Turkey prices were up 17% in October, but Thanksgiving shoppers will likely see discounts

The price of turkey is higher this year than in 2021. But shoppers likely won’t see a 17% increase like some data suggests because of widespread seasonal discounts. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and many Americans have already been heading to grocery stores across the country to prep for holiday feasts. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) recently claimed on Twitter that Thanksgiving turkey prices are up 17% this year because of inflation. Joe Biden’s Thanksgiving prices this year: Turkey: +17%Flour: +24%Butter: +32% So much for Biden’s “Inflation Reduction Act.”— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) November 5, 2022 THE QUESTION Are turkey prices up 17% this year?  THE SOURCES THE ANSWER The claim that turkey prices are up 17% this year needs context.  Prices for certain types of poultry, including turkey, are up nearly 17% this October compared to last October, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show. But that number does not account for seasonal retailer discounts on turkeys that typically happen every November ahead of Thanksgiving. The increase in price is much lower with those discounts taken into account.  WHAT WE FOUND The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks the prices of everyday
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