IL Grocery Prices Have Increased: What That Means For The Holidays

Grocery prices across the country have risen steadily, and with Thanksgiving just days away, some Illinois residents might pay an arm and a leg, or perhaps a wing and a drumstick, for their holiday feast.

According to outlook reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wholesale prices for a turkey increased by roughly 40 percent compared to 2024. Experts said that the recent jump in price is expected to remain unchanged in 2026.

Those who want to consider swapping this year’s turkey for a Thanksgiving chicken also might want to consider that wholesale chicken prices have jumped more than 16 percent compared to last year.

Other upticks include a five percent jump in canned vegetable prices and more expensive dinner rolls and pies, as well as some of the ingredients required to make them from scratch.

Some items, on the other hand, are cheaper this year, including potatoes for a mashed dinner side, and eggs for a "deviled" Thanksgiving appetizer. Experts say this is because higher production rates create lower price expectations.

Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2.7 percent increase in “food at home” costs when comparing September 2024 to September 2025.

What Caused The Increase?

One main reason for the pricey poultry is due to a spike in avian flu in late 2024 and early 2025 that the industry is still recovering from. A more recent spike in bird flu happened in September, with nearly 400,000 birds, including commercial turkey flocks, affected.

Another reason for the increase comes from the White House. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, for example, are the reason for the 5 percent increase in canned goods, due to tariffs on aluminum and steel used to create the cans.

As a result of the price spikes, President Trump has announced he would peel back some of the tariffs, including import taxes on coffee, bananas, and beef, among some other products.
Food economist David Ortega told NPR that the tariff rollbacks wouldn’t have an effect on holiday prices just yet, but they will help “in terms of moderating the price increases that we've been accustomed to at the grocery store,” eventually.

Illinois Grocers Offering Thanksgiving Deals

Several grocery stores in Illinois are offering deals, including “free” turkeys, as the holiday approaches. See a list below:

• Walmart: Walmart made headlines recently after Trump announced that its Thanksgiving Dinner price is down 25 percent compared to last holiday season. While this may be true, it’s worth noting that the retail chain’s Thanksgiving meal is offering less food than it did last year.

The retailer’s $55 holiday meal in 2024 offered 21 different products and 29 individual items. This year, its $40 meal offers 15 different products and 22 individual items, so it’s best to weigh your options and gauge your holiday guest expectations before taking the Walmart trip.

• Aldi: Aldi’s $40 Thanksgiving meal, which is down $7 from last year, offers a turkey, sides, and desserts, enough for ten people.
• Target: Target is offering a Thanksgiving meal for four for under $20, including a turkey, sides, and dessert
• Amazon: Amazon is featuring a turkey dinner for five at $25, Nov. 12 through Nov. 27. Customers can get the deal online or in Amazon stores, with same-day delivery available in some areas. To access the deal, enter "Thanksgiving meal" in the search bar on Amazon.
• Walmart: Walmart is advertising a Thanksgiving meal deal that can serve up to 10 people for less than $4 a person. The meal includes a 13.5 pound Butterball turkey, a five-pound bag of russet potatoes, Stove Top turkey stuffing, basic ingredients to make pumpkin pie and other fixings.

SNAP Benefit Recipients

Most of the aforementioned grocery stores accept SNAP benefits from those enrolled. However, those enrolled in the embattled food aid program who are looking for some extra help this holiday, food banks across the state are willing to lend a hand.

Follow the link to find an Illinois food bank near you.