Turkey Too Pricey This Year? What Parents Can Roast Instead

The countdown to America’s holiday feast is officially on as we make our way through November. But if your budget is top of mind this year, you may want to consider gobbling up something other than turkey this Thanksgiving.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wholesale frozen turkey prices are estimated to be up 40% from 2024 this month, averaging $1.32 per pound compared to last year’s average price of about 94 cents per pound.

“This Thanksgiving, wholesale turkey prices are higher due to significant supply tightening in 2025,” explains Courtney Buerger Schmidt, sector manager at Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. Specifically, turkey supplies have been impacted by the closure of two U.S. turkey processing plants and the continued spread of avian diseases, Schmidt notes.

But good news: Budget-conscious shoppers still have plenty to be thankful for this holiday. Not only are protein options plentiful if you want to skip the turkey, there are also ways to maximize your Thanksgiving meal budget even if you decide to stick to serving everyone’s favorite bird.

Turkey Alternatives That Still Feel Classic and Special

We get that it can feel a bit daunting to mix things up on a food holiday as famous as Thanksgiving. However, there are a few simple ways to set yourself up for success.

“Choose something familiar, easy to portion, and forgiving to cook,” says Erin Clarke, best-selling cookbook author and founder of Well Plated. “Mild, well-seasoned proteins with classic flavors tend to win across ages. Think herb butter, garlic, citrus, and pan gravy.”

For max appeal, Clarke also recommends keeping the protein flavors simple, then offering a variety of sauces on the side so picky eaters and adventurous guests can both be happy. “A few favorites in my family are barbecue sauce and creamy mushroom sauce,” she says, speaking from 17 years of holiday hosting experience. “Chimichurri is a fun, unique option, too.”

With this savvy advice in mind, here are the best turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving to consider for your family’s feast, according to expert foodies:

Bone-in chicken thighs

“I love a sheet pan filled with bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with herbs and citrus,” Clarke says. “You still get drippings for gravy, it cooks much faster than turkey, and the price per pound is usually friendlier.”

Slow-roasted pork shoulder 

Pork shoulder is another excellent bang-for-your-buck option. “It feeds a crowd, is nearly impossible to dry out, and the leftovers make great sandwiches,” Clarke says. She recommends serving it with apple cider gravy or a maple-mustard pan sauce to keep the holiday feel.

Ground turkey meatloaf

“I love ground turkey meatloaf as a Thanksgiving main,” says Marissa Stevens, recipe developer and founder of Pinch and Swirl. “Mine is made with rolled oats—they disappear and add lightness and make it naturally gluten free—and it’s also loaded with mushrooms. It’s nostalgic, flavorful, and a lot easier to manage than roasting a whole bird.”

Baked ham 

While typically associated with Christmas, who’s to say baked ham can’t be your new Thanksgiving favorite? With a simple maple or brown sugar glaze, ham is a great alternative to turkey that still feels celebratory. Bonus: Ham often goes on promotion in November and makes excellent leftovers for sandwiches and breakfast hashes, Clarke adds.

Whole roast chicken

For chef and recipe developer Jessica Randhawa, founder of The Forked Spoon, a whole roast chicken is a top contender for a budget-friendly alternative to a turkey that still feels special. “One large chicken or two smaller ones feed a crowd, cook faster, and are easy for all ages to enjoy,” Randhawa says, who plans her whole roast chicken around simple flavors.

A vegetarian showpiece 

Stuffed acorn squash with wild rice, mushrooms, and cranberries, or stuffed butternut squash with quinoa, kale, and pecans both look festive while stretching your budget. Plus, they both pair naturally with the classics like mashed potatoes and green beans, Clarke notes.

More Tips for Balancing Your Food Budget This Thanksgiving

According to Schmidt, increases in wholesale turkey prices haven’t yet led to higher retail prices at every store. So, if you want to stick to tradition, saving money on your Thanksgiving turkey will be all about comparing prices across different retailers.

“Turkey costs can vary widely depending on when each retailer secured their supply, so a little extra research may lead to big savings this year,” Schmidt says. For example, the difference between a heavily discounted turkey and one bought at spot market pricing could be more than $20 for a 16-pound bird, she notes.

No matter what main dish you’re leaning toward, here are a few more smart money-saving food tips for Thanksgiving, according to Clarke:

Monitor weekly grocery store specials. Then Clarke recommends buying your main whenever you see a good price and freezing it until the big day nears. Shop by cost per edible pound, not just the sticker price. Value cuts that stay juicy are your friend, Clark says, like whole chickens, chicken thighs, and hams on sale. Aim for about 6 to 8 ounces of a cooked protein per adult. Round out your meal with budget-friendly vegetable-forward sides.Use pantry spices to build flavor. Keep costs in check and the meal scrumptious by skipping specialty ingredients and using flavors you have on hand.

To Stick to Tradition or Skip Turkey?

Thanksgiving traditions aside, Clarke always urges families to choose a main dish for their holiday feast that fits their unique budget, oven space, and stress level. 

“If roast chicken, ham, pork, or a beautiful vegetarian centerpiece will make your table happier this year, choose it with confidence,” Clarke says. “The goal is a warm, memorable meal with people you love, not a single required protein.”