Thanksgiving Dinner Is Getting More Expensive in NJ, But ALDI Has a $39 Fix

I saw a report this morning saying that once again, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner will be higher this year than it was last year. Sadly, this is something we're used to hearing, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating.

The Cost Of A Thanksgiving Turkey Has Risen Over The Years

In 2024, the average cost of a turkey was around $25 for a 16-pound bird; in 2025, the price was reduced a little bit to $21.50 for the same turkey; and now in 2026, the projected cost of a 16-pound turkey is somewhere in the area of $30.

How Much Does A Full Thanksgiving Dinner Cost, On Average?

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Granted, that's a lot of turkey, but there's a theme every year of Thanksgiving just getting more expensive, and we're just supposed to accept it. This price doesn't include any sides or other dishes associated with Thanksgiving, and a quick search shows the average household can expect to spend upwards of $100.

Aldi Once Again Introduces The Thanksgiving Dinner Under $40

Here's where I think it gets interesting, though: ALDI, one of my favorite grocery stores, mind you, is once again putting together a full Thanksgiving package that can feed 10 people and costs less than $40.

What Is Included In Aldi's Thanksgiving Dinner Under $40?

ALDI is once again doing its Thanksgiving Dinner for $39, and you get a good amount of food for the price tag.

You get a whole turkey, cranberries, 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie mix, pie crust, stuffing, carrots, whole milk, rolls, celery, heavy whipping cream, and steamable frozen peas.

All of that for less than $40 is an absolute steal, especially at an already expensive time of the year.

On a side note, it just goes to show you that food can be affordable if stores decide to do so.