Aldi Offers Inflation-Busting Thanksgiving Meal at Record Low Price

Aldi, the discount grocery chain, has announced its lowest-priced Thanksgiving spread in five years, aiming to attract budget-conscious consumers. On Wednesday, the company unveiled an “inflation-busting holiday meal” priced at $47.00 for 10 people, equating to $4.70 per person. This offer undercuts its larger competitor, Walmart, by approximately two dollars.

The announcement of this budget-friendly meal comes as U.S. inflation reaches its lowest point since February 2021, driven by declining gas prices and a slight increase in food costs. Analyst observations indicate that inflation is “dying, but not dead.”

Aldi, known for its private label products, is benefiting from consumer trends towards store brands amid high food prices. More than 90% of products sold at Aldi are of its own labels. The Thanksgiving meal remains traditional, offering a menu that includes a Butterball turkey, macaroni and cheese, gravy, rolls, stuffing, and ingredients for cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.

Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi, stated on Wednesday, “With 25% of U.S. households now shopping Aldi, we know grocery prices are still top of mind.” The meal pricing assumes a 16-pound turkey and availability varies by store location.

Aldi operates 2,300 stores across the United States and has plans to expand further by the end of 2028. In 2023, a 16-pound frozen turkey averaged $27.35, accounting for 45% of the cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The average feast price was approximately $61.17, or $6.12 per person. The Federation is expected to release its 2024 findings in the coming month.

In light of rising grocery prices, which have increased by 50% on hundreds of items since 2019, the $47 Thanksgiving dinner is presented as a relief to shoppers. Aldi’s pricing will remain valid until November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. Alongside this offer, Aldi is expanding its workforce, planning to hire over 13,000 employees nationwide, and increasing hourly pay.