ALDI, the discount grocer with multiple locations across Southern Maryland, launched its annual Thanksgiving meal deal this week, pricing a full spread for 10 people at $40 — or $4 per serving — through December 24, 2025. The package includes a 14-pound Jennie-O turkey and ingredients for nine sides, such as mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie, available without coupons or memberships at stores in Waldorf, Charlotte Hall and La Plata.
The deal, effective from October 15, undercuts last year’s pricing and arrives as regional grocery costs rise. In Maryland, the average Thanksgiving meal for 10 stands at $70.66, higher than the national figure of $58.08, according to recent surveys. ALDI’s offering beats competitors like Walmart, which lists a similar basket under $40 but excludes some sides, and provides broader savings in a region where staples such as turkey average $2.08 per pound statewide. Shoppers in Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties can assemble the meal in-store, opt for curbside pickup or use delivery services like Instacart, Uber Eats or DoorDash, though online prices may vary slightly by location.
Atty McGrath, CEO of ALDI U.S., highlighted the chain’s focus on affordability during peak spending seasons. “The ALDI commitment to low prices is unwavering and I am thrilled that we are able to offer an even more affordable holiday meal than last year,” McGrath said. “Saving our shoppers money is our mission every day – but is especially important during the holidays when they need it most.”
The 21-item list covers essentials: rolls, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, carrots and more, marked on shelves for easy selection. This setup aligns with ALDI’s model of private-label products that consistently rank lower than rivals. Comparisons show ALDI undercuts Walmart and Target on basics like produce and dairy by up to 20 percent, with a family of four potentially saving $4,000 annually, per the chain’s 2025 Price Leadership Report.
Scott Patton, chief commercial officer for ALDI U.S., emphasized the holiday’s role in the company’s strategy. “Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year, and ALDI is proud to lead the industry once again on price,” Patton said. “Price leadership is part of our DNA, and the holidays are when our commitment to value really shines. We believe families shouldn’t have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving.”
In Southern Maryland, where communities from La Plata to Solomons gather for multi-generational meals, the deal supports traditions amid inflation pressures noted in the August Consumer Price Index, which flagged increases in fruits, vegetables and meats. Local ALDI outposts, such as the Waldorf store at 3286 Crain Highway, stock these items fresh, drawing regulars who pair them with regional touches like crab-stuffed mushrooms or corn pudding influenced by Chesapeake Bay flavors. The chain’s efficiency — quarter carts, limited SKUs — keeps overhead low, passing savings to customers in areas like Charlotte Hall, where the store at 37548 Traveled Lane serves families near the Patuxent River.
This year’s pricing reflects a national trend of easing dinner costs, down 5 percent from 2024’s $61.17 average, though Northeast states like Maryland remain pricier due to logistics and demand. ALDI, which entered Maryland in 2011 and now operates about 70 stores statewide, has built loyalty through such promotions. In Southern Maryland, it competes with chains like Giant and ShopRite, often emerging as the low-cost leader on holiday baskets.
For Southern Maryland residents navigating fixed incomes and rising utilities, this promotion eases the load on a holiday. With actual costs varying by selection, early shopping ensures availability as demand peaks.
