Cost of Thanksgiving meal rises 11 percent: survey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. consumers will pay 11 percent more for the traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, due in part to higher energy costs, the American Farm Bureau Federation said on Thursday.

Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people with customary dishes like turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie will cost an average $42.26, up $4.16 from $38.10 last year.

A higher turkey price was the largest contributor to the increase in the cost for this year's feast. The trade group's 22nd annual informal survey of prices found that a 16-pound turkey cost $1.93 more this year at $17.63.

"The inventory of birds in cold storage is relatively small this year. This has helped drive up the average retail turkey price," said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist.

Higher fuel costs to deliver the turkey and other food items also pushed up the price for this year's meal.

"The tremendous increase in energy costs for transportation and processing over the past year also is a key factor behind higher retail prices at the grocery store," Sartwelle said.

Other items that increased in price this year include a gallon of whole milk at $3.88, a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix at $2.13, three pounds of sweet potatoes at $3.08 and a 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries at $2.20.

Adjusting prices for inflation, food costs have actually remained stable over the years, Sartwelle said, with the inflation adjusted cost of a Thanksgiving dinner remaining around $20 for the past 17 years.

"Consumers can enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked turkey dinner for just over $4 a person -- less than a typical fast-food meal. That's an amazing deal, any way you slice it," he said.

(Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Marguerita Choy)