People are Skipping Thanksgiving Due to Inflation.

With Thanksgiving approaching, many households adjust their holiday plans in response to rising inflation. A new report from Butterball, known as the Butterball Togetherness Report 2024 Thanksgiving Outlook, sheds light on how inflation shapes this year’s celebrations.

While turkey remains the show’s star, families are finding ways to cut costs on other items to make room for the holiday feast.

The report reveals how inflation impacts Thanksgiving plans and how people manage their budgets.

Inflation’s Impact on Thanksgiving

Inflation has been a concern for Americans over the past couple of years, and it’s no surprise that it will affect this year’s Thanksgiving festivities.

According to the Butterball report, nearly 98% of consumers expect inflation to impact their holiday plans. That’s up from 79% in 2023, showing that the rising costs are even more noticeable this year.

Interestingly, while many people are concerned about inflation, most are still committed to maintaining a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving feasts, will still take its rightful place on the table.

The report shows that 87% of hosts plan to serve turkey, and 76% will serve a whole turkey, making it clear that despite rising costs, turkey remains a must-have item for most households.

How People Are Saving on Thanksgiving

While the turkey stays, other parts of the Thanksgiving celebration are scaled back to save money. According to the report, 52% of people must make significant menu changes despite inflation.

However, those looking to save focus more on non-food items like decorations and paper goods rather than the meal itself.

18% of respondents said they plan to reduce spending on table décor, napkins, and other non-food essentials. Additionally, 17% said they would trim their budgets by simplifying side dishes.

For example, instead of having five different sides, they might stick with three, focusing on classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.

While inflation influences decisions, many people are finding ways to make minor cuts without sacrificing the core elements of their Thanksgiving meal.

Critical Insights from Butterball’s 2024 Thanksgiving Outlook

The Butterball Togetherness Report offers valuable insights into what this year’s Thanksgiving might look like for many families. Here are a few key takeaways:

98% of consumers expect inflation to impact their holiday plans
44% of people believe inflation will have an even more significant impact than it did last year
52% of respondents don’t plan to make changes to their menus to save money
87% of hosts are planning to serve turkey this year
74% of hosts plan to serve an oven-roasted turkey, while 5% are using an electric roaster
The average Thanksgiving dinner will have around nine people at the table

Despite inflation concerns, people are clearly still committed to making Thanksgiving a memorable holiday. Many are finding creative ways to cut costs while keeping the meal as traditional as possible.

What’s on the Menu for Thanksgiving 2024?

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, turkey isn’t the only star. Many people also have their favorite side dishes and desserts that they look forward to each year. According to Butterball’s report, 51% of people said turkey is their favorite part of the meal, while others look forward to the following:

44% said stuffing is their favorite part of the meal
32% chose pie as their must-have dish
27% said potatoes are the highlight of their Thanksgiving feast

These preferences highlight the importance of keeping traditional Thanksgiving dishes on the menu, even if inflation has led to a few budget adjustments. People are finding ways to balance their desire for a classic holiday meal with the reality of rising costs.

Making the Most of Thanksgiving Despite Inflation

The Butterball report clearly shows that despite the challenges posed by inflation, people are still dedicated to making Thanksgiving a meaningful holiday.

For many, that means focusing on what matters—spending time with loved ones, enjoying a traditional meal, and finding creative ways to cut costs without sacrificing the essence of the holiday.

Some hosts are finding small ways to save, like using fewer decorations or swapping out expensive paper goods for reusable items. Others are simplifying their side dishes or opting for store-bought options instead of making everything from scratch.

It’s not about how extravagant the meal is but about the joy of sharing it with family and friends.

Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line Is Back

As families nationwide prepare for their Thanksgiving feasts, Butterball again offers help through Turkey Talk-Line, now in its 43rd year. Starting November 1, experts will be available via phone, text, chat, and social media to answer any questions about cooking your turkey.

Whether you need advice on thawing, cooking times, or carving, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is there to help make your Thanksgiving a success.

As Rebecca Welch, director of retail and international brand management at Butterball, said, “Butterball is proud to help bring people together for Thanksgiving celebrations and support holiday hosts.”

Conclusion

Thanksgiving 2024 will look a bit different for many families due to inflation, but the heart of the holiday remains the same. Despite rising costs, most people are still planning to gather with loved ones and enjoy a traditional meal with turkey front and center.

By making a few adjustments to their budgets and focusing on what’s truly important, families are finding ways to celebrate the holiday without breaking the bank.

Whether cutting back on décor, simplifying side dishes, or finding creative ways to save, the spirit of Thanksgiving is all about togetherness. And with Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line ready to help, you’ll have all the support you need to pull off a memorable meal, no matter the challenges inflation may bring.

So, don’t let inflation ruin your Thanksgiving. Focus on what matters most—time spent with loved ones—and enjoy a meal filled with gratitude, good food, and great company.