org bet you can find an even lower rate than TXU! We did! Been saving a lot each month. Was paying .13 cents per kwh with them! Now paying .79 If you are in texas, it is worth looking into! Other states may have such an organization too. Inflation is killing us but competition is the best.

      Report Post »  
    • angelcat
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 3:59pm

      Hotfix, we have a contract, but will definitely look into it when it expires. WE did some research before resigning with TXU and the rate we got was competitive.

      Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:37pm

    I’m still hungry!!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • lylejk
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:35pm

    This is no surprise folks. Michelle O. is doing her best to help us eat “healthier” by causing the cost of so called fatty foods to rise. Notice that the cost of celery, onions, and carrots didn’t change. No such thing as coincidences. I’m tired of the fools in DC doing crap like this. No excuse for Turkey to be so high either. Just about dropped my jaw when I saw the price of a Butterball Turkey at the Commissary cost $24. This is freaking rediculous. These jerks can’t be kicked out of D.C. fast enough imo. :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
  • Jomil48
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:35pm

    Thank God I learned at a very early age how to grow and can my own food. I hunt, so the turkey cost me just a little time and the price of a shotgun shell. most of the veggies I can grow, encluding the pumpkin. we make our own pie shells and breads, and with a little cream taken from fresh milk we make whip topping as well as sweet n sour dressing for salid. We make and can just about everything we need. more people should learn how. if it hits the fan and stores shut down, how many people are ready. oh it would be inconvenient if that happens, but we would survive. and I hope you would too.

    Report Post »  
    • azmomof6
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Wow! Can I send my kids to your house for a few weeks of training?

      Report Post »  
    • Jomil48
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 2:15pm

      lol AZMOM, I wondered for a while if my kids would pick it up, my daughter, no, but my son and his wife are doing the same. for a while I didn’t think he was paying attention, but he suprised me. It’s never too late to learn…..

      Report Post »  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:25pm

    Banquet frozen turkey dinner .$0.89

    Report Post » JLGunner  
  • CatB
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:20pm

    How about the price increase from say … January 2009 to 2011? .. I think you would be shocked .. thing is most have already increased a lot before 2010. We are doing a “pot luck” style Thanksgiving .. everyone brings something .. I am green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:27pm

      @CatB — I understand about the prices going up; the church food bank I volunteer at has been able to purchase less and less each month for three years due to the increases of goods and such. We may not make it out the next year in helping people out.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:47pm

      @SNOW..

      I hear you .. many who used to donate are now just making it or needing help themselves. The prices going up (because of the DECLINE OF THE DOLLAR .. Obama printing money!) is making it worse daily.

      Report Post »  
  • loriann12
    Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:18pm

    Where I buy milk, it has gone up even more. We got an Aldi’s in about a year and a half ago. They went in right across the highway from a Super Walmart. They started out with .99 milk. Now it’s 1.99. That’s an increase of almost 50%.

    Report Post »  
    • bigorangemo
      Posted on November 14, 2011 at 1:28pm

      that’s over 100% increase. it doubled. 50% would mean it cost $1.50.

      just educatin’, not hatin’

      Report Post »  
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