The Cost Of Thanksgiving Dinner Over Time
Thanksgiving is a special holiday, a time when families and loved ones come together to show gratitude for the things they have in life. It is a day rich in tradition, and none is more sacrosanct than Thanksgiving dinner. Traditionally served as turkey with all the trimmings, the feast is painstakingly prepared by the host and enjoyed by all the guests.
Over time, the cost of preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner has changed. In 1960, this analysis found it cost a meal for 10 people cost just $12.72, but how much can you expect to pay today?
To find out, researchers on behalf of Self Financial analyzed the cost of ingredients dating back to the 1960s. Below you’ll see just how much the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner serving 10 has changed and also which dishes have risen in price the most.
Key statistics
- The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal has increased by 771.5% since 1960 to 2023 from $12.92 to $112.60 for a meal for 10 people.
- 2022 saw the highest Thanksgiving meal cost ($116.54) largely due to the high turkey cost ($28.96) which has reduced to $20.32 in 2023.
- The price of lettuce has increased 1,187% from 1960 to 2023, the highest out of any ingredient.
- Aside from turkeys, creamed corn saw the lowest percentage increase in cost from 1960 to 2023 at 663.2%.
The cost of Thanksgiving dinner since 1960
In 1960, the total cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people cost an average of $12.72. Today, the cost of a 10-person celebratory feast has risen by 841.6%, costing the average host $111.94 in 2023.
In 2022, the cost would have been $115.91, however, due to the price of turkeys reducing from $28.96 in 2022 to $20.32 in 2023, this has meant 2023 is likely a slightly more affordable year for Thanksgiving, albeit by $4.
Fortunately, the rising meal costs have somewhat followed the same increase as the median U.S. household income, meaning comparatively, the increase doesn’t seem as drastic.
Year | Thanksgiving dinner cost | Median household income |
---|---|---|
1960 | $12.92 | $5,600 |
1961 | $13.22 | $5,700 |
1962 | $13.35 | $6,000 |
1963 | $13.50 | $6,200 |
1964 | $14.05 | $6,600 |
1965 | $14.34 | $6,900 |
1966 | $14.98 | $7,400 |
1967 | $15.05 | $7,200 |
1968 | $15.60 | $7,700 |
1969 | $16.45 | $9,400 |
1970 | $17.12 | $8,730 |
1971 | $17.57 | $10,290 |
1972 | $18.31 | $11,120 |
1973 | $20.52 | $10,500 |
1974 | $22.39 | $11,100 |
1975 | $24.00 | $13,720 |
1976 | $25.67 | $14,960 |
1977 | $26.85 | $13,570 |
1978 | $28.43 | $15,060 |
1979 | $28.56 | $16,530 |
1980 | $36.11 | $21,020 |
1981 | $38.99 | $22,390 |
1982 | $40.35 | $23,430 |
1983 | $43.79 | $24,580 |
1984 | $45.07 | $22,420 |
1985 | $46.07 | $23,620 |
1986 | $50.42 | $24,900 |
1987 | $47.49 | $26,060 |
1988 | $49.45 | $27,230 |
1989 | $48.66 | $28,910 |
1990 | $47.20 | $29,940 |
1991 | $52.71 | $30,130 |
1992 | $53.54 | $30,640 |
1993 | $56.31 | $31,240 |
1994 | $55.38 | $32,260 |
1995 | $57.19 | $34,080 |
1996 | $60.04 | $35,490 |
1997 | $60.22 | $37,010 |
1998 | $66.45 | $38,890 |
1999 | $67.53 | $40,700 |
2000 | $66.00 | $41,990 |
2001 | $72.68 | $42,230 |
2002 | $72.93 | $42,410 |
2003 | $73.14 | $43,320 |
2004 | $75.99 | $44,300 |
2005 | $77.81 | $46,330 |
2006 | $78.23 | $48,200 |
2007 | $83.25 | $50,230 |
2008 | $89.15 | $50,300 |
2009 | $86.99 | $49,780 |
2010 | $87.30 | $49,280 |
2011 | $95.96 | $50,050 |
2012 | $97.57 | $51,020 |
2013 | $97.60 | $51,940 |
2014 | $98.83 | $53,660 |
2015 | $101.04 | $56,520 |
2016 | $98.96 | $59,040 |
2017 | $98.58 | $61,370 |
2018 | $99.77 | $63,180 |
2019 | $99.67 | $68,700 |
2020 | $100.37 | $68,010 |
2021 | $106.89 | $70,780 |
2022 | $116.54 | $74,580 |
2023 | $112.60 | $74,580 |
Cost of Thanksgiving dishes: 1960 vs. 2023
Although the world is an entirely different place today compared to 1960, the core of a Thanksgiving meal still looks the same as it did back then. Traditions are retained for a reason, and it’s why Americans all over the country come together to enjoy their turkey feast.
This analysis dives deeper into each dish that comprises a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The data below highlights the price for each dish in 1960 and compares it to the average cost for the same dish today.
Dish | Cost ($) in 1960 | Cost ($) in 2023 | Increase % |
---|---|---|---|
Turkey | $3.06 | $20.32 | 565.1% |
Mashed potatoes | $0.95 | $11.23 | 1082.1% |
Cranberry sauce | $0.13 | $0.47 | 840.0% |
Stuffing | $0.62 | $6.65 | 972.6% |
Sweet potato casserole | $1.88 | $14.88 | 691.5% |
Green bean casserole | $0.72 | $6.43 | 793.1% |
Bread rolls | $0.28 | $2.90 | 935.7% |
Mac & cheese | $2.40 | $21.32 | 788.3% |
Corn | $0.87 | $6.64 | 663.2% |
Salad | $0.0.8 | $1.03 | 1187.5% |
Pumpkin pie | $1.21 | $13.44 | 1010.7% |
Pecan pie | $0.60 | $6.65 | 1008.3% |
Turkey
For many of us, the turkey is the star of the show and that’s certainly reflected in the prices paid in supermarkets today.
Back in 1960, a 16-pound turkey would cost $3.06. Today, that price is $22.32 - an increase of more than 629%. Prices rose sharply between 2020 and 2022, from $99.83 to $115.91 in June 2022 when inflation hit a record high of 9.1%. [1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘12-month percentage change, Consumer Price Index, selected categories’ https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-by-category-line-chart.htm
Year | Cost of turkey |
---|---|
1960 | $3.06 |
1961 | $3.01 |
1962 | $3.08 |
1963 | $3.11 |
1964 | $3.16 |
1965 | $3.23 |
1966 | $3.39 |
1967 | $3.37 |
1968 | $3.50 |
1969 | $3.71 |
1970 | $3.81 |
1971 | $3.93 |
1972 | $4.16 |
1973 | $5.06 |
1974 | $5.67 |
1975 | $6.07 |
1976 | $6.03 |
1977 | $6.51 |
1978 | $7.28 |
1979 | $7.96 |
1980 | $8.84 |
1981 | $9.14 |
1982 | $9.39 |
1983 | $9.49 |
1984 | $9.86 |
1985 | $10.00 |
1986 | $14.24 |
1987 | $10.88 |
1988 | $11.84 |
1989 | $10.77 |
1990 | $12.84 |
1991 | $10.67 |
1992 | $11.05 |
1993 | $13.55 |
1994 | $12.00 |
1995 | $12.68 |
1996 | $13.46 |
1997 | $13.47 |
1998 | $13.71 |
1999 | $14.23 |
2000 | $12.52 |
2001 | $15.13 |
2002 | $14.84 |
2003 | $15.47 |
2004 | $14.23 |
2005 | $15.11 |
2006 | $15.70 |
2007 | $17.63 |
2008 | $19.09 |
2009 | $18.65 |
2010 | $17.66 |
2011 | $21.57 |
2012 | $22.23 |
2013 | $21.76 |
2014 | $21.65 |
2015 | $23.04 |
2016 | $22.74 |
2017 | $22.38 |
2018 | $21.71 |
2019 | $20.80 |
2020 | $19.39 |
2021 | $20.80 |
2022 | $28.96 |
2023 | $20.32 |
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple for over half of U.S. homes on Thanksgiving, [2] YouGov, ‘What America eats on Thanksgiving’ https://today.yougov.com/consumer/articles/26161-what-america-eats-thanksgiving-poll and have increased in price even faster than turkeys have. The cost of mashed potatoes saw a sharp increase of 1082% in price since the 1960s with the dish now costing $11.23, up from $0.95 in 1960.
The recipe is traditionally made from potatoes, butter and half-and-half. However, because the prices for half-and-half weren’t available in the 1960s, the recipe in this study was substituted with milk.
Year | Cost of mashed potatoes |
---|---|
1960 | $0.95 |
1961 | $0.90 |
1962 | $0.90 |
1963 | $0.91 |
1964 | $0.98 |
1965 | $1.07 |
1966 | $1.01 |
1967 | $1.02 |
1968 | $1.07 |
1969 | $1.12 |
1970 | $1.19 |
1971 | $1.08 |
1972 | $1.22 |
1973 | $1.46 |
1974 | $1.70 |
1975 | $1.55 |
1976 | $1.64 |
1977 | $1.67 |
1978 | $1.66 |
1979 | $1.70 |
1980 | $2.04 |
1981 | $2.20 |
1982 | $2.21 |
1983 | $2.22 |
1984 | $2.26 |
1985 | $2.25 |
1986 | $2.27 |
1987 | $2.32 |
1988 | $2.32 |
1989 | $2.46 |
1990 | $2.54 |
1991 | $2.45 |
1992 | $2.40 |
1993 | $2.34 |
1994 | $2.37 |
1995 | $2.37 |
1996 | $2.71 |
1997 | $2.78 |
1998 | $4.21 |
1999 | $4.25 |
2000 | $4.12 |
2001 | $4.61 |
2002 | $4.43 |
2003 | $4.29 |
2004 | $5.01 |
2005 | $4.94 |
2006 | $4.68 |
2007 | $5.14 |
2008 | $5.54 |
2009 | $4.72 |
2010 | $4.98 |
2011 | $5.57 |
2012 | $5.37 |
2013 | $5.33 |
2014 | $5.58 |
2015 | $5.34 |
2016 | $5.19 |
2017 | $5.27 |
2018 | $5.19 |
2019 | $5.30 |
2020 | $5.30 |
2021 | $9.10 |
2022 | $10.65 |
2023 | $11.23 |
Recipe used: The Kitchn, Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is a highlight for many on the Thanksgiving table and the recipe in this analysis called for 1lb of cranberries, a cup of white sugar and a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
This year, the average cost has reached its highest-ever price at an average of $1.13.
The cost of cranberries per oz has increased from $0.14 to $1.55, while the price of a cup of orange juice has increased from $0.21 to $0.67.
Year | Cost of cranberry sauce |
---|---|
1960 | $0.25 |
1961 | $0.25 |
1962 | $0.26 |
1963 | $0.26 |
1964 | $0.26 |
1965 | $0.26 |
1966 | $0.27 |
1967 | $0.27 |
1968 | $0.29 |
1969 | $0.30 |
1970 | $0.32 |
1971 | $0.34 |
1972 | $0.35 |
1973 | $0.36 |
1974 | $0.38 |
1975 | $0.43 |
1976 | $0.48 |
1977 | $0.50 |
1978 | $0.54 |
1979 | $0.48 |
1980 | $0.66 |
1981 | $0.75 |
1982 | $0.20 |
1983 | $0.22 |
1984 | $0.22 |
1985 | $0.23 |
1986 | $0.25 |
1987 | $0.25 |
1988 | $0.25 |
1989 | $0.27 |
1990 | $0.29 |
1991 | $0.30 |
1992 | $0.31 |
1993 | $0.32 |
1994 | $0.32 |
1995 | $0.34 |
1996 | $0.34 |
1997 | $0.36 |
1998 | $0.55 |
1999 | $0.56 |
2000 | $0.57 |
2001 | $0.58 |
2002 | $0.57 |
2003 | $0.57 |
2004 | $0.58 |
2005 | $0.59 |
2006 | $0.69 |
2007 | $0.71 |
2008 | $0.71 |
2009 | $0.74 |
2010 | $0.79 |
2011 | $0.83 |
2012 | $0.84 |
2013 | $0.81 |
2014 | $0.83 |
2015 | $0.84 |
2016 | $0.84 |
2017 | $0.87 |
2018 | $0.88 |
2019 | $0.88 |
2020 | $0.89 |
2021 | $0.99 |
2022 | $1.07 |
2023 | $1.13 |
Recipe used: Allrecipes, Cranberry Sauce
Stuffing
Stuffing is another one of those dishes that crosses state borders and will typically be on the dinner tables for over 50% of the US. [2] YouGov, ‘What America eats on Thanksgiving’ https://today.yougov.com/consumer/articles/26161-what-america-eats-thanksgiving-pollThis research analyzed the cost of traditional stuffing, including bread, eggs, onion, herbs and a homemade broth substitute.
Butter has seen one of the most dramatic price increases of all the ingredients, jumping by almost 2,315% since 1960. On the other end of the scale, eggs have seen one of the slowest price increases, rising from $0.05 to $0.26 per egg between 1960 and 2023.
Overall, the ingredient price increases have meant the cost of Thanksgiving stuffing has increased more than 972% since 1960, rising from $0.62 to $6.65 in 2023.
Year | Cost of stuffing |
---|---|
1960 | $0.62 |
1961 | $0.63 |
1962 | $0.64 |
1963 | $0.65 |
1964 | $0.66 |
1965 | $0.67 |
1966 | $0.71 |
1967 | $0.70 |
1968 | $0.72 |
1969 | $0.77 |
1970 | $0.79 |
1971 | $0.81 |
1972 | $0.82 |
1973 | $0.92 |
1974 | $1.02 |
1975 | $1.06 |
1976 | $1.08 |
1977 | $1.12 |
1978 | $1.16 |
1979 | $1.26 |
1980 | $2.29 |
1981 | $2.43 |
1982 | $2.40 |
1983 | $2.46 |
1984 | $2.53 |
1985 | $2.56 |
1986 | $2.33 |
1987 | $2.33 |
1988 | $2.40 |
1989 | $2.51 |
1990 | $2.48 |
1991 | $2.49 |
1992 | $2.47 |
1993 | $2.41 |
1994 | $2.40 |
1995 | $2.47 |
1996 | $2.86 |
1997 | $2.93 |
1998 | $3.32 |
1999 | $3.24 |
2000 | $3.23 |
2001 | $3.76 |
2002 | $3.70 |
2003 | $3.60 |
2004 | $3.99 |
2005 | $3.96 |
2006 | $3.85 |
2007 | $4.14 |
2008 | $4.45 |
2009 | $4.30 |
2010 | $4.46 |
2011 | $4.85 |
2012 | $4.77 |
2013 | $4.78 |
2014 | $4.86 |
2015 | $5.06 |
2016 | $4.93 |
2017 | $4.94 |
2018 | $5.24 |
2019 | $5.20 |
2020 | $5.23 |
2021 | $5.39 |
2022 | $6.16 |
2023 | $6.65 |
Sweet potato casserole
Although marshmallows are a custom of the sweet potato casserole, they weren’t always as available as they are today, and in fact, have traditionally made up the costliest part of making the dish when using the raw ingredients.
The dish itself is typically made from sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk, eggs, mini marshmallows (made from egg white, corn syrup, sugar and vanilla extract) and chopped pecans.
Overall, to feed 10 people in 2023, the cost of making a sweet potato casserole from scratch will set you back $14.88. That’s compared to just $1.88 in 1960.
Year | Cost of sweet potato casserole |
---|---|
1960 | $1.88 |
1961 | $1.91 |
1962 | $1.94 |
1963 | $1.96 |
1964 | $1.97 |
1965 | $1.99 |
1966 | $2.06 |
1967 | $2.08 |
1968 | $2.15 |
1969 | $2.26 |
1970 | $2.35 |
1971 | $2.48 |
1972 | $2.57 |
1973 | $2.72 |
1974 | $2.88 |
1975 | $3.19 |
1976 | $3.50 |
1977 | $3.67 |
1978 | $3.93 |
1979 | $4.22 |
1980 | $5.15 |
1981 | $5.82 |
1982 | $6.38 |
1983 | $6.75 |
1984 | $6.99 |
1985 | $7.18 |
1986 | $7.49 |
1987 | $7.62 |
1988 | $7.90 |
1989 | $8.25 |
1990 | $8.62 |
1991 | $9.02 |
1992 | $9.29 |
1993 | $9.53 |
1994 | $9.77 |
1995 | $10.09 |
1996 | $10.54 |
1997 | $10.87 |
1998 | $11.33 |
1999 | $11.48 |
2000 | $11.66 |
2001 | $12.21 |
2002 | $12.51 |
2003 | $12.73 |
2004 | $13.20 |
2005 | $13.48 |
2006 | $13.84 |
2007 | $14.37 |
2008 | $14.93 |
2009 | $15.31 |
2010 | $15.49 |
2011 | $15.99 |
2012 | $16.41 |
2013 | $16.67 |
2014 | $16.89 |
2015 | $17.37 |
2016 | $17.22 |
2017 | $17.40 |
2018 | $17.87 |
2019 | $18.10 |
2020 | $19.35 |
2021 | $19.64 |
2022 | $13.93 |
2023 | $14.88 |
Recipe used: Delish, Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Green bean casserole
The humble green bean casserole has risen from $0.72 in 1960 to $6.43 in 2023 — an increase of more than 793%.
The traditional recipe is made from canned green beans, fresh fried onions, cheddar cheese and mushroom soup, but the condensed cream of mushroom soup can be substituted by white sauce made from butter, flour and milk.
Year | Cost of green bean casserole |
---|---|
1960 | $0.72 |
1961 | $1.03 |
1962 | $1.04 |
1963 | $1.05 |
1964 | $1.11 |
1965 | $1.13 |
1966 | $1.18 |
1967 | $1.20 |
1968 | $1.23 |
1969 | $1.27 |
1970 | $1.30 |
1971 | $1.33 |
1972 | $1.36 |
1973 | $1.43 |
1974 | $1.51 |
1975 | $1.83 |
1976 | $1.95 |
1977 | $1.99 |
1978 | $2.01 |
1979 | $1.97 |
1980 | $2.29 |
1981 | $2.34 |
1982 | $2.53 |
1983 | $2.85 |
1984 | $2.88 |
1985 | $3.23 |
1986 | $2.84 |
1987 | $2.85 |
1988 | $2.89 |
1989 | $2.99 |
1990 | $2.38 |
1991 | $3.32 |
1992 | $3.33 |
1993 | $3.56 |
1994 | $3.57 |
1995 | $3.58 |
1996 | $3.58 |
1997 | $3.88 |
1998 | $4.14 |
1999 | $4.21 |
2000 | $4.23 |
2001 | $4.62 |
2002 | $4.65 |
2003 | $4.58 |
2004 | $4.75 |
2005 | $5.08 |
2006 | $5.03 |
2007 | $5.10 |
2008 | $5.58 |
2009 | $5.48 |
2010 | $5.53 |
2011 | $5.79 |
2012 | $6.13 |
2013 | $6.12 |
2014 | $6.17 |
2015 | $6.11 |
2016 | $6.07 |
2017 | $6.29 |
2018 | $6.35 |
2019 | $6.43 |
2020 | $6.59 |
2021 | $6.93 |
2022 | $7.43 |
2023 | $6.43 |
Recipe used: Allrecipes, Green Bean Casserole
Bread rolls
Bread rolls are typically one of the more affordable aspects of the Thanksgiving feast. The ingredients in a typical recipe are milk, yeast, all-purpose flour, butter and egg; and this research analyzed the cost of Red Star Platinum yeast for this recipe; however, baking powder also works as an excellent substitute.
Overall, the cost to make a batch of bread rolls for 10 people has soared by more than 940%, costing just $0.28 in 1960 but rising to $2.88 today. The inflation crisis of the early 2020s has had a significant effect on prices, with rolls costing 23.6% more than they did at the start of 2020.
Year | Cost of bread rolls |
---|---|
1960 | $0.28 |
1961 | $0.28 |
1962 | $0.28 |
1963 | $0.28 |
1964 | $0.28 |
1965 | $0.28 |
1966 | $0.29 |
1967 | $0.29 |
1968 | $0.30 |
1969 | $0.32 |
1970 | $0.33 |
1971 | $0.34 |
1972 | $0.34 |
1973 | $0.38 |
1974 | $0.40 |
1975 | $0.43 |
1976 | $0.46 |
1977 | $0.48 |
1978 | $0.50 |
1979 | $0.42 |
1980 | $0.80 |
1981 | $0.88 |
1982 | $0.92 |
1983 | $0.96 |
1984 | $0.99 |
1985 | $1.00 |
1986 | $1.02 |
1987 | $1.04 |
1988 | $1.06 |
1989 | $1.11 |
1990 | $1.15 |
1991 | $1.17 |
1992 | $1.17 |
1993 | $1.18 |
1994 | $1.20 |
1995 | $1.23 |
1996 | $1.33 |
1997 | $1.37 |
1998 | $1.61 |
1999 | $1.61 |
2000 | $1.61 |
2001 | $1.74 |
2002 | $1.74 |
2003 | $1.74 |
2004 | $1.88 |
2005 | $1.89 |
2006 | $1.87 |
2007 | $2.01 |
2008 | $2.24 |
2009 | $2.12 |
2010 | $2.15 |
2011 | $2.31 |
2012 | $2.30 |
2013 | $2.32 |
2014 | $2.38 |
2015 | $2.40 |
2016 | $2.33 |
2017 | $2.31 |
2018 | $2.33 |
2019 | $2.31 |
2020 | $2.33 |
2021 | $2.34 |
2022 | $2.73 |
2023 | $2.88 |
Recipe used: Sally’s Baking Addiction, Soft Dinner Rolls
Mac & cheese
Another well-established favorite, mac & cheese has been featured on many Thanksgiving dinner tables for decades. However, this research opted to use a homemade recipe to maintain consistency with the 1960s because pasta hasn’t always been as accessible to consumers as it is today.
However, this still hasn’t prevented the price overall from surging by 788%. While a dish for 10 people would have cost an estimated $2.40 in 1960, the same dish is now priced at $21.32. Cheese is a major contributor to the dish becoming more expensive overall. One lb of cheddar would’ve cost $0.83 in 1960 but the same amount would now be an average of $5.87.
Year | Cost of mac & cheese |
---|---|
1960 | $2.40 |
1961 | $2.43 |
1962 | $2.43 |
1963 | $2.46 |
1964 | $2.79 |
1965 | $2.84 |
1966 | $3.08 |
1967 | $3.14 |
1968 | $3.24 |
1969 | $3.45 |
1970 | $3.64 |
1971 | $3.74 |
1972 | $3.86 |
1973 | $4.31 |
1974 | $4.71 |
1975 | $4.97 |
1976 | $5.66 |
1977 | $5.85 |
1978 | $5.95 |
1979 | $5.35 |
1980 | $6.08 |
1981 | $6.56 |
1982 | $6.76 |
1983 | $8.81 |
1984 | $9.01 |
1985 | $9.06 |
1986 | $9.11 |
1987 | $9.15 |
1988 | $9.43 |
1989 | $8.42 |
1990 | $4.61 |
1991 | $10.58 |
1992 | $10.62 |
1993 | $10.31 |
1994 | $10.40 |
1995 | $10.60 |
1996 | $10.76 |
1997 | $10.86 |
1998 | $12.14 |
1999 | $12.50 |
2000 | $12.59 |
2001 | $13.37 |
2002 | $13.73 |
2003 | $13.37 |
2004 | $14.41 |
2005 | $14.62 |
2006 | $14.41 |
2007 | $14.91 |
2008 | $16.39 |
2009 | $15.94 |
2010 | $16.14 |
2011 | $17.81 |
2012 | $18.21 |
2013 | $18.20 |
2014 | $18.40 |
2015 | $18.37 |
2016 | $17.70 |
2017 | $17.09 |
2018 | $17.70 |
2019 | $17.90 |
2020 | $18.34 |
2021 | $18.39 |
2022 | $20.43 |
2023 | $21.32 |
Recipe used: The Chunky Chef, Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
Creamed corn
The price of corn and cream cheese to make delicious creamed corn has seen an increase of more than 663% since the 1960s.
The cost to make this dish today will cost $6.64 to serve 10 people, considerably higher than the $0.87 in 1960. This research based its analysis from a recipe using homemade cream cheese (made from milk and lemon juice).
Year | Cost of creamed corn |
---|---|
1960 | $0.87 |
1961 | $0.87 |
1962 | $0.87 |
1963 | $0.90 |
1964 | $0.91 |
1965 | $0.91 |
1966 | $0.95 |
1967 | $0.96 |
1968 | $1.01 |
1969 | $1.05 |
1970 | $1.09 |
1971 | $1.15 |
1972 | $1.19 |
1973 | $1.23 |
1974 | $1.33 |
1975 | $1.43 |
1976 | $1.57 |
1977 | $1.63 |
1978 | $1.74 |
1979 | $1.42 |
1980 | $2.13 |
1981 | $2.38 |
1982 | $2.62 |
1983 | $2.78 |
1984 | $2.84 |
1985 | $2.94 |
1986 | $3.01 |
1987 | $3.09 |
1988 | $3.19 |
1989 | $3.37 |
1990 | $3.57 |
1991 | $3.71 |
1992 | $3.82 |
1993 | $3.91 |
1994 | $4.05 |
1995 | $4.15 |
1996 | $4.15 |
1997 | $3.05 |
1998 | $3.66 |
1999 | $3.79 |
2000 | $3.77 |
2001 | $3.93 |
2002 | $3.93 |
2003 | $3.98 |
2004 | $4.20 |
2005 | $4.33 |
2006 | $4.37 |
2007 | $4.70 |
2008 | $4.91 |
2009 | $4.69 |
2010 | $4.76 |
2011 | $4.98 |
2012 | $5.03 |
2013 | $5.07 |
2014 | $5.24 |
2015 | $5.16 |
2016 | $5.05 |
2017 | $5.10 |
2018 | $5.05 |
2019 | $5.16 |
2020 | $5.33 |
2021 | $5.45 |
2022 | $6.28 |
2023 | $6.64 |
Salad
Salad is one of the most difficult dishes to track the price of simply because what a salad has meant through time has transformed more rapidly than any other dish since the 1960s, while bagged salad wasn’t around until the early 80s. [3] Epicurious, ‘How Bagged Salad Mix Took Over the Produce Section’ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/bagged-salad-history This meant historical prices of ‘salad’ and its core ingredients weren’t as available in this analysis, so instead this piece has used lettuce as a proxy to allow people to add some extra greenery to their plate.
Moving from $0.08 per lb in 1960 to $1.03 per lb in 2023, prices have shot up by 1,187.5% one of the largest increases in this analysis.
Year | Cost of salad |
---|---|
1960 | $0.08 |
1961 | $0.09 |
1962 | $0.09 |
1963 | $0.09 |
1964 | $0.09 |
1965 | $0.09 |
1966 | $0.09 |
1967 | $0.09 |
1968 | $0.09 |
1969 | $0.10 |
1970 | $0.10 |
1971 | $0.11 |
1972 | $0.12 |
1973 | $0.12 |
1974 | $0.12 |
1975 | $0.14 |
1976 | $0.15 |
1977 | $0.17 |
1978 | $0.17 |
1979 | $0.19 |
1980 | $0.22 |
1981 | $0.25 |
1982 | $0.27 |
1983 | $0.30 |
1984 | $0.30 |
1985 | $0.32 |
1986 | $0.32 |
1987 | $0.33 |
1988 | $0.35 |
1989 | $0.36 |
1990 | $0.38 |
1991 | $0.40 |
1992 | $0.42 |
1993 | $0.48 |
1994 | $0.44 |
1995 | $0.58 |
1996 | $0.47 |
1997 | $0.50 |
1998 | $0.55 |
1999 | $0.48 |
2000 | $0.53 |
2001 | $0.57 |
2002 | $0.62 |
2003 | $0.59 |
2004 | $0.58 |
2005 | $0.63 |
2006 | $0.63 |
2007 | $0.67 |
2008 | $0.66 |
2009 | $0.66 |
2010 | $0.63 |
2011 | $0.71 |
2012 | $0.62 |
2013 | $0.73 |
2014 | $0.76 |
2015 | $0.84 |
2016 | $0.77 |
2017 | $0.74 |
2018 | $0.68 |
2019 | $0.85 |
2020 | $0.86 |
2021 | $0.90 |
2022 | $0.97 |
2023 | $1.03 |
Recipe used: Bon Appetit, Everyday Greens Salad
Pumpkin pie
Aside from the turkey, pumpkin pie is widely considered to be among the quintessential dishes of a Thanksgiving meal. Its simplicity and versatility as a dessert makes it a go-to for people celebrating this holiday, particularly when serving for a party of 10.
As for the cost, in 1960 the price of making a pumpkin pie would cost $1.21. Today, that price has increased by 1,10% to $13.44 today. For ease of comparison, this research substituted pumpkins with pumpkin puree.
Year | Cost of pumpkin pie |
---|---|
1960 | $1.21 |
1961 | $1.22 |
1962 | $1.22 |
1963 | $1.23 |
1964 | $1.24 |
1965 | $1.25 |
1966 | $1.30 |
1967 | $1.30 |
1968 | $1.35 |
1969 | $1.42 |
1970 | $1.48 |
1971 | $1.54 |
1972 | $1.58 |
1973 | $1.70 |
1974 | $1.80 |
1975 | $1.96 |
1976 | $2.13 |
1977 | $2.22 |
1978 | $2.37 |
1979 | $2.34 |
1980 | $3.56 |
1981 | $3.98 |
1982 | $4.27 |
1983 | $4.47 |
1984 | $4.61 |
1985 | $4.70 |
1986 | $4.85 |
1987 | $4.92 |
1988 | $5.06 |
1989 | $5.28 |
1990 | $5.46 |
1991 | $5.63 |
1992 | $5.72 |
1993 | $5.78 |
1994 | $5.90 |
1995 | $6.05 |
1996 | $6.48 |
1997 | $6.68 |
1998 | $7.40 |
1999 | $7.43 |
2000 | $7.45 |
2001 | $8.00 |
2002 | $8.05 |
2003 | $8.09 |
2004 | $8.64 |
2005 | $8.71 |
2006 | $8.74 |
2007 | $9.20 |
2008 | $9.69 |
2009 | $9.55 |
2010 | $9.73 |
2011 | $10.24 |
2012 | $10.34 |
2013 | $10.45 |
2014 | $10.63 |
2015 | $10.86 |
2016 | $10.63 |
2017 | $10.69 |
2018 | $10.97 |
2019 | $11.02 |
2020 | $11.11 |
2021 | $11.27 |
2022 | $12.56 |
2023 | $13.44 |
Recipe used: Simply Recipes, Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
Pecan pie
A contender to the pumpkin pie, the price of making a pecan pie from scratch has not seen quite as dramatic a price increase as that of a pumpkin pie. The typical recipe is made from pie crust (homemade using all-purpose flour and butter), eggs, syrup, brown sugar, butter and of course, pecans. However, honey is a viable alternative to syrup and was used in this historical price analysis.
The price for these ingredients has risen by 1,008% since 1960, and 22.6% since last year alone. Today, the cost of making a pecan pie is $6.65. Back in 1960, the same ingredients cost as little as $0.60.
Year | Cost of pecan pie |
---|---|
1960 | $0.60 |
1961 | $0.60 |
1962 | $0.60 |
1963 | $0.60 |
1964 | $0.60 |
1965 | $0.61 |
1966 | $0.64 |
1967 | $0.63 |
1968 | $0.65 |
1969 | $0.69 |
1970 | $0.72 |
1971 | $0.73 |
1972 | $0.74 |
1973 | $0.83 |
1974 | $0.87 |
1975 | $0.94 |
1976 | $1.02 |
1977 | $1.05 |
1978 | $1.12 |
1979 | $1.25 |
1980 | $2.05 |
1981 | $2.26 |
1982 | $2.40 |
1983 | $2.49 |
1984 | $2.58 |
1985 | $2.60 |
1986 | $2.69 |
1987 | $2.71 |
1988 | $2.76 |
1989 | $2.87 |
1990 | $2.89 |
1991 | $2.96 |
1992 | $2.95 |
1993 | $2.94 |
1994 | $2.96 |
1995 | $3.05 |
1996 | $3.36 |
1997 | $3.47 |
1998 | $3.83 |
1999 | $3.75 |
2000 | $3.73 |
2001 | $4.16 |
2002 | $4.16 |
2003 | $4.14 |
2004 | $4.52 |
2005 | $4.47 |
2006 | $4.42 |
2007 | $4.66 |
2008 | $4.95 |
2009 | $4.84 |
2010 | $4.98 |
2011 | $5.31 |
2012 | $5.32 |
2013 | $5.36 |
2014 | $5.44 |
2015 | $5.65 |
2016 | $5.49 |
2017 | $5.50 |
2018 | $5.80 |
2019 | $5.72 |
2020 | $5.65 |
2021 | $5.69 |
2022 | $5.37 |
2023 | $6.65 |
Recipe used: Simply Recipes, Easy Pecan Pie
Methodology
This analysis used a YouGov survey of 1,227 US adults to establish the most popular Thanksgiving dinner dishes: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, bread rolls, mac & cheese, corn, salad, pumpkin pie, pecan pie.
The exact measurement of each ingredient required to cook and/or prepare these dishes was factored to calculate how much each dish would cost over time. Exact recipes used can be found next to each dish.
Replacement goods
In some instances, the traditional recipe may have changed from 1960, such as accounting for the wide availability of dried pasta today, which wasn’t as available historically. In those instances, the research calculated the cost of substitutes that could be used instead. This includes:
- Corn syrup substituted for honey: https://www.purewow.com/food/substitute-for-corn-syrup#:~:text=Honey,t%20mind%20its%20distinct%20flavor.
- Ready-made pie crust substituted for a homemade pie crust: https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/baking-tips/how-to-make-pie-crust
- Chicken broth substituted for a homemade solution: https://www.ashcroftfamilytable.com/substitute-for-chicken-broth/
- Dried pasta substituted for homemade pasta: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/a-basic-recipe-for-fresh-egg-pasta/
- Cream cheese substituted for homemade cream cheese: https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/how-to-make-cream-cheese/
- Half and half substituted for milk
- Mushroom soup substituted for homemade white sauce: https://survivalfreedom.com/8-handy-substitutes-for-cream-of-mushroom-soup/
Cost of goods
The following data sources and methodologies were used to calculate the cost of Thanksgiving goods over time. There were often data gaps in the year 1979 specifically, this gap was filled using a trend analysis to predict the price based on cost data from 1978 and 1980.
Turkey
- 2023-2018: American Farm Bureau Federation news releases and Thanksgiving dinner survey
- https://www.fb.org/news-release/turkey-prices-fall-as-thanksgiving-approaches
- https://www.fb.org/news-release/farm-bureau-survey-shows-thanksgiving-dinner-cost-up-20
- https://www.fb.org/files/2020-Year-to-Year-Prices-AFBF-Thanksgiving-Dinner-Cost_Survey.pdf
- 2018 - 2010: Agriculture.com
- https://www.agriculture.com/news/business/thanksgiving-dinner-and-turkey-prices-at-lowest-cost-in-10-years
- 2009-1960: AFBF costs adjusted using the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index for food at home in November each year, via 24/7 Wall St.
- https://247wallst.com/special-report/2017/11/17/cost-of-a-thanksgiving-meal-the-year-you-were-born/
Eggs
- 2023-1980: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Eggs, grade A, large, per doz. in U.S. city average, average price, not seasonally adjusted.
- https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111
- 1979-1960: Stacker, The cost of goods the year you were born.
- https://stacker.com/business-economy/cost-goods-year-you-were-born
- Six eggs used for pecan and pumpkin pies.
Milk
- 2023-1995: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘Milk, fresh, whole, fortified, per gal. (3.8 lit) in U.S. city average, average price, not seasonally adjusted’
- https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000709112?data_tool=XGtable
- 1994-1960: Stacker, The cost of goods the year you were born.
- https://stacker.com/business-economy/cost-goods-year-you-were-born
- 2 cups of milk used for sweet potato casserole, bread rolls, mac & cheese.
Potato
- 2023-1986: FRED, Average Price: Potatoes, White (Cost per Pound/453.6 Grams) in U.S. City Average
- https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU0000712112
- 1985-1960: Stacker, The cost of goods the year you were born.
- https://stacker.com/business-economy/cost-goods-year-you-were-born
- 5lb potatoes used for mashed potatoes.
Butter
- 2023-2018: FRED, Average Price: Butter, Stick (Cost per Pound/453.6 Grams) in U.S. City Average
- https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU0000FS1101
- 2017-2013: Cost adjusted using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator
- 2012-1979: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via https://www.in2013dollars.com/Butter/price-inflation
- 1978-1960: Cost adjusted using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator
- 8oz butter used for mashed potatoes, ¼ cup for bread rolls, 4tbsp for pecan pie, 8tbsp for sweet potato casserole, ¾ cup for mac and cheese, 1 cup for stuffing.
Corn
- 2023-1997: Walmart’s Great Value Frozen Whole Kernel Corn, 32 oz Bag, price per lb calculated. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator.
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Frozen-Whole-Kernel-Corn-32-oz-Bag/571358544?athbdg=L1600&from=/search
- 1996-1960: USDA Economic Research Service, Consumer Price Indexes for food and percentage changes from previous years for 1996 and 1995, then cost adjusted over time.
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/41035/15334_aer780h_1_.pdf
Yeast
- 2023-1960: ½ Tablespoon used with cost of Red Star’s Platinum Yeast, cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 2 ¼ teaspoons used for bread rolls.
- https://redstaryeast.com/shop/platinum-yeast/
Flour
- All years: USDA Economic Research Service, Price Spreads from Farm to Consumer, Flour, white, all-purpose, per pound. (Data taken for 2022-2000 and inflation-adjusted for 2023 and prior to 1999).
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/price-spreads-from-farm-to-consumer/price-spreads-from-farm-to-consumer/#Fresh%20fruit File is a downloadable spreadsheet.
Cheddar cheese
- 2023-1984 : FRED, Average Price: Average Price: Cheddar Cheese, Natural (Cost per Pound/453.6 Grams) in U.S. City Average
- https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU0000710212
- 1983 and 1979: Cost adjusted using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator
- 1982-1980: USITC Publication, Issue 841 Annual report - United States International Trade Commission, United States International Trade Commission
- https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=-NcWAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA2&lpg=PA2&dq=US+cheddar+cheese+retail+price+1980&source=bl&ots=jxemZGuJFV&sig=ACfU3U3jUjWKD8PIM28eXcGjxXfkLA756w&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJnOiKu87zAhVtzoUKHQMoAvcQ6AF6BAgWEAM#v=onepage&q=US%20cheddar%20cheese%20retail%20price%201980&f=false
- 1979-1960: United States Department of Agriculture Economics and Statistics Service Agricultural Economic Report No. 462, Cheese Pricing, Harold W. Lough
- https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/305674/files/aer294.pdf File is a downloadable spreadsheet.
- 9 cups for mac and cheese, 1 cup for green bean casserole
Sugar
- All years: USDA Economic Research Service, Price Spreads from Farm to Consumer, Sugar, white, per pound. (Data taken for 2019-2000 and inflation-adjusted for 2023 and prior to 1999).
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/price-spreads-from-farm-to-consumer/price-spreads-from-farm-to-consumer/#Fresh%20fruit File is a downloadable spreadsheet.
- ⅔ cup used for pumpkin pie, ½ cup for pecan pie, ½ cup for sweet potato casserole, 1 cup for cranberry sauce.
Orange juice
- 2022-1995: Statistia, Retail price of navel oranges in the United States from 1995 to 2022
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/236882/retail-price-of-navel-oranges-in-the-united-states/
- 1994-1960: Cost adjusted using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator.
- 1 cup used in cranberry sauce.
Cranberry
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Fresh Cranberries category average calculated. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 1lb used.
- https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/fresh-cranberries
Sweet potato
- 2023-1960: USDA, National Retail Report - Specialty Crops, Advertised Prices for Specialty Crops Products at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 10/21/2023 to 11/2/2023. Cost taken for 3lb sweet potato bag retail price average for October 2023 and 2022. Inflation adjusted for previous years.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf
- 4 cups large sweet potatoes used for sweet potato casserole.
Black peppercorns
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Black Peppercorns category average calculated. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 3/4tsp calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/black-peppercorns
Pumpkin puree
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Pumpkin puree category average calculated. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 15oz calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/search?q=canned%20pumpkin%20puree
Green beans
- 2023-2017: Walmart’s Fresh Green Beans cost used. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 29oz calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fresh-Green-Beans-Bag-Average-1-6lb/44391023
- 2016-1960: USDA, Green beans—Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent, 2016
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/DataFiles/51035/green_beans.xlsx?v=0
Onions
- 2023-1960: USDA, National Retail Report - Specialty Crops, Advertised Prices for Specialty Crops Products at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 10/21/2023 to 11/2/2023. Cost taken for 2lb onion bag retail price average for October 2023 and 2022. Inflation adjusted for previous years.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf
Pecans
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Pecans category average cost used. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 2 cups calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/browse/food/pecans/976759_976787_1001406_7563874
Honey
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Honey category average cost used. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 1 cup in pecan pie.
- https://www.walmart.com/search?q=honey+one+pound
Sage
- 2023-1960: Walmart’s Fresh sage category average cost used. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. ¼ cup used.
- https://www.walmart.com/search?q=Sage
Green leaf lettuce
- 2023-1960: USDA, National Retail Report - Specialty Crops, Advertised Prices for Specialty Crops Products at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 10/21/2023 to 11/2/2023. Cost taken for 1lb green leaf lettuce retail price average for October 2023 and 2022. Inflation adjusted for previous years.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf
Parsley
- 2023-1960: Walmart, Fresh Italian Parsley Bunch, Each. Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 2/3 cup calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fresh-Italian-Parsley-Bunch-Each/44391168
Celery
- 2023-1960: USDA, National Retail Report - Specialty Crops, Advertised Prices for Specialty Crops Products at Major Retail Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 10/21/2023 to 11/2/2023. Cost taken for 1lb celery retail price average for October 2023 and 2022. Inflation adjusted for previous years.
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/fvwretail.pdf
Bread
- 2023-1980: FRED, Average Price: Bread, White, Pan (Cost per Pound/453.6 Grams) in U.S. City Average. 1lb used in stuffing.
- https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU0000702111
- 1979-1960: Stacker, The cost of goods the year you were born.
- https://stacker.com/business-economy/cost-goods-year-you-were-born
- 1lb calculated.
Vanilla
- 2023-1960: Walmart, the average cost of McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 fl oz Baking Extracts and Great Value Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 fl oz (Ambient). Cost adjusted over time using BLS CPI Inflation Calculator. 1tsp calculated.
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/McCormick-All-Natural-Pure-Vanilla-Extract-1-fl-oz-Baking-Extracts/10308884?athbdg=L1600
- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Value-Pure-Vanilla-Extract-1-fl-oz-Ambient/21368021
Sources
- [1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘12-month percentage change, Consumer Price Index, selected categories’ https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-by-category-line-chart.htm
- [2] YouGov, ‘What America eats on Thanksgiving’ https://today.yougov.com/consumer/articles/26161-what-america-eats-thanksgiving-poll
- [3] Epicurious, ‘How Bagged Salad Mix Took Over the Produce Section’ https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/bagged-salad-history