Save Big On Thanksgiving: Meal Kit Alternatives For Budget Shoppers

We have all noticed the rising food prices the last few years. Shopping for groceries has become a nerve-wracking experience if you're trying to save money. I heard one person exclaim, "I must be getting stronger with age. I can now lift $100 worth of groceries with one hand!"

Funny...but unfortunately true.

This Thanksgiving, perhaps shopping around for a meal kit is the money-saving idea we're looking for. Take a look at a few that are available in Sioux Falls:

HyVee Family Feast Turkey Dinner for $169.99
What's included?
Butterball turkey (14-16 lbs.)
2 large sides of mashed potatoes,
4 large sides of your choice
32 oz. of beef or turkey gravy!
24 dinner rolls.
(Serves 12)

Costco's Fortune Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner for $179.99
What's included?
5 lb - All Natural, ABF, Free Range, Amish Raised Turkey Breast
2 lb - Mashed Potatoes
2 lb - Mac & Cheese
2 lb - Green Bean Casserole
12 - Gourmet Dinner Rolls, and More
(Serves 8)

Sam's Club Takeout Thanksgiving Dinner. The wholesaler said that this will be under $100 via KSN.COM
What's included?
whole hickory smoked turkey
tray of macaroni and cheese
sweet potato mash
cranberry crunch salad
mashed potatoes
brussels sprouts
24 dinner rolls
pumpkin pie
(Serves 10)

Aldi Thanksgiving Meal Kit for $47
What's included? (according to Woman's World)
Butterball turkey
dinner rolls
sweet potatoes
canned pumpkin pie ingredients
(serves up to 10)

Walmart's "inflation-free" Thanksgiving Meal Kit for $48.67
Whole Frozen Turkey 10 – 16 lb.
Great Value Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
Great Value Golden Sweet Whole Kernel Corn
Ocean Spray® Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Great Value Canned Green Beans
French’s Crispy Fried Onions
Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
Great Value Brown Gravy Mix
Marie Callender’s Southern Pecan Pie
Great Value Frozen Whipped Topping
Great Value Frozen Deep Dish Pie Crusts
Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin
Great Value Evaporated Milk
Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Great Value Poultry Seasoning
Swanson Chicken Broth
5 lbs Fresh Whole Russet Potatoes
Fresh Whole Sweet Potatoes
Fresh Yellow Onions
Fresh Celery Stalks

I'm not sure we could build and bake a meal like those listed above for less. Just food for thought. See what I did there?

The other side of the equation is that we actually enjoy prepping for the Thanksgiving meal. It's become a tradition to bake the bread for the stuffing the night before. Let the homemade crusts sit for night before adding pumpkin. Roasting the seeds, preparing the turkey brine and the 24 soak.

However, these types of traditions and memories come with a now inflated cost.

But there are options.

Happy meal planning!

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Gallery Credit: Dave Roberts

Sioux Falls: Then and Now

The City of Sioux Falls has changed dramatically over the past several years. Some of the streets, landscapes, and neighborhoods look vastly different than just 10-15 years ago.

Here's a look at Sioux Falls, then-and-now. See if you can recognize some of these old buildings, businesses, and city streets.

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott