Walmart’s ‘Cheaper’ Thanksgiving Dinner in Lubbock: What’s Really Going On

Thanksgiving Dinner for Under $40? Walmart Says Yes

If you’ve been scrolling through social media this week, you’ve probably seen the claim President Donald Trump said that “Thanksgiving dinner this year will cost 25% less than last year,” citing Walmart as proof. And here in Lubbock, where the aisles of our local Walmarts are already filling with stuffing mix and cranberry sauce, that sounds like great news.

Get our free mobile app

Walmart did, in fact, announce that its 2025 “Thanksgiving Meal Basket”, meant to serve around 10 people, is priced under $40 total, or roughly $4 per person. That’s a noticeable drop from the 2024 basket, which served eight people and cost around $56, or about $7 per person.

So yes, the number checks out — the price is roughly 25% lower. But, as fact-checkers from ABC News, AP, and Axios point out, the full story is a little more complicated.

What Changed in the Basket?

Here’s where things get tricky. The 2025 basket isn’t identical to last year’s. It’s smaller, and some classic items were cut out entirely.

In 2024, Walmart’s Thanksgiving bundle included about 29 items. This year’s 2025 version? Just 15. Gone are pecan pie, mini marshmallows, sweet potatoes, yellow onions, and celery stalks. Even some familiar name brands have been swapped for store-brand substitutes, like generic dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls.

READ MORE: Floydada’s Pumpkin Power: Inside 'Pumpkin Capital USA'

There are also smaller quantities of certain products — like canned soup — and different packaging sizes that make a big difference in total cost.

So, while that $40 price tag looks great on paper (and in the aisles of the Lubbock Walmart locations), it doesn’t necessarily mean your full Thanksgiving table will cost less overall.

The Real Picture in Lubbock Grocery Aisles

The U.S. Consumer Price Index for food at home still shows grocery prices rising about 2.7% year-over-year — meaning your overall grocery bill hasn’t gone down.

Economists and fact-checkers agree: Walmart’s lower basket price is more of a marketing move than proof that Thanksgiving dinners across America are cheaper. It’s a good deal, but not a definitive drop in holiday food costs.

READ MORE: Comfort Food Season in Lubbock: Chicken & Dumplings

So, if you’re planning to grab your Thanksgiving fixings at Walmart in Lubbock this year, you’ll probably save a few bucks on their promotional bundle. Just don’t expect that to mean your entire dinner will cost 25% less.

Bottom line: Walmart’s Thanksgiving basket is cheaper — but the meal isn’t smaller just in price, it’s smaller on the table too.