The Takeaway
- Walmart, Target, ALDI, and Lidl all claim “cheaper” 2025 Thanksgiving bundles.
- Many deals are cheaper per person — but with fewer items and smaller portions.
- ALDI and Lidl deliver the most honest value (same-size meals, lower price).
- Walmart and Target rely on private-label swaps and reduced menus.
- Don’t buy the hype: “feeds 10” doesn’t always mean “feeds 10 well.”
The war over the Thanksgiving table is on — and grocery chains are fighting for bragging rights.
From Walmart to ALDI, nearly every big retailer is claiming that this year’s holiday meal costs less than last year’s. And technically, they’re right. But look a little closer, and the “savings” story gets slippery.
The Big Four: Who Wins on Price vs. Portion
(Sources: Reuters, People.com, Good Housekeeping, Corporate Target.)
The Real Story: Retail “Shrinkflation” in Disguise
Grocery insiders admit what’s happening: it’s not that food suddenly got cheaper — it’s that retailers are offering less of it.
Walmart, for example, swapped brand-name items for its “Great Value” line and quietly trimmed the number of dishes. Last year’s bundle had 29 items; this year’s? Just “over 20.”
Some even stretch the math. A “meal for 10” may include a smaller turkey or fewer sides — meaning everyone gets less to eat.
As one retail analyst put it to Reuters, “Consumers are seeing smaller baskets, not smaller prices.”
Why ALDI and Lidl Come Out on Top
Discount chains like ALDI and Lidl aren’t playing the same PR game. Their prices are low year-round, and their 2025 Thanksgiving bundles match last year’s offerings nearly item for item.
They don’t promise a Norman Rockwell feast — but they don’t fake the savings, either. Most shoppers will find a full meal for 10 at about $40 with all the trimmings intact.
Chains That Are Just Jive
“Cheaper” isn’t always honest. Here’s how some retailers make the math look magical:
- Serving-size sleight of hand: Feeding “10” with a smaller turkey or half-sized pies.
- Private-label swaps: Branded cranberry sauce becomes “store select” gelatin mix.
- Omitted sides: No green beans, rolls, or dessert — just the basics.
- Optics over substance: Calling it a “rollback” when prices were raised midyear.
If you spot phrases like “curated favorites” or “streamlined selection,” that’s marketing code for “you’re getting less.”
Bottom Line
If your goal is to put a full, traditional meal on the table without breaking the bank, ALDI and Lidl are this year’s clear winners for seniors and budget-conscious families.
Walmart’s bundle looks cheapest, but that’s mostly optics. You’re not getting the same meal — just the same ad.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability vary by region. Smart Senior Daily does not receive compensation from any retailers mentioned. Always verify local pricing, serving sizes, and included items before purchase.
