The American Farm Bureau reports that the classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people will cost 13% more in 2011 than in 2010, from $43.47 to $49.20. Unfortunately, they forgot to account for the average family switching from Turkey and dressing to Ramen noodles, so in reality, the price will sharply drop in 2011.
As The Doc's wife is a nutritionist, meaning this household only consumes organic, all-natural products, you can roughly triple this estimate for our household.
The retail cost of menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings increased about 13 percent this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
AFBF’s 26th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.20, a $5.73 price increase from last year’s average of $43.47.
The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at $21.57 this year. That was roughly $1.35 per pound, an increase of about 25 cents per pound, or a total of $3.91 per whole turkey, compared to 2010.
Anderson noted that despite retail price increases during the last year or so, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation.
You just can't make this stuff up folks- food prices are relatively stable, when adjusted for inflation. LOL, ya think? This is like saying the Detroit Lions have not lost in 10 years during their buy week.
| Item | 2010 Price | 2011 Price | Difference |
| 16-pound turkey | 17.66 | 21.57 | +3.91 |
| Milk, 1 gallon whole | 3.24 | 3.66 | +.42 |
| Pumpkin pie mix, 30-oz. | 2.62 | 3.03 | +.41 |
| Whipping cream, ½ pint | 1.70 | 1.96 | +.26 |
| Cubed stuffing, 14 oz. | 2.64 | 2.88 | +.24 |
| Green peas, 1 lb. | 1.44 | 1.68 | +.24 |
| Rolls, 12 | 2.12 | 2.30 | +.18 |
| Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs. | 3.19 | 3.26 | +.07 |
| Fresh cranberries, 12 oz. | 2.41 | 2.48 | +.07 |
| Pie shells (2) | 2.46 | 2.52 | +.06 |
| Misc. ingredients | 3.22 | 3.10 | -.12 |
| 1-pound relish tray (carrots and celery) | .77 | .76 | -.01 |
| TOTAL | 43.47 | 49.20 | +5.73 |
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation
