Summary (tl;dr)

Searches for "turkey" are surging as Americans prepare for Thanksgiving on November 27, 2025, amid concerns over fluctuating prices and supply chain issues primarily linked to bird flu outbreaks.

Essential Background

Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It traditionally centers around a large feast, with turkey being the iconic centerpiece of the meal. This long-standing cultural tradition drives significant demand for turkey in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

The Full Story

With Thanksgiving Day quickly approaching on November 27, 2025, "turkey" is a top trending keyword in food and drink categories as consumers finalize their holiday meal plans. The trend is fueled by widespread discussions and concerns regarding the price and availability of turkeys this year. Wholesale turkey prices have seen a significant increase, surging by as much as 75% since October 2024, largely due to continued outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that have reduced the U.S. turkey flock to its lowest level in 40 years. More than 3 million turkeys have been impacted by bird flu outbreaks in 2025, with a noticeable spike in late 2025. Despite the higher wholesale costs and reduced supply, some reports suggest that the average retail price for a 16-pound frozen turkey might be lower than last year, around $21.50 or $1.34 per pound, a 16% decrease. This is attributed to competitive discounting by retailers aiming to attract customers for their overall holiday shopping. Consequently, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) reports a 5% decrease in the overall cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Why It Matters

The trending nature of "turkey" reflects the immense cultural significance of the bird as the focal point of the American Thanksgiving feast. Consumers are actively searching for information to manage their holiday budgets and ensure they can uphold this cherished tradition. The discussions around turkey prices and supply have a direct impact on household spending and the profitability of the poultry industry and food retailers during one of the busiest shopping seasons. Furthermore, the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza highlight broader concerns about agricultural health, food security, and the resilience of the supply chain, influencing future farming practices and consumer prices beyond the holiday season.

Geographic Location

• United States (nationwide celebration of Thanksgiving, primary market for turkey consumption, source of turkey flock and pricing data)
• North Dakota, United States (location of HPAI detections in poultry flocks)
• South Dakota, United States (location of HPAI detections in poultry flocks)
• Minnesota, United States (location of HPAI detections in poultry flocks)
• Wisconsin, United States (location of HPAI detections in poultry flocks)