Target Unveils Top Five Holiday Food Trends
Retailer adds more than 250 food and beverage items and says nearly 80% of its owned-brand holiday assortment is priced at $5 or less.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Entertaining
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Do you expect holiday food prices to be affordable this year?
Target has unveiled its top five holiday food and beverage trends, alongside more than 250 new food and beverage items added for the season. The retailer is also offering 400 exclusive holiday products, with nearly 80% of its owned-brand holiday food and beverage assortment priced at $5 or less.
Why it matters
For shoppers planning holiday meals and gatherings, the assortment offers a broad range of options across price points, from nostalgic candy and tinned fish gift sets to value-focused Thanksgiving items. The expansion also reflects how large retailers are competing for holiday food spending by widening their grocery and specialty selections.
Target reports adding more than 250 new food and beverage items and offering 400 exclusive holiday products, with nearly 80% of its owned-brand holiday food and beverage assortment priced at $5 or less. The Good & Gather frozen turkey is listed at 79 cents per pound, while the company has not disclosed sales or demand figures for these items.
The players
Target
Target is a major American general merchandise retailer headquartered in Minneapolis that sells groceries, household goods, apparel and owned-brand products across its store and online network.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is a British multinational retailer known for its food hall offerings and private-label grocery products.
Harry & David
Harry & David is an American specialty gift and food company known for its pears, gift baskets and seasonal confections.
The details
Target's trend and culinary team identified the five holiday food and beverage trends, and the company has expanded its food aisle assortments through its merchandising authority. The lineup includes Favorite Day's first nostalgic candy collection, Baked by Melissa cupcake kits, expanded Marks & Spencer and Harry & David selections, a Fishwife tinned fish gift set, advent calendars, miniature gingerbread villages, and tree-shaped ravioli and pizza.
Timeline
Target unveiled its holiday food and beverage trends on November 12, 2026.
The full holiday food and beverage assortment is available in stores and online during the 2026 holiday season.
Value-focused Thanksgiving options, including a $30 meal for six, are promoted for Thanksgiving 2026.
Culture Shift
Target's push into owned-brand holiday food mirrors the growth of private-label grocery programs at large U.S. mass retailers, which have increasingly competed on price and exclusive products. The inclusion of nostalgic candy and gift-style packaging also reflects a broader consumer interest in holiday traditions and affordable seasonal treats.
Shoppers planning holiday hosting can find more than 250 new food and beverage items and value-priced options, with nearly 80% of owned-brand holiday items at $5 or less. Thanksgiving shoppers can also look at value meal options, including a $30 meal for six, to plan their budgets.
The takeaway
Planning holiday menus around the lower-priced owned-brand options can help hosts stretch their budgets without giving up seasonal favorites. Comparing a few price points before shopping can make it easier to cover both main dishes and treats.
Further reading
Explore more holiday hosting ideas in our Entertaining section.
Live Poll
Do you expect holiday food prices to be affordable this year?
