Americans Opt for Cheaper Thanksgiving Due to Rising Costs
As Thanksgiving approaches, nearly half of Americans are turning away from the traditional turkey in favor of more affordable alternatives like chicken. This trend highlights the financial strain many are experiencing this holiday season, as detailed in a report by Defend America Action.
Authored by over a dozen Democratic state legislators, the report sheds light on the financial challenges faced by their constituents. “While Trump and Republicans spend billions bailing out their allies and handing out tax breaks to billionaires, Americans are facing higher prices with fewer resources,” the legislators stated collectively. The report reveals that many are resorting to cost-cutting measures instead of enjoying a relaxed Thanksgiving.
According to the findings, 57% of Americans believe Thanksgiving trimmings are pricier than last year. This perception is backed by data showing a 24% increase in turkey prices, a 45% hike for canned cranberries, a 17% rise for frozen peas, a 6.6% increase for cheddar cheese, and a staggering 37% jump for sweet potatoes.
Additional price hikes are seen in wine, sugar, and whipped cream. The legislators attribute these rising costs to President Donald Trump’s economic policies. New tariffs on imported goods like farm equipment and fertilizers have raised production costs for farmers, impacting supermarket prices.
Tariffs act as taxes on imports, with costs often passed to consumers. Although Trump argues these tariffs are a strategy to secure better trade deals, they have disproportionately affected sectors like turkey farming. In March, tariffs were imposed on animal feed from Canada and Mexico, crucial for poultry farmers who are still reeling from an avian flu outbreak that has drastically reduced turkey stocks.
Some Americans are adapting by choosing chicken over turkey, while others, about one in ten, plan to serve only side dishes. Nearly a quarter of respondents are considering reducing portion sizes.
This trend challenges President Trump’s claims of affordability. Despite his assertions of a 25% price reduction in Walmart’s pre-packaged Thanksgiving meals, the offerings are smaller and less expensive than previous years.
The financial strain extends beyond groceries. Travel expenses have increased, with airline tickets rising by 3.2% compared to 2024. Airports are preparing for potential delays and cancellations due to staffing cuts in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the recent government shutdown, as an estimated 31 million Americans are expected to fly between Nov. 21 and Dec. 1.
More than half of Americans identify grocery costs as a major stressor, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll, underscoring the financial pressures this holiday season. For more details, refer to the full report.
