Are you excited for the holidays this Thanksgiving? Well, before you get too excited, here is some news that you may want to be aware of. Turkey prices are rising, which can be devastating news for families who wish to host and provide a good holiday for their family and friends. 

The statistics on turkey inflation may be confusing, so we break them down for you. Frozen turkeys have risen 40% since 2024; they averaged around $26 and now range from $33 to $ 48. 

Turkeys are at risk of HPAI and other diseases. This is decreasing the number of turkeys, which is also affecting prices. Feed costs are very high, slowing down farms and reducing the number of turkeys.

When farmers are aware of disease spreading, they may no longer want to raise turkeys due to liability concerns. The disease is spread through the turkey’s saliva and feces. This makes working with them very dangerous. The virus can spread onto humans’ clothing, shoes, or even equipment. 

In California, there are 235 turkey farms. It’s estimated that 34,000 turkeys are produced a year at each farm. Some commercial farms produce way more.

Now we know why our holiday turkey meals may be more expensive than usual. Here is how we can track prices. 

Many different apps can help you track prices of various foods at other stores, including turkeys. Flip, for example, is an app that lets you find the best deals. This could be helpful for these affected families during the holiday season.

Coupons could also help these same families this holiday season by discounting prices and making them more realistic for those who may be struggling. 

Other alternatives to turkey include chicken, duck, Ham, and Beef roasts, which are often popular during holidays and can serve as a replacement for turkey. These alternatives can still be seen as expensive, but they are safer and carry a lower risk than those previously mentioned. This still gives families opportunities to eat, make memories, and, with these alternatives, start a new tradition together. 

Regardless, if the turkey is frozen, it is still the preferred option; the week-long thawing process must be taken into account. This is why it is a cheaper option, but also more time-consuming. However, frozen turkeys have the same nutritional value as fresh turkeys and often contain higher sodium levels because they are pre-basted. 

Frozen turkeys often have ingredients injected to extend shelf life and enhance flavor; these may include water, salt, flavorings, broth, and phosphates. You can check the packaging; if more than just turkey is listed, it is a fresh organic turkey.

Now that you are informed about the details of different turkeys, you can choose the option that works best for you and your loved ones (whether it is influenced by price or tradition), and enjoy your holiday season!