Iowans preparing a Thanksgiving feast may find welcome savings this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey shows the average cost of a 10-serving classic holiday meal is $55.18, a 5% decrease from 2024. 

Regional data shows the Midwest came in at $54.38 — just slightly below the national average. The expanded menu, which includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, totals $77.09.

This year’s survey reflects an even split with half of the surveyed items decreasing in price while half increased. A 16% drop in frozen turkey prices was the primary factor in the overall savings, aided by retailers offering holiday deals to attract shoppers.

Fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes showed the highest percentage increases, reflecting the volatility of fresh produce pricing driven by weather, transportation delays and other supply-chain factors.

Meanwhile, the farmer’s share of every dollar spent on food remains roughly 16 cents, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data. 

Farm Bureau’s Thanksgiving dinner survey has used the same quantities and items since 1986 to allow for consistent comparisons over time. Volunteer shoppers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico collected prices in the first week of November using in-store checks and online listings, without relying on special promotional coupons or “combined deal” pricing.