Wisconsin Thanksgiving Meal Costs Rise 6.7% in 2025

By Blake Jackson

The cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in Wisconsin has climbed this year, with Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s annual Marketbasket survey reporting a 6.7% increase. The survey’s total for a classic holiday spread reached $61.84, up $3.88 from the 2024 average for the same menu of items.

Each year, the Marketbasket survey tracks the price of common foods needed to serve a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people. Its results allow Wisconsin food prices to be compared with national trends. In contrast to Wisconsin’s increase, the American Farm Bureau Federation reported that the national average price for the same items dropped to $55.18.

“When grocery prices rise, it’s easy to assume farmers benefit, but that’s not the reality,” said WFBF Senior Director of Public Relations Cassie Sonnentag. “Farm families earn less than 16 cents of every food dollar. Choosing Wisconsin-grown products is one way to keep your dollars working locally while supporting the farmers growing your food.”

The Wisconsin Marketbasket survey is an informal yearly review of food pricing, influenced by everything from farm conditions to retail marketing. Volunteer Wisconsin Farm Bureau members collected prices for 15 staple Thanksgiving items in early November, seeking the lowest shelf price without using coupons or promotional deals.

Farmers nationwide are experiencing one of the most challenging financial periods in decades. Prices for row crops are nearing 20-year lows, while operational expenses continue to rise.

Over the past five years, fertilizer costs have jumped 37% and labor nearly 50%. Despite these pressures, farmers receive only 15.9 cents of every dollar consumers spend on food.

“Behind every Thanksgiving meal are farmers facing tough decisions,” said Sonnentag. “The higher prices we see at the store are not because farmers are cashing in, but rather because they are fighting to stay afloat.”

Turkey prices have also been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has impacted more than 18.7 million turkeys since 2022, including 2.2 million in 2025 alone. With the U.S. turkey flock now at its smallest size in nearly 40 years, Wisconsin’s rising turkey prices reflect limited supply.

To soften the financial burden, shoppers may benefit from holiday sales, choosing smaller birds, preparing dishes from scratch, planning meals wisely, and opting for local or seasonal items.

Photo Credit: pixabay-kiberstalker