Turkey Prices Climb Ahead of Thanksgiving

Wholesale and retail turkey prices are higher than a year ago even as production has rebounded.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Inflation

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in deep red, cream, and black showing roasted-turkey-shaped forms beside a tilted balance scale, evoking rising holiday turkey prices. — Wholesale and retail turkey prices climbed above last year's levels in late October and early November, even as production rebounded from last year's decline. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you expect Thanksgiving turkey to cost less than last year?

Wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.80 per pound in late October, up from $1.69 the same week last year. The national average retail price for frozen conventional whole turkeys reached $1.26 per pound in early November, compared with $1.03 a year earlier.

Why it matters

Turkey is a central purchase for many U.S. households during the holiday season, so higher prices affect holiday meal budgets. Rising wholesale costs also show how supply and demand shifts flow through to grocery shelves.

The national retail average for frozen conventional whole turkeys was $1.26 per pound in early November, up from $1.03 a year earlier, while wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.80 per pound in late October versus $1.69 the prior year. Retail prices often reflect store promotions and earlier contracted prices rather than the wholesale spot market, so the final shopper cost may not track wholesale movements closely.

The details

Turkey production has recovered from last year's decline of more than 8%, with the number of birds going to market up about 3% and total pounds of production up nearly 6%. About 2,500 stores nationwide are advertising frozen conventional whole turkeys, and grocers often use them to draw customers into stores.

Late October 2026: wholesale whole turkeys averaged $1.80 per pound.
Early November 2026: national average retail frozen turkey price reached $1.26 per pound.

Market Landscape

Turkey prices have moved sharply in the past year, with wholesale whole turkeys jumping 70% from 99 cents in the prior cycle before this year's rise to $1.80 per pound. Production is now recovering from last year's drop of more than 8%, a shift that follows the supply cycle seen in the 2025 season.

Shoppers planning Thanksgiving meals may face higher turkey costs than last year, with frozen retail turkeys averaging $1.26 per pound nationally. Because about 2,500 stores are advertising promotions, comparing prices across retailers before buying can help control holiday food budgets.