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Walmart announced Wednesday it is rolling out a $35 holiday meal basket, which the retail giant says can feed 10 people as families look to keep grocery costs in check while inflation continues to weigh on Americans’ wallets.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer said its 2026 Holiday Meal Basket includes 26 items and works out to about $3.50 per person.
Walmart said this year’s basket includes 18% more food items while costing 12% less than the same products did last year.
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The $3.50-per-person price is the lowest since Walmart launched the program in 2022, down from $4 per person last year, according to Reuters. The lower price comes as retailers focus on deals to attract budget-conscious shoppers and as consumers continue to contend with higher inflation heading into the Thanksgiving season.
Rivals Target and Aldi each announced their own Thanksgiving offerings this month. Target said its meal feeds six and costs $30, while Aldi said its version feeds 10 people for under $39.
Food prices are up 2.5% compared with last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September consumer price index. The food at home index decreased 0.1% on a monthly basis and is up 1.8% from a year ago. The food away from home index rose 0.2% for the month and is up 3.5% from last year.
Walmart’s basket includes a Butterball turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole and dinner rolls, along with sweet potato and corn casserole ingredients.
Pumpkin pie with whipped topping is included for dessert.
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The turkey is priced at 97 cents per pound, which is unchanged from last year.
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The holiday meal basket is available through Dec. 24.
Walmart-owned Sam’s Club is also expanding its holiday meal offerings this year.
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Earlier this month, the membership club announced its largest Thanksgiving meal offering to date with a spread designed to feed 16 people for less than $10 per person.
Reuters contributed to this report.
