Thanksgiving Grocery List 2026 (With Amounts Per Guest)

By Cedar & Ledger

Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. A grocery list split by when you buy, with rough amounts per guest, saves a second (and third) trip to the store.

1. Count guests first

Write down adults and kids, plus any dietary needs. Every amount below depends on this number.

2. Use common per-guest amounts

These are common rules of thumb, not exact rules. Adjust for big or small eaters and for leftovers.

Whole turkey: about 1 to 1.5 lb per person (bone-in)
Mashed potatoes: about 1/2 lb raw potatoes per person
Stuffing: about 1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked per person
Gravy: about 1/3 cup per person
Rolls: 1 to 2 per person
Pie: one 9-inch pie serves about 8

3. Split the list by when to buy

2–3 weeks ahead (Nov 5–12): frozen turkey, canned goods, broth, flour, sugar, spices, foil pans, drinks.
Weekend before (Nov 21–22): butter, cheese, sturdy vegetables (onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, squash), cranberries.
1–2 days before (Nov 24–25): fresh herbs, salad greens, bread and rolls, whipped cream, fresh turkey if not frozen.

A frozen turkey needs time in the fridge to thaw: a common rule is about 24 hours per 4–5 lb, so a 16 lb bird needs about 4 days. Plan to move it to the fridge by Sunday, November 22.

4. Check your pantry before you shop

Cross off what you already have. Spices and baking basics are the most common doubles.

5. Put a price next to each line

Example numbers: 10 guests. Turkey 12 lb at $1.50/lb = $18. Sides, rolls and gravy about $45. Two pies and whipped cream about $22. Drinks about $25. Total about $110, or $11 per guest. Your prices will differ; check your store's weekly ad.

6. Leave a short "day-of" list

Ice, a forgotten herb, extra butter. Keep a small cushion (about 10%) in the budget for this.

Common questions

Fresh or frozen turkey? Frozen is often cheaper and can be bought early, but needs days to thaw. Fresh is easier on timing.

What if guests bring dishes? Take those off your list once they confirm. See our Friendsgiving potluck sign-up guide.

For the full cooking plan, see the Thanksgiving cooking timeline and the Thanksgiving dinner budget.

If you want it all on paper: the Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Planner 2026 ($5, details, US Letter and A4 PDF, 10 pages) has a dinner budget, guest list, menu planner, potluck sign-up, a two-section grocery list with cost columns, turkey and portion notes, a dated two-week countdown and a day-of timeline. A notebook works fine too.

This is general information, not financial or food-safety advice. Follow the package directions and USDA guidance for thawing and cooking poultry.

Honest note: I make these templates and sell them under Cedar & Ledger, so I'd earn from a purchase. This guide was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed before release.

Try the free Thanksgiving dinner cost calculator →

Related template: Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Planner. Also see: 2027 Meal Plan & Grocery List

See all Cedar & Ledger templates

Frequently asked questions

What does this guide cover?

A Thanksgiving 2026 grocery list split by when to buy, with common per-guest amounts, thaw timing and an example $11-per-guest budget.

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