Shopping for groceries can be overwhelming these days as inflation increases the cost of our favorite items. According to the Food Industry Association, 62% of shoppers report that their grocery store prices have increased since last year. The average weekly household spending on groceries is $149 per week.
Wholesale turkey prices have jumped 23% from a year ago, eating up a big chunk of the holiday budget. Potatoes and cranberries are more expensive as well. The New York Times reports that the avian flu has already killed more than 3.6% of the country's turkeys this year, decreasing the number of birds available for consumers to buy and making them more expensive.
Families are looking for ways to save and are willing to change their traditional meals or even eat out at a restaurant to spend less on Thanksgiving this year. Don't worry; you don't have to give up the bird this year, but it will take some planning ahead. Many grocery store chains are rolling back prices to help consumers get that traditional Thanksgiving meal on the table.
This article explores ways to save money on the main dish: the turkey.
Walmart
Walmart announced it will sell turkeys at last year's prices to "remove inflation." "Saving money is a top priority for our customers right now, so this year, we're removing inflation on an entire basket containing traditional Thanksgiving items," the retail giant wrote in a press release. Currently, their turkey price is $1.14 per pound. Not only that, but you can get many of the trimmings at discounted prices, like Stove Top Stuffing and Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. Don't be afraid to get your turkey now and store it in the freezer until Thanksgiving.
Aldi
Through November 29, Aldi's "Thanksgiving Price Rewind" program matches 2019 prices on festive-meal items like sweet potatoes, frozen vegetables, brown-and-serve rolls, and apple pie. Currently, Aldi is pricing whole Butterball frozen turkeys as low as $1.07 per pound, and shoppers are limited to two turkeys. Aldi also offers whole antibiotic-free frozen turkeys for $1.89 per pound.
ShopRite
ShopRite has a free turkey promotion for the holidays, so if you are a regular shopper there, this one is for you. At its 300-plus locations across the US, ShopRite is offering Price Plus club members who spent $400 by November 24 a choice of one of several free entrees, including a frozen turkey (up to 21 pounds), an Empire kosher frozen chicken (up to 7 pounds) or a 96-ounce Stouffer's frozen lasagna. Please check your local ShopRite for specifics on this deal.
Giant
Giant shoppers enrolled in the chain's Choice Rewards program can collect rewards points toward a free turkey certificate through online and in-store purchases. Shoppers who accumulate 400 points can redeem them for a free frozen Shady Brook Farms turkey, family-size lasagna, or Tofurkey.
Amazon and Whole Foods
Starting on Wednesday, November 16, consumers can save money on high-quality turkey at Amazon and Whole Foods. All customers can choose from select organic ($3.49/lb) and classic turkeys ($2.49/lb), and Prime members will save even more on turkeys ($2.99/lb for organic and $1.99/lb for classic). All turkeys sold at Whole Foods meet strict quality standards, including no antibiotics ever. This sale runs until November 28 while supplies last. You can also reserve your turkey online and pick it up at the store.
Conclusion
Don't give up on the turkey; you just have to look at grocery store circulars and do some research to get the best price. Take a look at what your local supermarkets offer, and plan to get your turkey in advance and store it in the freezer. Make sure not to buy a bird that is too big to reduce the waste afterward.
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