OKPOLICY.ORG
There’s a viral claim — being echoed by national and state politicians — that Walmart’s 2025 Thanksgiving meal is “cheaper than last year.” But there is only a savings because Walmart changed what’s in the meal — not because the cost of the same items went down.
Here’s what actually happened:
1. Walmart removed nine items from last year’s meal.
These weren’t small changes — they cut multiple core items, including several that were on the higher end cost-wise.
2. They swapped several items for cheaper versions.
A handful of products that were included last year are technically still there, but Walmart changed the brand or size to something cheaper.
3. Walmart added three new items this year — but they don’t match what was removed.
This year’s meal includes three items that weren’t part of last year’s bundle:
- A 2-pound bag of baby-cut carrots
- An Italian Five Cheese boxed mac & cheese
- A Stove Top stuffing twin-pack
These additions aren’t replacements for the higher-cost pies, toppings, fresh ingredients, and other items that were taken out.
4. When you compare only the items that are the same across both years, the cost actually went up.
If you strip away all the item changes and only price the things that appear in both versions of the meal, this year’s total comes to $59.71.
Last year’s equivalent total was $55. That’s an 8.56% increase for the same food.
Bottom Line
Walmart’s Thanksgiving meal looks “cheaper” this year because it’s not the same basket of items. By removing nine items and swapping several others with cheaper alternatives, Walmart can advertise a lower price — but families trying to cook the same Thanksgiving dishes as last year will still pay more, not less.
| Comparing Walmart’s 2024 and 2025 Thanksgiving meal lists | ||
| Item (2024 List) | In 2025’s List? | Replaced By (2025 Item) |
| Whole Frozen Turkey (10–16 lb) | Yes | Same |
| Canned Corn (3 × 15 oz) | Yes | Same |
| Canned Green Beans (2 × 14.5 oz) | Yes | Same |
| Brown Gravy Mix (2 pkts) | Yes | Same |
| Russet Potatoes (5 lb bag) | Yes | Same |
| Great Value Frozen Pie Crusts | Yes | Same |
| Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin (15 oz) | Yes | Same |
| Great Value Evaporated Milk (12 oz) | Yes | Same |
| Great Value Sweet Hawaiian Rolls | Yes, but a less expensive variety of rolls | Great Value Brown and Serve White Dinner Rolls |
| Jellied Cranberry Sauce (14 oz) | Yes, but cheaper version | Fresh Cranberries |
| French’s Crispy Fried Onions | Yes, but cheaper version | Great Value French Fried Onions Salad Topping |
| Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 × ~10.5 oz) | Yes, but one fewer can | Same |
| Marie Callender’s Southern Pecan Pie | No | — |
| Frozen Whipped Topping | No | — |
| Mini Marshmallows (10 oz) | No | — |
| Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 pkgs) | No | — |
| Poultry Seasoning (1.5 oz) | No | — |
| Great Value Chicken Broth (32 oz) | No | — |
| Sweet Potatoes (3 units) | No | — |
| Fresh Yellow Onions (3 lb) | No | — |
| Fresh Celery Stalks | No | — |
| TOTAL COST | 2024: $55 | 2025: $59.71 |
Note: Walmart also added three new items in 2025 — a 2 -lb bag of baby-cut carrots, an Italian Five Cheese boxed mac and cheese, and a Stove Top stuffing twin pack
