BLOOMINGTON — Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois are down for the third consecutive year, reflecting a national trend, according to the 40th annual American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Cost Survey. The survey estimates a classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 costs $49.20 in Illinois, or about $4.92 per person, compared with the national average of $55.18. Lower turkey prices contributed to the decline, with a 16-pound frozen turkey averaging $18.03 in the state. Farm Bureau volunteers collected prices in early November before holiday promotions, and the survey includes items such as stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. The survey, first conducted in 1986, tracks changes in holiday meal costs over time.
Illinois Individual Prices
- 16-pound turkey: $18.03 or $1.13 per pound (national average: $21.50 or $1.34 per pound)
- 14 ounces of cubed stuffing mix: $3.45 (national average: $3.71)
- 2 frozen pie crusts: $3.03 (national average: $3.37)
- Half pint of whipping cream: $1.89 (national average: $1.87)
- 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.79 (national average: $2.03)
- 1 dozen dinner rolls: $3.47 (national average: $3.56)
- Misc. ingredients to prepare the meal: $3.22 (national average: $3.61)
- 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.25 (national average: $4.16)
- 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.56 (national average: $3.73)
- 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $3.39 (national average: $4.00)
- 1-pound veggie tray (carrots & celery): $1.24 (national average: $1.36)
- 12-ounce bag of fresh cranberries: $1.89 (national average: $2.28)
