Top Tips for Saving Big on Thanksgiving Grocery Bills

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, but it can also be a major hit to the grocery budget. Every year, I find myself hunting for ways to cut costs. Over time, I’ve learned practical strategies that help me save money while still preparing a feast everyone loves and this year with the rising cost of food it's more important than ever to save where I can. If you’re a mom looking to stretch your grocery dollars this Thanksgiving, here are some of my best tips to help you save big that work for me.

Thanksgiving grocery aisle with seasonal items

Plan Your Menu Around Sales

So this one can be hard when I'm busy but it can really pay off! It takes a good amount of prep work and often a few trips to different stores but it's one of the best ways I have found to save. Write out your shopping list ahead of time and shopping list, check weekly grocery ads online or on the stores apps or even socials. Look for discounts on staples like turkey, potatoes, canned pumpkin, and fresh vegetables. Bonus if they can be frozen or stored.

Also make some concessions if you really want to save but aren't absolutely stuck on the idea of a certain side. For example, if your store has a sale on sweet potatoes but not on yams, consider swapping out the yams casserole for a sweet potato dish. This simple switch can save you several dollars. Or Instead of doing a green bean casserole that takes a lot of different ingredients consider simplify to some green beans fried up with a can of French friend onions in them (this is actually a favorite side in my house). It saves on a few ingredients and is still super tasty.

Use Coupons and Cashback Apps

Coupons aren’t just for small savings; when combined with sales, they can significantly reduce your grocery bill. I always clip coupons for Thanksgiving essentials or use digital coupons through store apps. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Checkout 51 offer cashback on many holiday ingredients.

For instance, last year I saved $15 by stacking a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon on turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. It takes a little time to organize, but the savings add up quickly.

Shop Early or Late for Best Deals

Timing your shopping trip can make a big difference. Some stores offer early bird specials on Thanksgiving staples weeks before the holiday. Others discount items closer to the day to clear out inventory.

I prefer shopping early to avoid the last-minute rush and to get the best selection. However, if you’re flexible with your menu, shopping a day or two before Thanksgiving can yield great deals on fresh produce and bakery items marked down for quick sale.

Buy Store Brands and Bulk Items

Store brands often have the same quality as name brands but cost less. I’ve found that switching to store-brand canned goods, spices, and baking ingredients saves me a good chunk of money without affecting taste.

Buying in bulk is another smart move. For example, purchasing a large bag of flour or sugar can be cheaper per unit than buying small packages. If you don’t need a huge amount, consider splitting bulk items with a friend or neighbor. I used to do this a lot with my Costco membership. My friend and I would shop together and then come hope and split our haul. Meats, baked goods, huge packs of canned items and event toilet paper and we saved a lot.

Shopping cart with store-brand Thanksgiving groceries

Use Leftovers Creatively

Thanksgiving leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving, but they can also help you save money on meals after the holiday. Instead of letting food go to waste, plan creative dishes that use what’s left.

For example, leftover turkey can become sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. Extra vegetables can be turned into pot pies or added to salads. This reduces the need to buy additional groceries in the days following Thanksgiving.

Also don't forget to freeze! Freeze items for later and also make meals, freeze them and save both money and time in the future.

Avoid Impulse Buys

I am sooo guilty of this!!! Grocery stores are designed to encourage impulse purchases, especially during the holidays. To avoid overspending, stick to your shopping list and avoid wandering down aisles that don’t have what you need.

I bring a list with me and keep it visible on my phone. If I see tempting snacks or desserts not on my list, I remind myself that sticking to the plan is the best way to save. I'm only mostly successful with this but I do try.

Consider Alternative Protein Options

Turkey is traditional, but it’s not the only option for a Thanksgiving main dish. Sometimes, smaller cuts of meat like chicken or ham go on sale and can feed your family just as well.

Last year, I bought a whole chicken on sale and stretched it with hearty sides. It saved me nearly $20 compared to buying a turkey. If you’re open to alternatives, you can save money and still enjoy a festive meal.

Thanksgiving dinner table with roasted turkey and side dishes

Other Tips

With a big family saving anywhere I can is crucial. Other tips... When not shopping sales try to shop at Aldi. Yes, we all know Publix has great BOGOs (and those subs!) but for most things the everyday price at Aldi is substantially lower. Also Amazon has some good food deals too.

And don't be afraid to ask others to contribute! Especially if you are hosting at your place and having guests. Simply ask them what sides they plan to bring and remind them to bring whatever drinks they prefer. Or assign them a food item and make it easy. If you prefer to make it all yourself you can casually say if anyone wants to contribute they can Venmo you and let you know what their favorite side or pie is so you can try to get it.

Donate what you don't need or get BOGO on. This isn't really a way to "save" but it's a way to help and be less wasteful and support those in need without breaking your own bank when money is tight. I always go for BOGOs when I can so I can donate one of them.

Save money now because Christmas is around the corner and we know we will need it next month!