We compared 9 major grocery stores to find out which one offers the best deal

• Thanksgiving turkey prices increased by as much as 28 percent from the same time last year.
• Grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi are lowering prices just in time for the holiday.

Turkey prices are finally starting to shrink after costs hit a record high this year due to a particularly grueling period for the poultry industry.

The cost of turkey rose as high as 28% compared to the same time last year, according to the USDA. The department also reported that the price for an eight to 16-pound turkey went from $1.15 per pound last year to $1.47 per pound.

Contributing factors to the price hike included supply chain issues that have wreaked havoc in the US since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation, and a nasty bout of the avian flu that wiped out more than 8 million turkeys in 46 states, according to the CDC.

Some turkey producers have persevered through the flu better than others. Butterball, which is the top turkey seller in the US, lost less than one percent of its flocks thanks to extra security measures the company implemented after the 2015 avian flu outbreak.

However, turkey isn't the only Thanksgiving dish impacted this year. Pumpkin pie mix, sweet potatoes, and stuffing, among other favorites, have also risen in price, according to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

But as the holiday approaches, Walmart, Aldi, and other food retailers have announced plans to roll back prices on turkeys and other Thanksgiving staples as a way to attract customers.

We compared turkey prices from nine major grocery store chains to determine which one offers the best bang for your buck this holiday season. Here's what we found:

Walmart

During the first week of November, Walmart announced it would be matching last year's Thanksgiving food prices.

"Saving money is a top priority for our customers right now, so this year, we're removing inflation on an entire basket containing traditional Thanksgiving items," John Laney, Walmart's executive president of food, said in a company statement.

Whole turkeys will now be priced under $1 per pound, according to Laney.

Target

This year, Target's line of Good & Gather products includes basted young turkeys for $0.99 per pound.

To round out the holiday spread, the retailer also sells everything from festive table linens to maple bourbon mini sweet potatoes.

Kroger

In efforts to shield customers from high grocery prices this Thanksgiving, Kroger put together a shopping guide for meals that can feed up to 10 people for as little as $5 per person.

"We strive to keep prices low every day, and this Thanksgiving, we are helping our customers keep turkey at the center of the plate by not passing on rising turkey costs," Stuart Aitken, Kroger senior vice president and chief merchant & marketing officer, said in a statement.

For 16 to 20-pound turkeys, Kroger's prices vary between $0.39 and $1.49 per pound.

Lidl

The German-founded discount retailer Lidl announced in October that its shoppers would be able to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people for less than $30.

"Even as grocery prices rise nationally, shoppers can rely on Lidl for the best deal to feed their family this holiday season, Stefaqqn Schwarz, Lidl US chief product officer, said.

Frozen turkeys carried at Lidl stores are priced at as little as $0.49 per pound.

Aldi

Since November 2, Aldi has begun offering many Thanksgiving meal essentials up to 30 percent off to match its 2019 prices.

"We expect to welcome tens of millions of customers in our stores this Thanksgiving season, and we want them to know they can count on us," Dave Rinaldo, president of Aldi US, said in a press release.

The grocery store stocks multiple turkey brands, including Butterball frozen turkeys priced at $1.07 per pound and Honeysuckle White turkeys at $1.79 per pound for Aldi Savers members.

Albertsons

While Albertsons has not announced any discounted grocery prices for Thanksgiving, the chain does have a large variety of turkeys to choose from at different sizes and price points.

Turkeys in the 16 to 20-pound range are priced anywhere from $1.89 to $2.79 per pound.

Wegmans

The grocery store Wegmans has an array of turkey sizes available for customers to choose from.

For smaller dinner parties, the Shady Brook 10 to 14-pound young turkey priced at $1.69 per pound could be a good fit.

Larger family gatherings may want to opt for the Wegmans 24 to 28-pound turkey for $1.99 per pound or the Wegmans 22 to 26-pound antibiotic-free turkey for $3.19 per pound.

Trader Joe's

The popular grocery retailer has a couple different turkey varieties in its stores this holiday season.

Although its turkey prices are higher than Walmart or Kroger, Trader Joe's does offer organic and kosher options.

The all natural brined young turkey is priced at $1.99 per pound, while the limited Glatt kosher turkeys are $2.99 per pound.

Whole Foods

This year, Whole Foods is offering low holiday prices and three different turkey options.

Whole turkeys start at $1.99 per pound, while organic whole turkeys are $2.99 per pound. The health food store also has heirloom whole turkeys available for $3.99 per pound for those willing to splurge.