As Thanksgiving nears, Canadian families are scanning the market for festive deals.
The pricing landscape reveals that frozen turkeys are currently available for as low as $1.67 per pound, with the higher spectrum reaching approximately $2.70.
For those preferring fresh turkeys, prices oscillate between $3.25 and $3.50, depending largely on regional factors and the size of the bird. Although this year’s average price shows a marginal increase from the previous year, consumers can still find some deals.
Last year, many opted for ham as a cost-effective alternative to turkey due to its lower price. However, this year, ham prices have risen by 5% to 10%, diminishing its role as the budget-friendly option.
In the produce aisle, there’s good news for those prioritizing local foods. Based on current data from Statistics Canada, domestic produce, as of September and early October, is not only widely available but also more affordable than imported alternatives.
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This Thanksgiving, Canadian-grown options such as apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and lettuce can help families create festive meals on a budget. The Canadian dollar’s relatively strong performance against the U.S. dollar, paired with the absence of major natural disasters affecting the region, has helped stabilize prices for many of these staples.
Potatoes remain reasonably priced at about $6 for a 10-pound bag, with bulk shoppers finding 50-pound bags around $20 in various locales. Canned cranberries hold steady at $1.59, mirroring last year’s prices, while fresh cranberries can be found for as low as $2 for a 12 oz. bag, offering another affordable, local option.
However, the scenario is less favourable in the realm of supply-managed goods such as dairy and eggs. Egg prices have surged, increasing at double the rate of food inflation, impacting affordability for consumers, especially bakers. Dairy products have also seen above-average price hikes, though to a lesser extent.
For dessert enthusiasts, the news is more positive.
Many grocers are promoting apple sales, making them an attractive choice for pies. Pumpkins are also abundant and affordably priced, though it’s worth noting that smaller sizes often provide better value for money, as jumbo pumpkins can fetch premiums due to higher demand.
Pre-made pies, for those pressed for time or culinary skills, are priced similarly to last year. Bread prices have stabilized since a spike in early 2023, with current prices reflecting a 5% to 7% increase over the past year.
Based on this year’s data, it is possible to spend the same amount as last year, but hosts will need to put in more effort by visiting multiple stores, as most Canadians are doing these days anyway. Regardless, amid these mixed economic signals, many households face increased pressures on their budgets due to rising costs in housing, debt, car payments, and credit card balances.
These financial constraints are forcing families to tighten their food budgets, even for significant occasions like Thanksgiving. However, by opting for affordable, locally grown produce, families can still enjoy a bountiful holiday meal.
As Canadians prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the economic landscape presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges.
While some prices have risen, the overall market offers enough variety and stability to assure a festive and abundant holiday. In a world facing numerous challenges, the ability to gather and give thanks remains a cherished privilege, underscoring the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving in Canada.
— Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is the Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast.