Shopping Experts: Here’s Where We Buy These 6 Thanksgiving Staples
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Turkey day is just around the corner, and if you’re a super shopper, you’re already planning your shopping strategy to maximize savings and enjoyment. GOBankingRates spoke with shopping experts to find out what they’re buying this holiday season — and where they’re getting it!
Let’s talk turkey — and all the trimmings — with insights from some shopping experts. Gobble gobble!
Turkey: The Star of the Show
When it comes to the main event, Destiny Chatman, PR coordinator at TopCashback USA, recommended Aldi. “In 2023, Aldi cut prices on Thanksgiving essentials so customers could afford to feed their families on Thanksgiving,” she said.
But if you’re looking to elevate your bird game, Albert Varkki, shopping expert and co-founder of Von Baer, said, “Heritage Turkey provides richer flavors for those looking to rise above the standardized supermarket turkey. Butcher Box usually runs holiday deals, and local markets sell these birds for less than you’d pay at specialty grocers.”
Pumpkin Pie: A Slice of Savings
For the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, Chatman offered a hot tip: “Costco’s giant pumpkin pie, which weighs in at four pounds, is just $5.99. This foot-wide pie can feed all your loved ones, and you don’t even have to make it.”
If you’re feeling more DIY, Varkki said, “Walmart’s great value brand of canned pumpkin puree is a hidden gem for pie filling. It is significantly cheaper than other brands but still provides high quality.”
Stuffing: The Controversial Classic
Love it or hate it, stuffing is a must-have. Chatman said, “Renowned for its flavor, Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Turkey is a cheap instant mix that can be bought on Amazon for just $1.98.”
For a gluten-free option, Pilar Lewis, PR professional and savvy shopper, recommended Trader Joe’s. “They have a gluten-free stuffing mix that I really like.”
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: The Comforting Duo
Erin Chase, creator of $5 Dinners, swears by Dollar General for these staples. She said, “Dollar General has all the essentials I need, including Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potato mix starting at $1.65 and Clover Valley Brown Gravy mix ringing in at $0.75.”
Green Beans: The Veggie Staple
Chase also recommended Dollar General for green beans, noting, “Dollar General offers top brands for Thanksgiving vegetables, including Birds Eye Steamfresh Cut Green Beans at $1.50, as well as its owned private-label brand Clover Valley French Style Green Beans for $0.95.”
Butter: The Unsung Hero
Erica Sandberg, consumer finance expert at CardRates.com, is all about Trader Joe’s butter.
She said, “I go through a lot during Thanksgiving, for everything from bread at the table to baking to basting the turkey. The price of butter fluctuates dramatically, though. It can be nearly $7.00 for four sticks at Safeway, where I normally shop. It usually hovers around $3.00 at Trader Joe’s.”
Bonus Tip: Décor on a Dime
Don’t forget to spruce up your space! Bella Gerard, Rakuten’s shopping and trend advisor, said, “Michaels and other craft stores have a great selection of DIY options, like beautiful foliage and cute mini pumpkins that can really bring your table to life in a unique way.”
Happy Thanksgiving shopping, everyone! May your carts be full and your wallets be grateful.
Please note, pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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