Best Budget-Friendly Grocery Stores for Thanksgiving [2025 Survey]

Thanksgiving should feel abundant, not stressful. Our survey of 3,004 shoppers shows how Americans are keeping the holiday affordable without sacrificing what matters most: community, quality, and tradition. 

The nation's favorite Thanksgiving grocers reveal a story of creativity and regional flavor … with a few surprises about where shoppers find real value. 

Key findings 

Local loyalty runs deep in the South 

Independent stores dominate the top spots in Southern states. Louisiana alone landed three mentions: Big B’s Supermarket, Ralph’s Market, and Joyce’s Supermarket. It’s proof that small-town grocers are still the backbone of holiday shopping in regions where tradition matters as much as savings. 

Not everything is bigger in Texas 

Texans appear to value variety rather than size in their savings strategies. From Houston’s farmer-driven Central City Co-Op to the bargain bins of Dallas’s Grocery Clearance Center, the Lonestar State proves you can shop local and low-cost at the same time, and that “budget” doesn’t have to mean “big box.” 

Co-ops have appeal across the country 

Many food cooperatives made the list, including Wheatsville in Austin, The Merc Co+op in Kansas, and GreenStar in New York.  

These member-supported markets show a national appetite for shared ownership and ethical sourcing, even during the most cost-pressured season of the year. 

The co-op corridor runs from New York to New Hampshire 

A striking cluster of cooperative grocers along the Northeast — from Brooklyn's Park Slope Co-op to Keene's Monadnock Food Co-op — suggests shoppers in this region prefer community-driven models over chain discounts. It's more about values than vouchers. 

Affordability doesn’t mean giving up on freshness 

For example, California shoppers seem to demand both. Berkeley's Monterey Market and Santa Barbara's Tri-County Produce rank high for their emphasis on local farms and seasonal goods. It's a sign that "budget-friendly" can also mean "farm-to-table." 

Midwest values reliability 

Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan all feature long-standing family markets: places like Old Dutch in Danville and Gempeler's in Monticello. 

These are the kinds of stores where generations of families shop each November, showing that reputation and trust remain strong currency. 

Discount chains still carry the day in rural areas 

Markets like Buche Foods in South Dakota and S&A Discount Grocery in South Carolina continue to thrive by offering bulk deals and closeout goods.  

In rural areas where distances are long and paychecks are stretched thin, shoppers rely on these savings to keep Thanksgiving plentiful. 

A quiet comeback for the neighborhood grocers 

Many cities are seeing a revival of small neighborhood grocers. They’re the antithesis of the self-checkout sprawl, blending convenience with community and fresh produce with friendly service. 

>RELATED: 101 Best neighborhoods to Eat Well On a Budget

Smart shopping strategies for a budget Thanksgiving 

Beyond choosing the right store, here's how you can maximize your savings: 

Hunt for sales and loyalty rewards  

Many grocery stores offer free turkeys as loyalty incentives during November — you just need to shop with your rewards card and hit a spending threshold. It's an easy win. 

Beyond turkeys, weekly grocery ads are goldmines for holiday discounts. Start scanning them in early November so you can stock up on non-perishables before prices spike. 

Stock up on non-perishables early  

You don't have to buy everything at once. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, gradually fill your pantry with shelf-stable essentials like canned vegetables, broth, flour, and spices. This approach spreads your costs across several shopping trips and takes the pressure off your budget in those final pre-holiday weeks. 

Keep it simple  

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't need to be complicated to be delicious. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, and brussels sprouts are comfort-food classics that don't require expensive ingredients. 

If turkey isn't in your budget, a roasted chicken looks just as lovely on the table and costs significantly less. 

Raid your pantry  

Before you make your shopping list, take inventory of what you already have. Plan your menu around the seasonings, spices, and staples sitting in your cabinets. Not only does this cut grocery costs, but it also sparks creativity. 

Who knows? You might discover a dish you wouldn't have tried otherwise! 

Share the load  

A potluck isn't just budget-friendly; it's also less stressful. Create a sign-up sheet that covers all the main categories — appetizers, sides, desserts, drinks — and let guests bring what they can. You'll spend less time cooking and cleaning, and your guests feel invested in the meal. 

Final thoughts 

If there’s one takeaway from our study, it is that shoppers are redefining what “affordable” means.  

Consumers are not just chasing the lowest prices — they want to support local stores that know them by name, stock their favorite pies, and keep community ties alive.  

Whether shopping at a clearance outlet in Dallas or a co-op in Maine, families are proving that saving money and shopping with purpose can happily coexist.