Thanksgiving 2025: The Turkey Isn’t the Only Thing Getting Basted, PricesAre Too

As families prepare to gather around the table this Thanksgiving, they may notice their grocery bills are a bit higher than last year. Datasembly analyzed the best available prices for a classic Thanksgiving basket — enough to feed 8 to10 people — across four of the nation’s largest retailers, comparing 2024 to 2025 using data current as of Monday, November 10th.

The basket includes popular national brands such as Kraft Heinz, B&G Foods, and Ocean Spray, and stands in contrast to the private label options many retailers promote as lower- cost alternatives. Some, like Aldi, are even offering meal kits for families of ten for as little as $40.

That distinction matters. The continued growth of private label isn’t just giving consumers cheaper options — it’s changing how retailers build promotional strategies and how manufacturers position the value of their brands.

How do we know? Well, Datasembly collects real-time pricing, promotion and assortment data, capturing what consumers actually see on the shelf. By tracking billions of product observations across thousands of stores nationwide, Datasembly provides an accurate view of how grocery prices fluctuate, even during high-demand seasons like Thanksgiving.

This store-level visibility gives manufacturers the ability to compete more effectively with other national brands and benchmark against retailer-owned brands, to identify where price gaps are widening or closing, and how they are being positioned to win during key shopping periods.

Here’s how this year’s branded staples stack up:

What’s Driving the Feast Fluctuations?

While overall basket costs are up just over 7%, certain staples are gobbling up attention — cranberry sauce prices have soared by nearly 46%, and stuffing and gravy aren’t far behind. Whether it’s supply constraints, ingredient costs, or shifting promotion strategies, one thing is clear: brands and retailers are navigating a more dynamic pricing landscape than ever.

And

The only hero holding the line? Pumpkin pie mix, which sweetly dipped 5%.

Final Bite

The turkey might be the centerpiece, but the pricing is the main course for brands and retailers who are working to keep this in check for consumers. Whether you’re defending share, testing promotions, or preparing for the next seasonal surge, make sure your strategy isn’t half-baked.

See how Datasembly’s real-time data can help your brand stay ahead of the curve — and off the chopping block.