How Shoppers Plan To Combat Inflation For Thanksgiving 2022

Summer days filled with popsicles and pool parties are coming to a close, which means that the holiday season is once again right around the corner — and this year, the effects of inflation are as much of a concern for celebrating Americans as fun and family. With October only a little more than a month away, big-name candy producers like Nestle and Hershey have reported that Halloween 2022 will bring spooky ghosts and frightening candy prices alike (per Washington Times). And as food costs continue to increase, people across the U.S. are starting to brace for putting on a Thanksgiving dinner that may make a serious dent in their bank accounts.

After all, even without America's ongoing inflation spike, the cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 crept upwards by 14% last year (per CNBC). And considering that inflation has already changed the way we do our weekly grocery shopping in 2022, iconic turkey brand Butterball set out to discover how people in the U.S. felt about the impending high cost of this year's Thanksgiving feast. The company found that despite worries over the holiday dinner's price tag, 90% of surveyors hope to go all out for Thanksgiving. Voters also revealed that they weren't jumping into turkey season shopping without a plan.

According to Butterball, the most popular plan of attack to overcome rising prices, which was supported by 55% of surveyors, was all about scoring good food at low prices. Voters reported they are hopeful to find low-cost promotions on their Thanksgiving meal must-haves. And it seems stores may deliver on giving shoppers the holiday deals they're searching for this season. Some retailers, like Target, have even prematurely prepared Thanksgiving deal lists online.

Meanwhile, 32% of voters planned to spend less on sides, and 24% of surveyors reported they will serve up homemade dishes instead of store-bought or restaurant-prepped ones to make money stretch. The fourth most backed choice for Thanksgiving enthusiasts to deal with increasing prices, with support from 20% of voters, was to serve up less traditional foods — a concept that may have been inspired by the increase in less-than-traditional Friendsgiving celebrations (via CNN). And lastly, 15% are aiming to lower Thanksgiving costs by having guests contribute a side to the dinner spread. So it seems that despite the possible financial hardships, Americans are already establishing a Thanksgiving timeline to ensure they can still serve an unforgettable holiday feast.