Isn't That Rich Podcast

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and whether you're whipping up a traditional spread or looking for a no-stress way to feed the family, we’ve got you covered! On this week’s episode of the Isn’t That Rich Podcast, Jill Franks, Ashley McVicker, and Jared Gravat tackled the age-old question: “Where’s the best place to shop for Thanksgiving dinner?” We compared grocery prices, explored pre-cooked meal options, and uncovered creative ways to save time and money. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we’re here to help you figure out what works best for you.

Our Classic Thanksgiving Menu

We started with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for eight people, including:

• Main dish: Roasted turkey with gravy
• Sides: Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole (with marshmallows!), green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, warm dinner rolls
• Dessert: Pumpkin pie with whipped cream

Armed with a list of 35 ingredients, we hit the stores (and websites) to see who had the best deals.

Target: The Unexpected Bargain Hunter’s Paradise

Total: $95
Target shocked us all by coming in as one of the most affordable options! Ashley expected her bill to be sky-high, but it was a manageable $95 for everything on our list—including organic butter and milk. Even without using the Target Circle app or a Target credit card (which would have shaved off an additional 5%), Target proved its worth as a hidden gem for Thanksgiving groceries.

Sure, it’s tempting to wander into the home décor aisle, but if you stay focused, Target can deliver a budget-friendly holiday meal.

Pro tip: If you’re into organic products, Target’s prices were surprisingly competitive.

Walmart: Reliable but Slightly Higher

Total: $109 (after $13.90 in discounts)
Ashley also took on Walmart, which is typically known for its unbeatable prices. While Walmart did offer a solid option for Thanksgiving shopping, it ended up being $15 more than Target for the same list. The discounts helped, but it wasn’t enough to take the top spot.

Takeaway: Walmart remains a dependable option, but don’t assume it’s always the cheapest.

Aldi: Budget-Friendly Simplicity

Total: $87.40
Jared handled Aldi and found it to be the most affordable grocery option overall. While the selection was limited (e.g., no fresh sweet potatoes, only canned), the prices were hard to beat. Jared also threw in some organic items—because why not—and still stayed under budget.

And yes, Jared reminded us of Aldi’s quirks: bring your own bags and a quarter for the cart.

Takeaway: Aldi is perfect for those who don’t need a wide selection and want to keep their costs low.

Sam’s Club: Bulk Buying, Big Savings

Total: $92.50 for bulk items ($248.93 divided)

Jill took on Sam’s Club, and while the initial total was $248.93, this included bulk quantities far exceeding what was needed for a single meal. When the cost was divided out for just the portions needed for our Thanksgiving dinner, it came to an impressive $92.50. Not only was this comparable to other stores, but it also left Jill with extra pantry staples for future meals—or another Thanksgiving feast the following weekend (because yes, Jill is hosting two!).

However, Sam’s Club didn’t have everything on the list. Jill couldn’t find mini marshmallows for the sweet potato casserole or nutmeg for the pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes. This meant a quick trip to another store to fill in the gaps—a bit inconvenient, but manageable.

One of Jill’s standout tips? Share the bulk buy with friends or family. For example, if Sam’s Club sells an eight-pack of green beans and your recipe only calls for two, split the cost and the grocery cart with a friend. You both save money and avoid stuffing your pantry with unnecessary extras.

Sam’s Club also wins on convenience with its Scan & Go app. Jill raved about how easy it was to skip the lines during holiday shopping. Simply scan items with your phone as you shop, pay in the app, and head straight to the exit. It’s a time-saver that can make all the difference during the busy holiday season. 

Takeaway: Sam’s Club offers great savings on high-quality ingredients, especially if you’re hosting multiple dinners or sharing bulk purchases with others.

Kroger: Flexibility with a Price

Total: $117.82 (with membership discounts)
Kroger offered a wide selection, making it easy to find everything on our list. However, the prices were on the higher side, even with a Kroger Plus membership. If you’re looking for variety or need specialty items, Kroger delivers—but you’ll pay a premium for it.

Takeaway: Kroger is great for flexibility but isn’t the most cost-effective option.

Pre-Cooked Options: Worth the Splurge?

Not a fan of cooking? Jared explored some catering and pre-cooked meal options that are perfect for stress-free hosting:

• Cracker Barrel ($179.99): A full Thanksgiving spread, including turkey, sides, and pies, for $22.50/person.
• Bob Evans ($80.29): Surprisingly affordable at just $10/person. Jared couldn’t stop talking about their mashed potatoes—so good, they’re grocery-store worthy.
• Local Favorite: Riley’s BBQ ($155): Support local businesses and enjoy turkey, sides, rolls, and pie. This meal is perfect if you’re looking for homemade flavor without the work.

Takeaway: Pre-cooked meals save time and effort, making them a great option for those who value convenience over cost.

Dining Out: The Ultimate Stress-Free Choice

This year, Jared's family is trying something new—they’re dining out! They’ve chosen Walker’s Bluff for a $40/person Thanksgiving buffet. Not only does it cut out the cooking and cleanup, but the beautiful setting makes it a memorable experience.

Other local options include Giant City State Park Lodge, known for its family-style dining and cozy, rustic atmosphere. If you’re thinking about dining out, call ahead to secure your spot—these places fill up fast!

Jill’s Hosting Hack

If you love the tradition of hosting but want to lighten the load, consider a hybrid approach. Pre-order sides like mashed potatoes or pies, and focus your energy on the turkey and gravy. Jill swears by Sam’s Club’s pumpkin pies—huge, delicious, and affordable. It’s the best of both worlds: a homemade touch without all the hassle.

Our Thanksgiving Takeaways

Thanksgiving is all about balancing time, budget, and tradition. Here’s a quick recap of our findings:

• Cheapest groceries: Aldi
• Best bulk savings: Sam’s Club (especially if you shop with a friend!)
• Most variety: Kroger
• Affordable pre-cooked option: Bob Evans
• Dining out: Walker’s Bluff or Giant City State Park

At the end of the day, it’s not about what’s on the table but who’s around it. From all of us at the Isn’t That Rich Podcast, we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, laughter, and love.

Be sure to follow us on social media for more tips to make your holidays affordable and stress-free!