Two grocery giants are battling for your Thanksgiving budget, and honestly? Everyone wins with these affordable lineups. Both Walmart and ALDI are offering complete holiday meals for 10 people at under $4 per person. But which one delivers better value for your specific needs? Let’s break down what you’re actually getting, what’s missing, and how to decide which basket belongs on your table.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
Walmart’s $40 Meal includes 15 items featuring name brands like Butterball turkey (13.5 lbs at $0.97/lb—the lowest price since 2019!), Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom, Stove Top Stuffing, and Kinder’s Fried Onions alongside Great Value private label products. You get the turkey, russet potatoes, cranberries, baby carrots, canned corn and green beans, mac and cheese, brown gravy, dinner rolls, and everything for pumpkin pie.
ALDI’s $40 Meal packs 21 items total with ALDI exclusive brands. You’ll get a whole turkey, plus ingredients for nine sides: stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, Hawaiian sweet rolls, and pumpkin pie. ALDI includes extras like chicken broth, evaporated milk, condensed soup, marshmallows, French fried onions, and poultry herbs.
The Winner on Paper? ALDI edges ahead with six more items and notably includes sweet potatoes (3 lbs) for sweet potato casserole plus marshmallows to top it: a classic side dish Walmart’s basket doesn’t offer at all. ALDI also provides whipped dairy topping for the pumpkin pie, while Walmart leaves you buying that separately.
The real difference? ALDI includes more recipe “completers” like chicken broth, yellow onions, celery, and poultry spices/herbs: ingredients you’ll need for stuffing and other dishes that Walmart assumes you already have. Walmart counters with three cans of corn (a side ALDI skips entirely) and recognizable name brands.
What’s Missing From Both Meals?
Here’s where strategic planning comes in. Neither meal is truly “complete” without a few additions:
Butter is the biggest omission from both baskets. You’ll need it for mashed potatoes, rolls, and multiple side dishes. Budget $6-10 for enough butter to get through Thanksgiving meal prep if you don’t keep several sticks on hand.
Fresh herbs and seasonings beyond basics aren’t included in Walmart’s basket (ALDI includes poultry spices). Plan to spend $3-5 on fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage if you want to elevate that turkey and stuffing.
Celery and onions are included in ALDI’s basket: essential aromatics for stuffing. Walmart’s basket skips both entirely, assuming you’ve got them in your kitchen already. If you’re going with Walmart, budget $2-3 for celery and another $2-3 for onions to complete your stuffing.
Appetizers would may your meal feel more complete. Think $10-$20 for a cheese and cracker spread or a bit less for a veggie tray.
All told, you’re looking at an additional $20-40 to truly complete either meal, bringing your real total to $60-80 for 10 people which is still an incredible value at $6-8 per person.
Smart Workarounds & Money-Saving Strategies
Go Potluck Style: This is where the magic happens. Assign side dishes to guests! Have your sister handle appetizers and request your best friend bring a dessert beyond pie. Suddenly your $40 meal feeds everyone beautifully without the $30-50 add-on costs.
Shop Your Pantry First: Many households already have butter, milk, basic seasonings, and beverages on hand. Check before you shop and you might only need $10-15 in additional items.
DIY Some Items: Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make fresh cranberry sauce from the cranberries included in both baskets for about $2 in sugar and orange. It tastes infinitely better and impresses guests.
Which Meal Should You Choose?
Choose ALDI if:
- You want more complete ingredient lists with fewer additional purchases needed
- You prefer maximum value (21 items vs. 15)
- You’re comfortable with ALDI exclusive brands
- Sweet potato casserole is a must-have for your dinner guests
Choose Walmart if:
- Name brands matter to you (Butterball, Campbell’s, Stove Top, Kinder’s)
- You prefer one-click online ordering with free express delivery for first-time Pickup & Delivery customers
- You’re already shopping at Walmart for other holiday needs
- You want the flexibility to easily customize your basket with three specialty options (gluten-free, balanced swaps, or prime rib alternatives at different price points)
The Bottom Line: Both meals deliver extraordinary value at $40, proving that Thanksgiving doesn’t have to break the bank. ALDI offers slightly better ingredient coverage and more items, while Walmart provides brand-name appeal and superior online convenience.
Pick the basket that matches your priorities, supplement strategically, and invite guests to contribute their specialties. At under $4 per person for the foundation of your meal, you’ve already won Thanksgiving. The rest is just delicious details! 🦃