What Target’s $20 Thanksgiving Meal Says About Food Shopping In 2024

Thanksgiving is on the horizon, but tighter budgets mean holiday meals have to adapt. Target’s accounts a meal deal to aim to deliver a traditional feast without the high price tag.

Rising costs have changed how Americans plan their holiday feasts. What once meant a table full of dishes now has to fit within smaller budgets. Target is responding with a $20 Thanksgiving meal, priced $5 lower than last year. The meal includes all the basics for four people: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. It’s designed to offer familiar flavors while keeping costs low.

What’s Inside Target’s $20 Thanksgiving Meal?

This $20 meal package serves four people at just $5 per person. It can also be doubled to serve eight while still keeping costs manageable. Here’s what’s included:

• Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (Frozen) – up to 10 lb.
• Good & Gather Russet Potatoes – 5 lb.
• Del Monte Cut Green Beans – 14.5 oz.
• Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – 10.5 oz.
• Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce – 14 oz.
• Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix – 6 oz.
• Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy – 12 oz.

The meal combines popular brands with convenience and quality, focusing on a hearty holiday meal without the hassle. At 79 cents per pound, the turkey is 20% cheaper than last year, making it even more budget-friendly.

Major Retailers Adjust to New Realities

While food prices are still high compared to pre-pandemic levels, they’re rising more slowly than before. The USDA’s Food Price Outlook indicates that grocery prices increased by only 1% in 2024, down from 5% in 2023 and 11.4% in 2022. Key categories like fish, dairy, and fresh produce even saw price drops this year. This easing inflation has enabled retailers like Target to offer lower-priced holiday meals.

According to Oracle’s grocery trend report, private-label sales now make up almost 20% of revenue, with online grovery delivery sales growing faster than in-store purchases. This shift has encouraged more budget-friendly offerings like Target’s $20 meal, designed to meet evolving consumer demands for cost-effective options.

Competing Deals from Other Stores

Other major retailers are also offering budget-friendly Thanksgiving options:

These deals reflect efforts across the retail landscape to make holiday meals more accessible.

Why Target’s Thanksgiving Meal Stands Out

This trend goes beyond just holiday meals. It’s a reflection of how retailers are reshaping their strategies to align with a changing economic climate. By offering lower-priced, pre-packaged holiday options, they’re helping consumers navigate financial challenges without compromising on what matters most: sharing a meal with loved ones.

As the holidays approach, it’s clear that budget-friendly options like Target’s $20 Thanksgiving meal deal are more than just deals. It’s a reflection of shifting consumer priorities—maintaining tradition while sticking to a budget. They’re part of a larger effort to keep traditions intact, proving that even in tough times, the core of holiday celebrations—gathering together—remains strong.

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