Best Grocery Items to Stock Up On During Thanksgiving Sales

Thanksgiving is not just a time for gathering with family—it’s also an excellent opportunity to stock up on essential grocery items at lower prices. Every year, I make it a point to take advantage of these sales, not only for the holiday meal but to prepare for the months ahead.

Below is a list of items that typically go on sale during Thanksgiving, along with their shelf life and the best storage methods.

Plan ahead now so you can take full advantage of these deals and stock your pantry!

Thanksgiving Sales on Turkey and Poultry

When I think of Thanksgiving, turkey is the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. Not only is it the star of the holiday table, but it’s also incredibly affordable during Thanksgiving sales.

You can often find turkeys for less than $1.00 per pound, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly protein options to stock up on. A single turkey can feed around 12-15 people, so it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or for future meals.

Turkey Shelf Life

• Frozen: Up to 1 year

Best Storage Method for Turkey

• Freezer: Store whole turkeys or poultry cuts in the freezer for long-term storage. If you have the space, stocking up is a smart move.
• Canning: You can also can turkey meat for convenient, shelf-stable storage that doesn’t require refrigeration—ideal for quick meals throughout the year.

How to Can Turkey Meat by Clemson Extension Agency

Stuffing Mixes

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential, and the pre-packaged mixes often go on sale. This is one of those items I always make sure to stock up on for my casserole dishes or when I’m pressed for time and can’t make homemade stuffing.

Shelf Life for Stuffing Mixes

• Unopened: 1-2 years

Best Storage Method For Stuffing Mixes

• Dry Storage: Keep stuffing mixes in a cool, dry place. After opening, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

If you’re like me and prefer homemade vs store-bought, try my Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe.

Canned Vegetables and Broth

Canned vegetables and broth are versatile ingredients that I use throughout the year, not just during the holidays. These items are always on my shopping list during Thanksgiving sales.

Shelf Life for Canned Vegetables and Broth

• Canned Vegetables: 1-2 years
• Broth: 1-2 years

Best Storage Method for Canned Vegetables

• Pantry Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Canning ensures a long shelf life, making these items perfect for stocking up.

Baking Supplies on Sale During Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving baking can really eat up your pantry staples, so I always grab extra when these go on sale. Flour, sugar, and baking powder are just a few of the essentials.

Shelf Life for Baking Supplies

• Flour: 6-8 months
• Sugar: Indefinite if stored properly
• Baking Powder: 6 months to 1 year

Best Storage Method for Baking Supplies

• Dry Storage: Store these supplies in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Spices and Herbs

Thanksgiving sales are the perfect time to go through your spice cabinet and update those expired spices and seasonings. Things like poultry seasoning, cinnamon, or nutmeg.

• Shelf Life: 1-2 years for dried spices
• Best Storage Method: Keep in airtight containers away from heat and light to preserve their potency.

Chocolate Chips

• Shelf Life: Unopened 1-2 years, opened 6-8 months
• Best Storage Method: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, transfer the chocolate chips to an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture or odors.

Canned and Fresh Cranberries

Cranberries are a holiday staple, whether canned or fresh, and I always make sure to have some on hand to enjoy throughout the year.

Shelf Life of Cranberries

• Canned: 1-2 years
• Fresh: 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator

Best Storage Method for Cranberries

• Pantry Storage: Store canned cranberries in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
• Refrigeration or Freezing: Keep fresh cranberries in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to a year to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Have you ever made cranberry sauce from scratch? With only three ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you could make your own. Try our Fresh Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe.

Pie Crusts and Baking Mixes

Pie crusts and baking mixes are another category where I find great deals during Thanksgiving.

Shelf Life for Pie Crust and Baking Mixes

• Unopened: 1-2 years

Best Storage Method for Pie Crust and Baking Mixes

• Freezer: Freeze pie crusts for longer shelf life. Store baking mixes in a cool, dry place.

Stock Up on Butter and Cream During The Sales

These dairy products are holiday essentials, especially when baking Christmas Cookies. Stocking up when they’re on sale can save you a lot of money.

Shelf Life of Butter and Cream

• Butter: 6-9 months (frozen)
• Cream: Up to 1 month (frozen)

Best Storage Method for Butter and Cream

• Freezer: Butter can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Cream can also be frozen but may separate; use it in cooked dishes after thawing.

Try our Easy Homemade Butter Recipe, this makes the perfect gift with a loaf of homemade bread.

Nuts

Nuts are a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, and they often go on sale during Thanksgiving.

Shelf Life for Nuts

• 6 months (room temperature), up to 1 year (refrigerated or frozen)

Best Storage Method for Nuts

• Dry Storage or Freezer: Store nuts in the freezer or refrigerator to prevent them from going rancid.

Our Candied Walnut Recipe is a holiday favorite.

Canned Pumpkin and Pie Filling

Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic, so I always grab a few extra cans of pumpkin puree and pie filling when they’re on sale.

Shelf Life for Pumpkin Pie Filling

• Canned Pumpkin: 1-2 years
• Pie Filling: 1-2 years

Best Storage Method for Pumpkin Pie Filling

• Pantry Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

If you’re looking for a new appetizer recipe to try for the holidays, you have to try our Savory Pumpkin Spice Dip.

Evaporated and Condensed Milk

These ingredients are often used in holiday baking, and they store well, so I like to buy them in bulk.

Shelf Life for Condensed Milk

• 1-2 years

Best Storage Method for Evaporated Milk

• Pantry Storage: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few days.

Gravy Mixes and Sauces

Gravy mixes and sauces are indispensable during the holidays, and they last a long time in storage.

Shelf Life for Gravy Mixes

• 1-2 years

Best Storage Method for Gravy Mixes

• Pantry Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from moisture to prevent clumping.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are perfect for soups, stews, and side dishes throughout the year, and they often go on sale during Thanksgiving.

Shelf Life of Frozen Vegetables

• 8-12 months in the Freezer

Fresh Produce on Sale During Thanksgiving Sales

During Thanksgiving week, a variety of fresh produce typically goes on sale, offering a great opportunity to stock up on essentials for your homestead.

Apples

Fall is the season for apples. When you eat produce in season, not only is it healthier, but it typically costs lest.

Ideal for baking and canning, apples are usually available in abundant supply during the Thanksgiving Sales.

Shelf Life of Apples

• 4-6 weeks (refrigerator), up to 6 months (cold storage)

Best Storage Method for Apples

• Refrigerator or Cold Storage: Store apples in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods as they can absorb odors.

Celery

Celery is a must-have for holiday stuffing and adds flavor to soups and sides.

Shelf Life of Celery

• 1-2 weeks (refrigerator)

Best Storage Method for Celery

• Refrigerator: Wrap celery in aluminum foil and store it in the crisper drawer. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the celery crisp. You can also chop and freeze celery for use in soups and stews.

Cranberries

Fresh cranberries are only available for purchase during the holiday season. Buy a couple of bags to make cranberry sauce, and freeze some to enjoy during the rest of the year.

Shelf Life of Fresh Cranberries

• 3-4 weeks (refrigerator), up to 1 year (frozen)

Best Storage Method for Fresh Cranberries

• Refrigeration or Freezing: Store fresh cranberries in their original packaging or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Traditional Cooking School offers a simple recipe to make your own Fresh Cranberry Juice.

Fresh Green Beans

It’s not Thanksgiving without green bean casserole, and fresh green beans make it even better.

Shelf Life of Fresh Green Beans

• 1 week (refrigerator)

Best Storage Method for Fresh Green Beans

• Refrigerator: Store green beans in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. For long-term storage, blanch and freeze green beans.

Potatoes

Potatoes are essential for creamy mashed potatoes, a Thanksgiving classic that everyone loves.

Shelf Life of Fresh Potatoes

• 1-2 months (cool, dark place)

Best Storage Method for Potatoes

• Cool, Dark Storage: Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place. Avoid refrigerating raw potatoes, as this can turn their starches into sugar and affect the flavor. Cooked potatoes can be frozen for longer storage.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, perfect for making delicious casseroles or roasted as a side dish.

Shelf Life of Sweet Potatoes

• 3-5 weeks (cool, dark place)

Best Storage Method for Sweet Potatoes

• Cool, Dark Storage: Similar to regular potatoes, store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Avoid refrigerating as it can cause hard centers and unpleasant tastes. Sweet potatoes can also be cooked and frozen.

Squash (Butternut, Acorn, etc.)

Squash adds a touch of seasonal flavor to your Thanksgiving table, whether roasted, mashed, or in a comforting casserole.

Shelf Life of Squash

• 1-3 months (cool, dark place)

Best Storage Method for Squash

• Cool, Dry Storage: Store winter squash in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. For long-term storage, squash can be peeled, cubed, and frozen.

Final Tip For Stocking Up During Thanksgiving Sales

As you prepare for the holiday season, be sure to check expiration dates and storage instructions on packaging for specific items.

Stocking up during Thanksgiving sales can be a great way to save money and prepare for the coming months, ensuring you have plenty of ingredients for all your homesteading needs.