ALDI’s Thanksgiving Basket Feeds 10 for Under $39 This Year

Thanksgiving is the biggest meal most families cook all year, and it is also among the most expensive. Hosts have been watching turkey prices nervously this fall. Many are looking for any way to keep the bill under control.

ALDI is hoping to win them over. The discount grocer has announced that shoppers can buy a full Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people for under $39. That comes to less than $4 a person for turkey, sides, and pumpkin pie.

The offer was announced on October 14 and runs through November 25, the day before the holiday. Here is what is on the list, what has changed from last year, and what shoppers should keep in mind.

What ALDI Is Offering

In its announcement, ALDI said the meal requires no coupons, loyalty cards, or memberships. Shoppers simply buy the listed items at the regular shelf price. The company says the under-$39 total is based on the specific ingredients on its list for a meal serving 10.

ALDI chief executive Atty McGrath said in the release that Thanksgiving should not require a calculator or a coupon strategy. The chain has built its reputation on low prices and a small selection of mostly store-brand products. Its holiday meal has become an annual tradition.

The company notes that actual prices may vary by store, product availability, and what a shopper selects. The price also applies to orders placed through delivery partners, although extra fees may be charged by those services. In-store shoppers can look for special shelf tags marking the items.

What Is on the List

The meal is built around a 16-pound whole turkey. According to Today, the rest of the list is made up of familiar basics. Nearly all of them are ALDI’s own brands.

For the sides, there are three boxes of Chef’s Cupboard stuffing mix, three pounds of sweet potatoes, two bags of Season’s Choice steamable frozen peas, and a 12-ounce bag of cranberries. A package of L’oven Fresh Hawaiian sweet rolls is included. Baby carrots and celery are on the list as well, which can be used for a vegetable tray or to flavor the stuffing.

Dessert is pumpkin pie. Shoppers get Baker’s Corner pumpkin pie mix, Bake House Creations pie crusts, Friendly Farms whole milk, and Friendly Farms heavy whipping cream for topping. That covers everything for a classic pie with fresh whipped cream.

What Changed From Last Year

This year’s price is about a dollar lower than last year’s, when ALDI advertised a meal for around $40. In 2024, the chain’s Thanksgiving meal was priced at $47. On the surface, the trend is headed in the right direction for shoppers.

There is a catch, however. Today reports that this year’s list has fewer products than the 2025 version. Last year’s bundle included 21 items, and this year’s has noticeably fewer.

Other coverage has pointed out what is missing. Ingredients for dishes such as macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green bean casserole are not part of the 2026 lineup. Families who consider those dishes essential will need to add them, and that will raise the total.

When and How to Buy

The deal began on October 14 and continues through November 25. Not every item was available from the first day. The announcement said cranberries would arrive in late October, the featured turkey in early November, and the pumpkin pie mix on November 11.

Shoppers can pick up the items in any ALDI store. The chain also has a Thanksgiving page on its website where the full list can be added to an online order. Delivery is offered through several third-party services.

It is wise not to wait until the last minute. ALDI stores are small, and popular seasonal items can sell out quickly. The chain is also among the grocery stores expected to close on Thanksgiving Day, so there will be no chance for a morning-of run.

How It Compares With Walmart

ALDI has competition. Walmart is offering its own holiday meal basket that serves 10 for $35, according to the company. That works out to $3.50 a person, slightly less than ALDI’s price.

The two lists are different. Walmart’s basket has 26 items and includes ingredients for mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, and corn casserole, with a turkey of 10 to 16 pounds. ALDI’s list is shorter but is built around a full 16-pound bird and uses real whipping cream for the pie.

Which deal is better depends on your family. If your table must have green bean casserole and mashed potatoes, Walmart’s list covers more. If you prefer a larger turkey and a simpler menu, ALDI’s may suit you.

Is a Bundle Really a Bargain?

Meal deals like these are designed to bring shoppers through the door. The advertised price is real, but few families stop at the listed items. Butter, eggs, drinks, appetizers, and extra desserts all add to the final receipt.

Still, a fixed list can be a helpful starting point. It sets a base cost for the main parts of the meal and makes it easier to budget for the extras. Many shoppers use it as a checklist and then fill in their own family favorites.

It also pays to compare unit prices. Store brands are usually cheaper than name brands, and ALDI’s lineup is almost entirely store brands. Shoppers who are open to them often find the savings add up across the whole cart.

Stretching the Meal Further

A 16-pound turkey for 10 people will leave leftovers. Planning for them is one of the easiest ways to get more for your money. Turkey soup, sandwiches, and casseroles can cover several more meals.

Food safety matters here. The USDA advises refrigerating leftovers within two hours and using them within three to four days. Anything you cannot eat in that time can go into the freezer.

For more on timing, see this guide on why Thanksgiving leftovers should be finished by Monday, November 30. The turkey carcass can be simmered for broth. Very little needs to go to waste.

A Simpler, Cheaper Holiday

Many families are choosing a smaller menu this year. A turkey, stuffing, a vegetable, rolls, and pie is a complete Thanksgiving dinner by any measure. Guests can be asked to bring a side dish or dessert to fill out the table.

That is how many families managed it for generations. Potluck-style holidays spread the cost and the work, and they often produce the best food. Every family has its own strange Thanksgiving traditions, and sharing the cooking may be the most sensible one.

Under $39 for a holiday meal for 10 is hard to ignore in a year of high grocery bills. Would you build your Thanksgiving dinner around a store’s list, or do you have a menu you would never change?