Putting Aldi’s Under-$39 Thanksgiving Feast to the Test

The Promise of a Budget Feast

As the holiday season approaches, many households seek ways to manage the rising costs of traditional celebrations. Aldi recently promoted a Thanksgiving grocery plan designed to feed 10 people for under $39. The retailer stated the list was curated to provide a complete, no-fuss meal, drawing inspiration from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s long-standing Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey.

The Shopping Experience

The 12-item list, available via the Aldi app and website, included a 16-pound turkey, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, frozen peas, Hawaiian rolls, fresh produce, and baking supplies. However, the shopping process proved more complex than anticipated. Items were scattered throughout the store rather than consolidated in a dedicated holiday section, and some price signs lacked the promised turkey icon meant to identify the promotional items.

Furthermore, the list appeared to omit several essential components. While the total for the 12 listed items came to $35.96, the preparation required additional purchases. Because the stuffing mix and pumpkin pie ingredients necessitated butter, eggs, and evaporated milk—none of which were on the official list—the actual out-of-pocket cost rose to $41.46. This did not include common pantry staples like oil, flour, and spices, which the retailer assumes shoppers already possess.

Missing Staples and Culinary Adjustments

The 2026 menu felt sparse to some, particularly in comparison to previous years that included items like green beans, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. The absence of mashed potatoes was a notable point of contention, as the dish is widely considered a Thanksgiving staple. Instead, the list provided sweet potatoes, though without the traditional toppings like marshmallows or pecans, leaving them somewhat plain.

The inclusion of a raw veggie tray—carrots and celery—also felt out of place to some shoppers, as no dip or dressing was included to accompany them. The cook noted that they would have preferred to trade those items for herbs or onions to enhance the flavor of the stuffing, which was otherwise prepared according to the package instructions.

The Final Verdict

Despite the challenges, the meal was largely successful. The turkey, which came pre-brined, cooked well, and the homemade whipped cream served as a highlight for the dessert course. The portions were sufficient for 10 people, effectively keeping the cost per person to approximately $4.

Aldi’s Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Patton, explained that the company aligned its 2026 assortment with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s historical benchmarks. He noted that the retailer expects shoppers to utilize their own pantry staples and encourages families to customize the meal with their own traditional sides, emphasizing that the list is intended to provide a baseline for a classic, affordable holiday dinner.

Source: businessinsider.com