Smoked turkey is a delicious, flavorful centerpiece for any special meal The smoky, seasoned flavor infuses right into the meat, making it incredibly moist and tender Smoking also cooks the turkey evenly without drying it out.
But where can you find a high-quality pre-smoked turkey to serve your family? There are several great options for purchasing smoked turkeys both locally and online.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a smoked turkey, including:
- The best places to buy smoked turkey
- Types of smoked turkey available
- Cost and pricing for smoked turkeys
- How to choose the right size
- Popular brands to look for
- Ordering direct from smokehouses
- Tips for selecting the perfect turkey
Let’s get started!
Buying Smoked Turkey at Grocery Stores
Many major supermarket chains carry pre-smoked turkey options, usually in the poultry or prepared foods sections. Here are some of the top grocery store retailers to check for whole smoked turkeys:
- Costco – Carries large Kirkland Signature smoked turkey breasts and whole birds over 10 lbs.
- Sam’s Club – Member’s Mark brand whole smoked self-basting turkeys.
- Walmart – Butterball, Honeysuckle White, and private label smoked turkeys.
- Kroger – Private Selection smoked self-basting turkeys.
- Publix – Publix Deli smoked turkeys.
- Safeway – Signature Select hickory smoked whole turkeys.
The advantage of buying smoked turkey at the grocery store is convenience. However selection is often limited compared to specialty meat markets and online.
Finding Smoked Turkey at Warehouse Clubs
Shopping at warehouse club stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s is a great option for buying large smoked turkeys at bulk pricing.
Costco in particular is renowned for its affordable Kirkland Signature house brand of smoked turkey breasts and whole birds, available in club locations and online. It’s high quality smoked turkey at wholesale prices.
The warehouse clubs primarily offer their own private label smoked turkey rather than name brands. Check the details like smoking method, flavors, and ingredients.
Ordering Smoked Turkey Online
For the widest selection of premium smoked turkey brands, flavors, and sizes, online shopping can’t be beat.
Popular online retailers for smoked turkey include:
- Butterball – Known for their frozen hickory smoked whole turkeys.
- Cracker Barrel – Offer original and cajun smoked turkey in various cuts.
- Hickory Farms – Sell smoked whole turkeys, breasts, and drumsticks.
- HoneyBaked Ham – Also offer whole and half boneless smoked turkeys.
- D’Artagnan – Upscale gourmet smoked organic whole turkeys.
- Peacock Foods – Smoked turkey in different flavors, sizes, and cuts.
- Schwan’s – Hickory smoked whole turkey breasts and other cuts.
- Omaha Steaks – Smoked turkey breasts and sausages.
Online shopping allows you to easily compare options and order the perfect size smoked turkey for your gathering. Most sites let you select a delivery date too.
Purchasing Directly from Smokehouses
For authentic smoked turkey crafted by experts, consider buying directly from traditional smokehouses that ship nationwide. Top smokehouses include:
- Burgers’ Smokehouse – Family-run since the 1920s, offering premium smoked turkey.
- Nueske’s – Specialty meats smokehouse with applewood smoked turkey.
The benefit of ordering direct is exceptional quality. Just keep in mind potential minimum orders and shipping costs.
How Much Does Smoked Turkey Cost?
The price of smoked turkey depends on the size, brand, retailer, and any seasonal demand:
- Whole smoked turkeys range from $2.99 to $5.99 per pound generally.
- Smoked turkey breasts average $7.99 to $11.99 per pound.
- Smaller specialty smokehouses run $12.99 to $17.99 per pound.
Expect to spend $40 up to over $100 for a whole smoked turkey feeding 8-12 people. Higher end gourmet smoked turkeys can run even more. Buying at warehouse clubs helps cut costs.
Choosing the Right Size Smoked Turkey
Picking the right size smoked turkey for your gathering is important. Here are some tips:
- Estimate 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound of turkey per person.
- Larger families and big events may need 15+ lb turkeys.
- Allow for generous leftovers since smoked turkey makes great sandwiches.
- Order smaller boneless breasts around 2.5 lbs for easier serving.
- Buy two smaller turkeys rather than one huge bird if needed.
Check the weight range available and order the closest to your ideal size.
Popular Brands of Smoked Turkey
For delicious smoked turkey you can rely on, look for these leading national brands:
- Butterball – The #1 turkey brand also offers frozen smoked turkeys.
- Honeysuckle White – Specializes in smoked turkey in various cuts.
- Kirkland Signature – Costco’s acclaimed house brand smoked turkey.
- Cargill/Shady Brook Farms – Major turkey processor selling smoked turkey.
- Jennie-O – Known for turkey products, including smoked.
- Member’s Mark – Sam’s Club private label smoked turkey.
There are also smaller smokehouses like Burgers’ and Nueske’s with exceptional smoked turkey reputations.
Buying Fresh vs Frozen Smoked Turkey
You likely won’t find truly fresh, never frozen smoked turkey at supermarkets. The smoking process used by major brands involves some freezing. But frozen smoked turkey still has fabulous flavor and texture after thawing.
To find fresh smoked turkey, visit a local specialty meat shop or smokehouse. For easy home delivery, opt for frozen smoked turkeys.
Ordering Smoked Turkey Early for the Holidays
During busy holiday seasons, demand for smoked turkey is high. Stores often run out of inventory and limit purchases.
So make sure to buy your smoked turkey well ahead of time – at least 4+ weeks before Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Check grocers’ policies on special order smoked turkey too.
Ordering online for delivery provides more flexibility than just relying on your neighborhood supermarket. Get your holiday smoked turkey order locked in early!
Tips for Picking the Perfect Smoked Turkey
Follow these helpful tips when selecting a smoked turkey:
- Verify the net weight to order the right size.
- Look for “self-basting” for added moisture and flavor.
- Choose your preferred smoking wood like hickory, apple, etc.
- Pick seasoned smoked turkey for cajun, garlic, etc.
- Go boneless for easier carving and serving.
- Inspect packaging and check expiration dates.
- Allow time to thaw frozen turkey in the fridge.
Enjoy the Flavor and Convenience
Smoked turkey offers amazing taste and convenience for holiday feasts, gatherings, or dinners any night of the week. Now that you know where to buy smoked turkey locally or order online, the only tough part is waiting to dig into delicious smoked turkey!
The Taste of The Holidays
Greenbergs have been smoking turkeys in Tyler for over 80 years. Little has changed in that time.
We prep each turkey by hand. After giving it our signature rub, we send the turkey to smoke for upwards of 16 hours.
Our Turkeys range in size from 5 to 15 pounds. We are unique in that you can order that size that you require as long as it is available. A rule of thumb for size is a third to half a pound per person for average eaters. Of course, this may vary, but we find this to be accurate in most cases.
We’ll Give You a Hand with the Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best holiday traditions. But you can only eat so many turkey sandwiches.
Let Greenberg Smoked Turkeys give you a hand. Browse our selection of recipes perfect for leftover turkey.
Where To Buy Smoked Turkey
FAQ
Does Costco sell whole smoked turkeys?
It’s plump and juicy and ready to be the centerpiece of your family’s special dinner! Our Whole Smoked Turkey by Stevison Meat Co is sold exclusively at Costco.
When you buy smoked turkey is it already cooked?
Turkey is already cooked and all you want to do is heat; overheating and cooking will dry it out and make it tough and tasteless.
Is Costco whole smoked turkey good?
The turkey is moist with good smoke flavor. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want a to make a whole turkey from scratch. And no the Turkey is not dry!
Does Whole Foods have smoked turkey?
Organic Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast at Whole Foods Market.
Where can I buy a smoked turkey?
Here are some top online sources: Burgers’ Smokehouse: This 100-year-old smokehouse offers hickory smoked whole turkeys from 10-24 lbs. Their smoked turkeys are uncured with no preservatives or injections. Harry & David: Famed for gift baskets, Harry & David sells fully cooked smoked turkey breasts in a variety of wood smoked flavors.
Can you buy frozen smoked turkey?
You’re unlikely to find fresh, never-frozen smoked turkey at supermarkets or online. The smoking process used by major brands involves freezing. However frozen smoked turkey retains the same great flavor and texture after thawing. To find truly fresh smoked turkey, you’d need to visit a local smokehouse or specialty meat shop.
Where can I buy a smoked turkey breast?
Butterball Fully Cooked Smoked Turkey: This trusted brand offers pre-smoked whole turkeys from 10-24 lbs along with smoked boneless turkey breasts. The no thaw needed turkeys are smoked over hardwood and hickory. Eckrich Smoked Turkey: Look for Eckrich whole smoked turkeys and turkey breasts at Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and more.
Where can I buy smoked turkey deli meat?
Boar’s Head Smoked Turkey: This premium deli brand sells high-quality smoked turkey deli meat along with bone-in smoked turkey legs and breasts at major grocery chains. Products are minimally processed without artificial ingredients.
What are the best smoked turkey brands?
Here are some of the top smoked turkey brands to look for: Butterball – The #1 turkey brand in America also offers frozen smoked turkeys. Honeysuckle White – Specializes in smoked turkey in a variety of flavors, sizes, and cuts. Kirkland Signature – Costco’s popular house brand of smoked turkey at wholesale prices.
How do I choose the best smoked turkey?
Look for turkeys labeled “self-basting” for added moisture and flavor. Select seasoned smoked turkey for Cajun, garlic, honey and other flavors. Opt for boneless smoked turkey breast for easier carving. Order 2+ weeks ahead for holiday meals to ensure availability. Inspect packaging condition and expiration dates.