US Grocery Prices Show Mixed Plate Ahead of Thanksgiving, Trump Touts Walmart Deal
As Thanksgiving approaches in the US, concerns about rising grocery prices are mounting. Despite President Donald Trump's claims that prices are down, economists say a mixed picture is emerging.
Trump has pointed to Walmart's recent Thanksgiving promotion as proof that groceries are becoming cheaper. The retail giant announced last month that a Thanksgiving meal for 10 can be had for under $4 per person, sparking Trump to declare "Grocery prices are way down."
However, experts disagree with the president's assessment. According to David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal will depend on what shoppers put in their basket and where they shop.
A Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute report found that a standard Thanksgiving menu can be 2% to 3% cheaper due to shoppers opting for store-brand items. However, another analysis by Groundwork Collaborative, the Century Foundation, and the American Federation of Teachers discovered that prices will rise nearly 10% across the board this year, particularly if shoppers stick with name-brand items.
Walmart's Thanksgiving promotion has been a focus of Trump's praise, but there are caveats. The company's basket is smaller than last year's, with more store-brand items, and some food products have seen significant price hikes due to steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the US government.
The impact of these tariffs on food prices will be felt in the future, as many food companies must replace capital equipment, which requires tons of imported steel. The effects of climate-related events, such as droughts affecting cattle supplies and disease impacting crops like leafy greens, are also being felt.
As consumers continue to worry about inflation, it's unclear how much prices will cool down once the last crumbs of pumpkin pie are eaten. According to Ortega, "There's a tremendous amount of uncertainty at the moment," and shoppers must be aware of these complex factors when planning their Thanksgiving menus.
In the end, the US grocery landscape is showing a mixed plate ahead of Thanksgiving – a reflection of the complexities and uncertainties that come with food prices in a world where tariffs, climate change, and supply chain disruptions are all taking their toll.
As Thanksgiving approaches in the US, concerns about rising grocery prices are mounting. Despite President Donald Trump's claims that prices are down, economists say a mixed picture is emerging.
Trump has pointed to Walmart's recent Thanksgiving promotion as proof that groceries are becoming cheaper. The retail giant announced last month that a Thanksgiving meal for 10 can be had for under $4 per person, sparking Trump to declare "Grocery prices are way down."
However, experts disagree with the president's assessment. According to David Ortega, a food economist at Michigan State University, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal will depend on what shoppers put in their basket and where they shop.
A Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute report found that a standard Thanksgiving menu can be 2% to 3% cheaper due to shoppers opting for store-brand items. However, another analysis by Groundwork Collaborative, the Century Foundation, and the American Federation of Teachers discovered that prices will rise nearly 10% across the board this year, particularly if shoppers stick with name-brand items.
Walmart's Thanksgiving promotion has been a focus of Trump's praise, but there are caveats. The company's basket is smaller than last year's, with more store-brand items, and some food products have seen significant price hikes due to steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the US government.
The impact of these tariffs on food prices will be felt in the future, as many food companies must replace capital equipment, which requires tons of imported steel. The effects of climate-related events, such as droughts affecting cattle supplies and disease impacting crops like leafy greens, are also being felt.
As consumers continue to worry about inflation, it's unclear how much prices will cool down once the last crumbs of pumpkin pie are eaten. According to Ortega, "There's a tremendous amount of uncertainty at the moment," and shoppers must be aware of these complex factors when planning their Thanksgiving menus.
In the end, the US grocery landscape is showing a mixed plate ahead of Thanksgiving – a reflection of the complexities and uncertainties that come with food prices in a world where tariffs, climate change, and supply chain disruptions are all taking their toll.
I mean, Walmart's Thanksgiving deal might be cool and all, but let's not get our hopes up too high just 'cause of one promo. Meanwhile, there's still this whole US government steel tariff thing goin' on... what even is that gonna do to food prices in the long run? 
And don't even get me started on climate change – droughts, disease, fam! Like, can we not have a straightforward answer here for once? I guess we'll just have to wait 'n see how it all plays out. One thing's for sure tho: Thanksgiving dinner better be affordable for everyone, or there's gonna be some major discontent 
. The real story is that food prices are still up 10% across the board, and if you stick with name-brand items, you're gonna be in trouble 
. And don't even get me started on those tariffs – they're like a big ol' plate of uncertainty 
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... like, yeah we know walmart just made a promo but its not gonna make a huge diff for most ppl. and dont even get me started on the tariffs & climate change affecting food prices 
. i mean, who knew steel & aluminum tariffs could impact food prices so much?! 
gotta be prepared for higher prices or whatever...
. The Wells Fargo report shows store-brand items are cheaper, but what about those who can't afford them? 
On the other hand, Groundwork Collaborative's analysis is not far off with nearly 10% price hike across the board, considering tariffs and climate-related events 
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. With Thanksgiving coming up, it's essential to consider these factors when planning meals and budgets 
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meanwhile walmart's deal is kinda cool but we gotta remember those tariffs have us paying more in general 
. And don't even get me started on tariffs and climate change affecting food prices... it's all so confusing 
. Maybe I'll just stick to making my own stuffing instead of relying on someone else's recipes 
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. it's def gonna be a mixed plate ahead of thanksgiving 
! Trump's saying groceries are down, but experts are like "hold up, not so fast" 
. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack while being pelted with pumpkin pie crumbs 
. Bring on the cranberry sauce... and a calculator 
. Nowadays it's more like $3 a pound! I'm not sure what Trump is talking about with Walmart's deal, sounds like they're playing games with prices to me. And don't even get me started on the tariffs, that just feels like they're passing the cost onto us consumers 
. Newsflash: grocery prices are going up, and we need to be prepared for that 
. Not to mention the fact that Walmart's basket is smaller than last year, which means there's still a way to go before prices start coming down 
. Can't we just have some real news for once instead of this wishy-washy stuff? 
, it's like they know me best! Anyway, I think this whole Trump thing is just confusing. Like, he's saying prices are down, but experts say they're gonna go up? It's like playing a game of price tag on Thanksgiving dinner 
...I mean, what can you even do about it? Walmart does have some good deals, tho, and store-brand items might be the way to go. But 10% price hike? That's just not ideal for most people, especially when you're trying to plan a budget-friendly meal with family 
. Can we just get real food prices for once?! 
. But seriously, have you seen what's going on with tariffs? It's like, we're already feeling the pinch of higher prices due to steel and aluminum tariffs, and now it sounds like food prices are gonna be even more unpredictable this year.
. Economists are saying it's not that simple - the food we choose and where we shop can make a big difference in our costs 
- they're gonna hit our food prices hard, especially in the long run 
. And don't even get me started on climate change 
, and shoppers need to be aware of all these factors when planning their Thanksgiving menus 
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, it's a recipe for price fluctuations. Interesting how Trump is using Walmart's promotion as proof of lower prices, but experts say it's all about what you buy and where 
