<figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1dcc08f37e8e0b5bab502?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" alt="woman smiling holding pumpkin pie in front of thanksgiving feast"><figcaption>I tried preparing Aldi's $39 Thanksgiving dinner for 10. It felt like a good value, and we had plenty of food, though it cost me more than $39 to make.<p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure><ul class="summary-list"><li>I tried following Aldi's under-$39 <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-thanksgiving-meal-worth-it-family-fortune-gourmet-review-2026-11" data-autoaffiliated="false">Thanksgiving dinner</a> for 10 shopping list and plan.</li><li>I was disappointed that mashed potatoes were missing and many essential items weren't on the list.</li><li>However, the final meal turned out pretty good and felt like a great value, especially for 10.</li></ul><p>My family always <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nontraditional-thanksgiving-unexpected-potluck-2025-11">hosted Thanksgiving</a>, which meant cooking our entire meal from scratch, from stuffing to gravy to pie crust. One year, we even made our own rolls.</p><p>But everyone is busier these days, and buying specialty ingredients adds up. So when I heard about Aldi's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://corporate.aldi.us/newsroom/news/aldi-thanksgiving">Thanksgiving grocery plan</a> that, according to the retailer, includes everything you need for a complete, no-fuss, home-cooked feast for 10 for under $39, I knew I had to try it.</p><p>A few weeks before the holiday, I visited Aldi, bought the ingredients, and attempted to make its <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-thanksgiving-is-the-best-2017-10">Turkey Day</a> spread.</p><p>Here's how the shopping, cooking, and tasting experiences stacked up — and whether the budget-friendly menu felt worth it.</p><div id="slideshow"><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The 12-item list was available on the Aldi app and website.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1dcdf80d4b24f18347867?format=jpeg" height="3024" width="4032" charset="" alt="Aldi thanksgiving deal on phone on app"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>To make things easy, I took a screenshot of the list before shopping. It was also available on Aldi's website and app.</p><p>The list featured mostly ingredients, a few ready-to-prepare items, and one ready-to-serve food, all inspired by the American Farm Bureau Federation's Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey.</p>
<aside class="callout-box headline-regular ignore-typography">
<p><strong>Aldi's under-$39 Thanksgiving shopping list:</strong></p><ul><li>16-pound turkey</li><li>3 pounds of sweet potatoes</li><li>12-ounce bag of Season's Choice steamable frozen peas (x2)</li><li>Chef's Cupboard stuffing mix (x3)</li><li>L'oven Fresh Hawaiian sweet rolls</li><li>Baby peeled carrots</li><li>Celery</li><li>12 ounces of cranberries</li><li>Bake House Creations premade pie crusts</li><li>Friendly Farms whole milk</li><li>Friendly Farms heavy whipping cream</li><li>Baker's Corner pumpkin-pie mix</li></ul>
</aside></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">A few essentials seemed to be missing from the list, which surprised me.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1ddadeaa5e46dca2283a0?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="exterior of aldi story"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>I'd never eaten a Thanksgiving meal without <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-celebrity-chef-mashed-potatoes-recipes-2021-11">mashed potatoes</a>, so I was surprised potatoes weren't on this year's list.</p><p>For reference, <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-aldi-cheap-thanksgiving-dinner-great-value-easy-2025-11">last year's list</a> had 21 different products, including russet potatoes, green beans, gravy mix, marshmallows, and boxed mac and cheese for a $40 price tag.</p><p>Comparatively, the 2026 lineup, with 12 products, felt a little meager — even if it was $1 less.</p><p>I'd have to get creative to spruce up my sweet potatoes without marshmallows, find another way to make gravy, and skip both mashed potatoes and green beans.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I headed to Aldi on November 4, the day it began selling its turkeys.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1ddc180d4b24f18347870?format=jpeg" height="4896" width="3672" charset="" alt="woman shopping inside aldi"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>By November 4, everything except the pumpkin-pie mix had hit Aldi shelves. (It was set to be released a week after I shopped, so I decided to grab a can of pumpkin purée instead.)</p><p>I imagined there'd be a dedicated Thanksgiving section inside the store. Instead, items remained in their usual aisles.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Even as a frequent Aldi shopper, I still took a while to find everything.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de03eaa5e46dca2283a3?format=jpeg" height="1500" width="2000" charset="" alt="Composite of celery at Aldi with thanksgiving symbol on price tag next to cranberries at Aldi with price tag"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Luckily, I visit my local Aldi often enough to know the general layout.</p><p>However, since the items were pretty scattered, I ended up scanning almost every single aisle to find everything on my list.</p><p>A cute turkey icon was supposed to mark Aldi Thanksgiving items; however, only about half the price signs in my store actually seemed. to have it.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Early on, I realized I'd need an extra ingredient to make the stuffing.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de29eaa5e46dca2283a4?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="back of stuffing box in Aldi store"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Stuffing is basically buttery bread cubes, so I was surprised that butter wasn't on my Aldi shopping list.</p><p>Luckily, I checked the instructions on the back of the <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-stuffing-recipe-chef-how-to-make-photos">stuffing mix before</a> I left the store. Lo and behold, I'd need half a stick of butter per box of stuffing — and I was buying three boxes.</p><p>So, I grabbed the cheapest butter I could find, a pack of four sticks for $2.89 per pound. I added it to my cart and started an "extra expenses" section in my notes.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The pumpkin pie also required extra ingredients.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de428f37e8e0b5bab512?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="evaporated milk, butter, eggs in shopping cart"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>According to the pumpkin-purée label, I'd need basic pantry staples, eggs, and evaporated milk to make <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-famous-pumpkin-pie-recipes-find-best-how-to-make-2026-10">pumpkin pie</a>.</p><p>However, pumpkin purée was a stand-in for pumpkin-pie mix. To keep things fair, I checked the Aldi website to see what that mix would require (if it had been available). The label read "just add eggs and evaporated milk." Easy enough.</p><p>I grabbed eggs and evaporated milk and added them to my "extra expenses" section, too.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I enjoyed picking out my turkey.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de6980d4b24f18347874?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="turkeys in freezer section at Aldi"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Aldi's $39 figure assumed a 16-pound turkey, so I scoured the well-stocked freezer to find the closest match.</p><p>At $0.99 per pound, a 16-pound bird would have cost $15.84, but a 15.52-pound turkey called my name. It came to $15.36.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The 12 ingredients did cost me less than $39.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de848f37e8e0b5bab514?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="Thanksgiving groceries in shopping cart at Aldi"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>For all 12 items on Aldi's Thanksgiving grocery list, my order totaled $35.96.</p><p>Had I bought the soon-to-be-released pumpkin-pie mix for $1.99 instead of the pumpkin puree for $0.99, my order would have cost $36.96 — still under $39, though.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">However, essential extra ingredients tipped the scale.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1de9e80d4b24f18347876?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="shopping cart in checkout line at Aldi"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>For the butter, eggs, and condensed milk required to prepare the ingredients on my list, I paid an extra $5.50.</p><p>So, I left Aldi with a $41.46 charge on my credit card.</p><p>I didn't count pantry staples — which, to me, meant oil, spices, sugar, and flour — toward my total, since most people have these on hand.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">A few items had recipes on their packaging that I could follow.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1dec380d4b24f18347877?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="Group of Thanksgiving feast ingredients from Aldi on counter"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>As mentioned, the stuffing mix and pumpkin purée had recipes on their labels, as did the cranberries and heavy whipping cream.</p><p>I followed all except for the whipped-cream recipe. The carton suggested using powdered sugar and vanilla extract, but I used regular sugar instead since I had it in my pantry. I omitted vanilla because I didn't have any on hand.</p><p>For items without recipes, I leaned on my own knowledge and online tips.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I used one box of stuffing mix for the turkey and served the other two as a side.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1dee6eaa5e46dca2283ae?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="stuffing mix in bowl on stovetop"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Making <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-stuffing-recipes-from-your-favorite-chefs-review">homemade stuffing</a> is a time-consuming venture, so I appreciated the stovetop shortcut. It took only 10 minutes from start to finish.</p><p>I cooked one box to stuff the turkey, then waited a few hours to make the other two boxes.</p><p>I desperately wanted to add onions and herbs to the stuffing. I even considered using the carrots and celery, but per <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://corporate.aldi.us/newsroom/news/aldi-thanksgiving">Aldi's Q&A</a> for this Thanksgiving offer, they were meant for a veggie tray.</p><p>Plus, I wanted to taste the stuffing as-is, prepared as instructed on the package. So, I left it alone.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The turkey had basic cooking instructions.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1defa80d4b24f1834787b?format=jpeg" height="3024" width="4032" charset="" alt="Farmer's Choice turkey from Aldi in bag"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>The turkey's packaging provided cooking times and tips. To my delight, the turkey was also already brined, so it wouldn't need much more salt.</p><p>I rubbed the skin with olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, added the stuffing inside, and popped it into the oven for about four hours.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The label on the bag of sweet potatoes felt like a tease.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1df1480d4b24f1834787c?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="bag of sweet potatoes with label for ideas on how to prepare sweet potatoes sweet or savory"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>The label listed 22 mouthwatering sweet and savory ways to top the sweet potatoes. Unfortunately, only cranberries were feasible based on my simple <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bi-today-saturday-newsletter-thanksgiving-dinner-menu-guide-2025-11">Thanksgiving shopping list</a>.</p><p>I don't mind plain mashed sweet potatoes with a little cranberry sauce, but I know many people prefer honey, pecans, marshmallows, or all of the above as toppings.</p><p>I baked and then mashed the <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dolly-parton-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe-2026-11">sweet potatoes</a> with some of the gallon of milk from my list to keep them loose and moist.</p><p>I used less than a cup, though, so buying a smaller carton would've made more sense. I'm not sure what the rest of the milk was meant for.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I was able to make gravy using pantry staples and recipes I found online.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1df27eaa5e46dca2283b0?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="gravy in bowl with whisk and smaller bowl"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Aldi's list this year didn't include gravy mix, so I turned to the internet to see if I could pull one together using pantry staples and items I had on hand.</p><p>I was able to use the turkey drippings, some butter I'd bought for stuffing, and the flour in my pantry to make a quick gravy.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Overall, the turkey and pumpkin pie were highlights — especially the whipped cream.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1df638f37e8e0b5bab519?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="golden-brown turkey next to pumpkin pie with bowl of whipped cream"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Turkey is what you make of it, and with yummy seasonings and crispy skin, I'd say I did pretty well.</p><p>The beautifully spiced pumpkin pie was nostalgic; however, the real showstopper was the dollop of whipped cream on top.</p><p><a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reference/how-to-make-whipped-cream">Homemade whipped cream</a> made all the difference and was silky smooth. The only thing that could have made it better? Vanilla extract.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I'd dress up the stuffing and the sweet potatoes next time.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1df828f37e8e0b5bab51b?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="mashed sweet potato, stuffing, peas in bowls"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>The stuffing surprised me with its pleasantly herbaceous flavor, but in my opinion, you can't overdo herbs. I would have loved to add fresh sage and rosemary, plus chopped onion and celery.</p><p>I enjoyed the basic mashed sweet potatoes. However, if I were serving them to a group, I think they'd need a little something extra — even just butter. Any of the suggested toppings on the sweet-potato bag's label would have added a nice touch.</p><p>The same held for green peas. I didn't mind them plain, but a dab of butter turned them into more of a crowd-pleaser.</p><p>The cranberry sauce, which I made by simmering the berries in sugar and water, then letting it set, turned out decent. The Hawaiian sweet rolls, which were ready-to-eat, were also solid — though again, they'd pair well with some butter.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The veggie tray was a miss.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1df3c80d4b24f1834787e?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="baby carrots and celery sticks on cutting board"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Honestly, a veggie tray felt like a left-field Thanksgiving pick. It seemed even more random without anything to dip the veggies in.</p><p>This might've made sense if a ranch mix or dressing was also on the Thanksgiving list. Ultimately, I served them plain.</p><p>Instead of spending $1.84 on carrots and celery, I would've preferred to buy an onion and herbs to spruce up the stuffing instead.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The final meal didn't feel like it was lacking much … except mashed potatoes.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1dfbd80d4b24f1834787f?format=jpeg" height="4137" width="5516" charset="" alt="plate with thanksgiving staples rolls, stuffing, turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, sweet potato mash, peas"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Some might miss mac and cheese or <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/del-monte-green-beans-are-perfect-for-any-type-of-casserole-2017-11">green-bean casserole</a>, which were both not included in this year's list. Personally, I just missed mashed potatoes.</p><p>Every <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cooking-and-reviewing-guy-fieri-thanksgiving-recipes">Thanksgiving table</a> needs creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. That's the only dish I'm still craving. If I had to swap them for one item, it would be the sweet potatoes — which pains me, because I do love them.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The value was here — but I wish the necessary ingredients were all on the list.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6af1e56a8f37e8e0b5bab561?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="Full thanksgiving feast arranged on marble counter"><figcaption><p class="copyright">Savannah Born</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Ultimately, though, this felt like a great value for 10, even after I purchased additional ingredients. As Aldi promised, the cost per person came to about $4 for a whole <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ina-garten-thanksgiving-menu-recipes-best-review-photos-2025-11">Thanksgiving feast</a>.</p><p>The meal had the perfect amount of turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberries, and rolls; plenty of stuffing; and just enough sweet potatoes and peas for a 10-person party.</p><p>Even the veggie tray, strange as it seemed, felt sufficient for a big group.</p><p>Overall, I wish Aldi's Thanksgiving under $39 list was a little more transparent about the extra items needed, or at least clearer about what customers should have on hand.</p><p>Spending a few extra bucks wasn't a huge deal, but had I not checked the recipes in-store, I would've needed to make another <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-things-aldi-from-food-developer-mom-for-kids-budget-2026-9">trip to Aldi</a>.</p><p><em>Business Insider reached out to Aldi for comment.</em></p></div></div></div><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-cheap-thanksgiving-dinner-for-10-review-list-2026-11">Business Insider</a></div>
Powered by Wave Datas
+ AI
