US Thanksgiving dinner price slightly down

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 -- The average cost for a Thanksgiving dinner in the United States has slightly dropped from last year, according to two reports newly released.

The American Farm Bureau Federation found that the average cost of this year's classic feast for 10 people is 48.9 US dollars, a 22-cent decrease from last year's average. This year's price is at the lowest level since 2010, the report said.

"Thanks to an ample supply, turkey remains affordable for consumers, which helps keep the overall cost of the dinner reasonably priced as well," said American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist John Newton.

The components of a traditional Thanksgiving meal include a 16-pound turkey, 14-ounce of stuffing, three pounds of sweet potatoes, a dozen dinner rolls, 16-ounce of frozen peas, 12-ounce of cranberries, a half pound of both carrots and celery, ingredients for two pumpkin pies with whipped cream, and a gallon of milk.

A total of 166 volunteer shoppers checked prices at grocery stores in 37 states for this year's survey. They were asked to look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals, the report said.

Meanwhile, a report from Bloomberg Intelligence found the average Thanksgiving dinner price slipping by 1.5 percent from last year, with discount chains included.

In a survey of 15 retailers, it found the cheapest dinner, with a 12-pound turkey, potatoes, corn and green beans, at Aldi, for 35.83 dollars, followed by Lidl, for 43.31 dollars.

While discount chain Aldi's basket price dropped by 14 percent from last year, conventional grocery store Walmart has seen a price increase of 7.5 percent, reaching 58.94 dollars, the report said. A mostly organic meal cost about 7 percent more on average than last year.

Fresh Market topped the Bloomberg list, at 118.27 dollars, followed by Whole Foods, at 115.85 dollars.