Which would you grab first: turkey or ham? There are so many things to think about, like what the occasion is, what’s cheaper, and what your guests want.
During the holiday season, both turkey and ham are great options this time of year. Personal taste is the only thing that really matters, but I’ll explain what I think is better on the plate and why. I will also talk about ways to save money and time, as well as what to do with leftovers.
The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time for the annual debate – turkey or ham? Both are quintessential centerpieces of holiday meals, but which one gives you more bang for your buck? I’m here to settle the score once and for all.
First, let’s take a look at our two contenders vying for the title of most cost-effective holiday protein:
Turkey – This traditional holiday bird has long been the go-to choice for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Turkey is prized for its lean versatile meat that can be roasted, smoked, or fried.
Ham – Whether you prefer spiral-cut, bone-in, or smoked, ham is a boneless pork cut that offers rich, savory flavor. It often shows up glazed, honey-baked, or pineapple-studded at holiday tables.
Now that we’re acquainted with turkey and ham, let’s break down their cost factor side-by-side.
Diving Into the Dollars: Turkey vs. Ham Prices
Pricing for holiday meats can fluctuate year to year based on supply, demand, and other market forces. However, we can draw some general conclusions based on average per-pound costs:
- Whole turkey – $1 to $1.50 per pound
- Turkey breast – $3 to $6 per pound
- Boneless ham – $3.50 to $4.50 per pound
- Bone-in ham – $2 to $3 per pound
Based on these ranges, bone-in ham tends to be the most budget-friendly choice, followed closely by whole turkey. Boneless ham and turkey breast are premium options at a higher price point.
However, averages don’t tell the whole story. Let’s explore some other cost considerations.
Serving Size: Calculating Cost Per Person
To determine true value, we need to look at the cost per serving – not just the sticker price. Hams and turkeys often serve large gatherings, so the price per pound gets divided over many portions.
Here are some serving estimates:
- Whole turkey – About 1 pound per person
- Turkey breast – Approximately 1/2 pound per person
- Bone-in ham – Around 4 ounces per person
- Boneless ham – About 3 ounces per person
Going by these serving sizes, whole turkey and bone-in ham are again the front runners when calculating cost per person. A 15-pound turkey and a 7-pound bone-in ham would both feed roughly 15 people at under $1 per serving.
Factor #3: Leftovers
Leftovers are where turkey really shines. A whole bird yields copious leftovers – sandwiches, casseroles, soups, the possibilities are endless! Ham leftovers are excellent too, but less plentiful.
Since turkey leftovers can provide meals for several days beyond the holiday, this stretches your dollar even further. The amount of leftovers factors into turkey being a smart buy.
Beyond Cost: Other Considerations
While cost is crucial, there are a few other factors that may influence your holiday protein purchase:
- Preparation time – A bone-in ham only needs gentle reheating, while turkeys require lengthy roasting.
- Flavor preference – Ham generally offers richer, saltier flavor compared to turkey’s more delicate taste.
- Variety – Ham can be glazed, smoked, baked, or spiral sliced for diverse menus.
Even when taking these into account, turkey and ham are neck-and-neck as budget-wise picks for holiday centerpieces.
The Bottom Line: It’s a Tie!
When all is said and done, whole turkey and bone-in ham come out as close contenders for the title of most cost-effective holiday meat. While pricing fluctuates, they both provide lots of affordable servings. Turkey yields more leftovers, but ham involves easier prep.
The true winner is whichever one suits your preferences and holiday budget. You can feel good selecting turkey, ham, or both this season knowing you’re making a savvy choice! Focus instead on creating delicious memories and relishing time with loved ones.
To recap, opt for whole turkey or bone-in ham to get the best bang for your buck. Shop sales and prices match to maximize savings. Calculate cost per serving rather than just price per pound. Enjoy leftovers to stretch your dollar. And most importantly, relax and savor the holiday!
Thanksgiving Turkey time saving tips
It’s okay if you don’t want to deal with that huge bird. Turkey breasts and even smoked turkey legs are great for a crowd. Check out my guide on how to cook smoked turkey legs from the store.
I tested 4 ways to cook them and the results may surprise you!
Your first thought might be, “Why would I cook another protein?” But think about your last Thanksgiving. How much ham did people take? How much turkey did people take?.
I’m pretty sure that most people will grab a big piece of smoked ham and a small piece of Thanksgiving turkey.
Prioritize the ham. It’s meaty. It’s the sister to bacon. You can eat these ham and cheese sliders with cranberry sauce the next day because they are so good.
You can slice off ham to enhance other dishes too like in smoked green bean casserole. You want to raise your vegetable game? Introduce them to the ham.
How much turkey per person?
When cooking an entire turkey, plan for about 1 ½ pounds per person. For example, if you are feeding 5 people, purchase a turkey that is about 7 pounds. If you use a boneless breast, you don’t have to worry about how much it weighs because the bones are already taken care of. With all the other food on the table, you might have some left over, which isn’t always a bad thing.
Making Your Own Turkey Deli Ham(Boloney)
FAQ
What is better, ham or turkey?
What sells more turkey or ham?
How much does ham cost for Thanksgiving?
Why is turkey so much cheaper?
How much does a turkey ham cost?
Here are the costs I found. Whole turkey prices range from $.88 to $1.19 a pound. Boneless, spiral cut hams are about $3.50 a pound. Bone-in ham varies from $1.48 to 1.98 a pound. Both ham and turkey are priced to lure you to the store. The simple answer is turkey and the bone-in ham cost about the same with boneless ham costing significantly more.
Is turkey meat cheaper than Ham?
Turkey meat is cheaper compared to ham. Ham, more often than usual, is considered a delicate cold cut. However, cheap cuts are also available in the market. As the quality of pork and the smokiness increase, it becomes more expensive if the ham is boneless.
What is the difference between Turkey meat and Ham?
Turkey meat is mostly richer in polyunsaturated fats. Ham is higher in trans fats compared to turkey meat. Turkey meat has negligible amounts of trans fat. Trans fat consumption has dietary relevance. It is important to monitor the trans fat intake. It should be in minimal amounts. If possible, avoiding it altogether is the healthiest approach.
How many calories are in Turkey meat compared to Ham?
Turkey meat contains 44 calories more than ham. They are classified as medium-calorie foods . Both turkey meat and ham have a glycemic index that is equal to 0. Turkey meat, compared to ham, is richer in phosphorus, copper, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. On the other hand, ham is richer in zinc, potassium, manganese, and iron.