The Cost of Turkeys This Thanksgiving Has Risen 23%

According to a new report from Wells Fargo that cites the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and USDA data, turkey’s will cost you 23% more this Thanksgiving compared to 2021.

Brad Rubin, the sector manager for specialty crops has revealed that although supply chain issues are a factor, disease and weather are considered the main reasons behind the cost spike. 

Beginning last year, a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has ravaged the poultry industry. With a concentration in Iowa and impacting surrounding states, a total of 2,398 outbreaks has resulted in 46 million birds being culled. 

CoBank reported in September that roughly 2.5% of the annual turkey population was lost this year, making it a more severe bird flu than previously.

“The virus doesn’t usually flourish in warm temperatures, but this season was different,” Rubin said.

Extreme weather changes have also had a major impact on crops’ growth patterns. A cool spring was rapidly followed by heat in the Northwest, stunting the growth of many fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, onions and cranberries. In California, the drought has reduced the supply of celery, carrots and onions as well.

In terms of Thanksgiving alternatives, it’s suggested to swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes, which are experiencing a surplus year. Choosing a turkey breast over a whole bird, or another protein entirely like chicken, is also suggested. 

“Any type of processed food is going to be an item that you can trade down to, so if you want to make canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberry sauce, that’s going to be a cheaper alternative,” Rubin said.

Putting together a Thanksgiving grocery list can take some thinking, so with this year’s shortages you’ll have to get extra creative, or make it to the market before the holiday rush. One of the best parts of a Thanksgiving dinner are actually the leftovers, which are often tastier due to the flavor having that second-day settle.

From pot-pies to leftover-vegetable curry, Thanksgiving leftovers pizza and arepas, click the links for recipe ideas that’ll stretch your seasonal spirit to new levels of thankfulness.