Additional Coverage:
- Is Costco’s $200 Thanksgiving meal really worth it next to Walmart’s $40 alternative? (marketrealist.com)
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and with prices continuing their upward climb, many American families are looking for ways to save on their holiday feasts. Major retailers like Costco and Walmart are stepping up to offer pre-cooked meal options, taking the stress out of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner from scratch.
Costco’s Grand Feast Comes with a Premium Price Tag
For those planning a lavish holiday gathering without the extensive kitchen work, Costco is offering a substantial Thanksgiving meal package. However, this convenience comes at a significant cost, reportedly priced at a hefty $200. This places Costco’s offering considerably higher than pre-made meals found at competitors like Whole Foods and Honey Baked Ham.
The premium price point for Costco’s meal is justified by its sheer volume and variety. The package boasts an impressive 28 pounds of food, designed to feed eight people comfortably.
It includes a turkey breast (dark meat not included) with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, corn, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, 12 dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and a Thanksgiving apple cobbler. Each side dish comes in a generous three-pound tray.
While the quantity and selection are undeniable, the $200 price tag might be a deterrent for smaller families or those on a tighter budget who don’t require such a large spread.
Walmart Offers a Budget-Friendly Alternative
In contrast to Costco’s grand offering, Walmart presents a much more accessible Thanksgiving meal basket, particularly appealing to low and middle-income households. This year, Walmart has reduced the price of its basket by 25% from last year, bringing it to less than $40.
However, this cost reduction comes with a notable decrease in the number of items included. While the 2024 basket featured 29 items, the 2025 version will contain 15.
The current basket includes a Butterball turkey, Russet potatoes, Stove Top turkey stuffing, and Great Value green beans. Several items that were previously part of the package, such as pecan pie, sweet potatoes, mini marshmallows, celery stalks, muffin mix, and yellow onions, have been excluded.
Additionally, Walmart has swapped out 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls for 12 standard dinner rolls and replaced French’s crispy fried onions with Kinder’s.
Despite these changes, Walmart’s sub-$40 option remains a practical choice for many Americans seeking an affordable and convenient Thanksgiving meal. Whether families opt for Costco’s premium, extensive feast or Walmart’s budget-conscious alternative, both retailers are providing solutions for a stress-free holiday dinner.