Ingredient Costs and Pricing - Overall ingredient costs are stable, but turkey prices are a key concern [1] - Fresh, free-range turkey is recommended over frozen turkey, despite the higher cost (approximately $3 per pound for a 20-pound turkey) [1][2] - The store did not raise turkey prices this year, despite farmers' increased labor, feed, and energy costs [4] - Egg and butter prices have decreased, stabilizing the overall cost of Thanksgiving items [8] Consumer Behavior and Demand - Consumers are still willing to purchase luxury items like prime rib and Haagen-Dazs ice cream, even with a 20% price increase [6] - People are choosing to cook at home more often to save money compared to eating out [7] - Consumers are expected to maintain similar spending levels for a full Thanksgiving meal as in previous years [8] - Despite economic concerns, sales of pre-made mashed potatoes are up, indicating continued spending on convenience items [14] Farmer and Retailer Perspectives - Farmers are primarily concerned about rising labor costs [4] - Retailers are splitting tariff costs with small farms to avoid hurting them [12] - Food costs are expected to stabilize and potentially decrease if tariff issues are resolved [12][13] Alternative Options - Ham is a popular alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving [10]