EAST LANSING MI – Cooks who hope to keep costs down in preparing this year’s Thanksgiving meal may again need to do extensive grocery planning.
Hunting for bargains could be a necessity in some households, a leading food economist indicates. Although inflation has slowed and current food prices are only 1.3% higher than in 2023, they remain 20% more expensive than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The result: many shoppers continue to feel pinched, according to professor Dr. David L. Ortega, the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University. How can Thanksgiving chefs save while ensuring their families and guests leave the holiday table feeling satisfied? Ortega offers some suggestions to stretch grocery dollars.
- The bird is the word. Turkey prices are down (about 2% from last year), “thanks to producers better preparing for bird flu and holiday demand,” Ortega observes. Ham, however, is “still pricey,” he adds. The good news: after the price of ham reached “near-record levels” last year, its costs are not expected to climb much higher.
- Watch the sides. “Fresh produce could also be a bright spot at the register,” Ortega suggests. Anticipate “lower prices on seasonal items like apples, cranberries and potatoes,” he says.
- What’s up? Peas and stuffing ingredients might see slight increases, Ortega believes. Those doing some baking may want to keep an eye on egg prices, too. Although not in the stratosphere, as they were during the pandemic, egg costs now are affected by bird flu issues, he notes.
- Compare and compete. “With consumers becoming increasingly budget-conscious, stores are ramping up promotions and loyalty programs to attract shoppers,” Ortega reports. Watch for deals. “Retailers are working hard to keep holiday meals affordable, with some even matching 2019 prices … With a bit of planning, these promotions can help make holiday meals more budget-friendly.”
- Consider what’s in-store. Grocery store brands “are a great way to cut costs without compromising on quality,” Ortega claims. “Many are just as good as name brands, but priced lower. Making a detailed shopping list and sticking to it can also help keep costs in check, he says. Shoppers also can help themselves by “avoiding impulse buys.”
- Look ahead. Shopping early for non-perishables or freezer-friendly items can let you catch sales on essentials before prices go up closer to any holidays.
Ortega’s comments were offered in an article published Friday (Nov. 8, 2024) by Michigan State University on Newswise.
Dinner photo by Hay Dmitriy on Deposit Photos, used by Travels With The Post under license
Wine photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash, also used under license
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