Walmart Sneakily Changes Popular Annual Holiday Meal Deal
Walmart has made a surprising change to its popular Thanksgiving meal deal this year. The retail giant is advertising the basket as more affordable than ever, feeding 10 people for under $40. However, shoppers will notice something different when they look closer. This change comes as Walmart deals with rising costs and shifting customer spending habits during the holiday season.
What’s Missing from Your Basket
The difference is striking when you compare the two years. Walmart’s 2024 Thanksgiving basket had 29 items, but this year’s version contains only 15. Several popular items have disappeared entirely, including pecan pie, sweet potatoes, mini marshmallows, and celery. The basket also swapped sweet Hawaiian rolls for regular dinner rolls. Despite having half the items, Walmart says the deal costs 25% less. But why did they make such a big change?
Tariffs Are Driving Up Costs
The main reason behind the smaller basket is tariffs, which are extra fees on imported goods. These tariffs have increased Walmart’s costs significantly. CEO Doug McMillon explained that the company is working hard to keep prices low for customers. Walmart’s team has gotten creative to avoid raising prices even more. The company wants to stay affordable while managing these higher expenses. However, customers aren’t the only ones feeling financial pressure right now.
Shoppers Are Changing Their Habits
Walmart has noticed that middle- and lower-income customers are shopping differently these days. When prices go up, these shoppers switch to cheaper items or skip certain purchases altogether. The company still saw sales increase this year, but customer behavior shows growing concern. People are making tougher choices about what they can afford. This worry extends far beyond just Walmart stores across the entire country.
Americans Are Worried About Prices
Recent surveys reveal just how anxious people feel about their finances. About 87% of consumers worry that tariffs will affect their shopping and budgets. Another 63% fear that everyday items will cost more. Even more telling, 82% of shoppers plan to change how they buy things by cutting back on extras and hunting for deals. Additionally, 77% are concerned that a recession could happen within the year. These fears are pushing retailers to offer better deals.
Other Stores Jump Into the Deal War
Walmart isn’t the only retailer offering cheap Thanksgiving meals this year. Target brought back its meal deal for just $20, feeding four people. Amazon offers a $25 meal that serves five. BJ’s Wholesale even gives members a free turkey when they spend $150. All these stores recognize that customers are price shopping more than ever. Everyone is competing to win over budget-conscious families during this important shopping season.
How Families Are Cutting Costs
American families are making smart changes to save money on Thanksgiving this year. About 58% are extremely worried about food prices going up. To save money, 25% plan to buy more store-brand items instead of name brands. Another 25% will reduce or skip alcohol at their celebrations. Some families are even using “buy now, pay later” services to spread out Thanksgiving costs. These changes show how much financial pressure people feel right now.
When Name Brands Don’t Matter
The shift toward private-label products marks a significant change in shopping behavior. Only 5% of shoppers now prioritize name brands for their Thanksgiving meals. This dramatic preference for store brands helps families stretch their dollars further. Meanwhile, 15% of households plan to use payment services that let them pay over time, with another 18% considering it. These payment options are becoming essential tools for managing holiday expenses during uncertain times.
A Bigger Problem Looms
Retailers face another serious challenge this Thanksgiving season. SNAP benefits, which help 41.7 million low-income Americans buy groceries, were paused in November. The government plans to restart them this month, but families will only receive partial payments. This affects over 12% of the population during the most expensive time of year. Experts warn this will significantly reduce holiday spending, especially on non-food items like gifts. It’s a tough situation for everyone.
A New Holiday Reality
Walmart’s smaller Thanksgiving basket tells a bigger story about changing times. While the deal still offers value, it shows how retailers must adapt to economic pressures. Tariffs, inflation fears, and benefit cuts are all happening at once, forcing both stores and shoppers to make difficult choices. The 2025 holiday season looks different from previous years. For millions of families, these aren’t just marketing changes—they represent real financial challenges affecting how Americans celebrate their traditions.
