(INDIANAPOLIS) - Hoosiers sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner this year will pay nearly the same as they did in 2024. Indiana Farm Bureau's annual market basket survey shows the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people is $53.62 -- that's about $5.36 per person, up only 3 cents from last year. Indiana's holiday meal also comes in 3% cheaper than the national average of $55.18. While overall grocery prices have risen about 2.7% over the past year, some Thanksgiving staples in Indiana actually cost less. Turkey, stuffing, rolls, milk, whipping cream, peas and cranberries are all slightly cheaper than last year.
The turkey -- which makes up nearly 40% of the meal cost -- is averaging $1.32 per pound in Indiana, or $21.09 for a 16-pound bird, a bit below the national price. Indiana ranks fourth in the nation for turkey production, helping keep local prices lower. Some produce items did increase, including carrots and celery, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie filling and peas -- driven by higher transportation, fuel, packaging and labor costs. Farmers say they're also feeling the squeeze. Only about 16 cents of every food dollar goes back to the farm, meaning roughly $8.53 of the Indiana Thanksgiving meal cost reaches farmers themselves.
The $53.62 total includes a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, rolls, sweet potatoes, peas, a veggie tray, milk, whipping cream, cranberries, pumpkin pie ingredients and other basic baking items.