How to provide Thanksgiving dinner for less than $50

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado grocery stores are preparing for what is expected to be the second busiest grocery shopping weekend of the holiday season.

The high price of groceries has many concerned about preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Statistica reported the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner to be at least $65 for an average-sized dinner. The Problem Solvers wanted to find a way to cut the cost to less than $50 for a dinner that can accommodate at least six people.

Safeway and King Soopers told FOX31 the first step is to use store apps to locate digital coupons and to use store brands for extra savings.

Safeway spokesperson, Kris Staaf, used a grocery list that included enough favorites like turkey, potatoes, ingredients for green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie to feed six people for a total of approximately $45.

“We start with the turkey, a great value at 74 cents a pound, a 20-pound bird so maybe $14 in change on the turkey, two boxes of stuffing right here two dollars another great value, potatoes for under a dollar,” said Staaf.

King Soopers offers a selection of items that can create a holiday meal for $4.79 per person. Spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge told FOX31 the list includes turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, corn, pumpkin pie and topping.

King Soopers is offering more than $800 in digital coupon savings this week and a “Shop on Friday” deal where customers can stack savings with 4x fuel points with their digital offer.

It is important to consider the time it takes to thaw your turkey.

“Don’t forget to thaw your turkey, allow one day per four to five pounds of meat, for example, a 16-pound turkey will take roughly four days to thaw in the refrigerator,” said Trowbridge.

Many grocery stores are offering completely prepared dinners as well.

Staaf told FOX31 Safeway is offering a range of digital coupon deals as shoppers also stock up on supplies for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Shoppers can download the store’s shopping app and also find deals in the printed flyer available at the store entrance.