Thanksgiving has long been synonymous with turkey. In the United States, the bird is not just a meal—it’s an economic engine. In 2025, Americans are projected to spend about $989 million on turkeys, consuming roughly 46 million birds. Despite challenges like avian influenza outbreaks that wiped out millions of turkeys, retailers have kept shelves stocked, often using turkey as a “loss leader” to draw shoppers into stores.
Ham, on the other hand, plays a supporting role. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s expanded Thanksgiving survey shows that adding boneless ham to the menu increases the average dinner cost by $21.91, bringing the total to $77.09. While ham is popular in some regions—particularly the South—it doesn’t rival turkey’s cultural dominance.
In Canada, the story is slightly different. Turkey remains the centerpiece, but prices have dropped. A 7-pound frozen bird costs $10.43 in 2025, down from $11.69 in 2024. Families benefit from this decline, even as side dishes like potatoes and gravy climb in price. Ham, however, has become more expensive than last year, making turkey the more economical choice for many Canadian households.
📊 Price Trends and Consumer Behavior
United States
- Turkey prices fell 16% in 2025, averaging $21.50 for a 16-pound bird.
- Wholesale prices surged due to bird flu, but retailers absorbed costs to keep consumers loyal.
- Ham remains a secondary option, often chosen by families who want variety or who find turkey preparation daunting.
Canada
- Turkey prices declined to $3.81 per kilogram, compared to $4.34 last year.
- Ham prices rose, making it less attractive as a substitute protein.
- The average Thanksgiving dinner for four costs $32.48, nearly unchanged from 2024.
🍽️ Cultural Significance
Turkey’s dominance is not just about economics—it’s about tradition. In the U.S., the presidential turkey pardon and the image of a golden bird on the table reinforce its symbolic role. Ham, while beloved at Easter and Christmas, lacks the same cultural weight at Thanksgiving.
In Canada, Thanksgiving traditions are more flexible. While turkey is still the centerpiece, families are more likely to experiment with alternatives, including ham, roast beef, or plant-based proteins. Rising ham prices in 2025, however, may push households back toward turkey as the more affordable option.
💡 What This Means for Retailers and Farmers
- Retailers in the U.S. use turkey discounts to drive traffic, knowing shoppers will buy sides, desserts, and beverages along with the bird. Ham is often marketed as a premium add-on.
- Canadian grocers highlight turkey’s affordability in 2025, positioning it as the better value compared to ham.
- Farmers face volatility: bird flu in the U.S. and rising feed costs in Canada create uncertainty. Ham producers benefit from steady demand but face competition from cheaper turkey prices.
📝 Conclusion
Turkey remains the undisputed star of Thanksgiving in both countries, but the dynamics are shifting. In the U.S., turkey sales are resilient despite disease outbreaks and economic pressures. Ham adds variety but doesn’t challenge turkey’s supremacy. In Canada, falling turkey prices and rising ham costs make turkey the clear winner for 2025.
For families, the choice often comes down to tradition vs. budget. For retailers and farmers, it’s about navigating supply chain challenges while keeping holiday meals affordable. And for both nations, the Thanksgiving table continues to reflect not just culinary preferences, but broader economic realities.
