The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s time to start thinking about the star of your festive meal – the turkey! Two of the most popular frozen turkey brands to choose from are Butterball and Honeysuckle White. But when it comes to taste quality, availability and price, which frozen turkey brand should you buy – Butterball or Honeysuckle?
As a holiday host for many years, I’ve cooked my fair share of turkeys from both brands. Below I’ll compare the key factors to consider when deciding between Butterball and Honeysuckle White for your perfect holiday bird.
A Quick Overview of Each Turkey Brand
Butterball and Honeysuckle White are two of the biggest turkey producers in the US
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Butterball is the nation’s top brand, processing over 1 billion pounds of turkey per year. They offer whole turkeys, breasts, deli meats, sausages and ground turkey.
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Honeysuckle White also produces over 350 million pounds annually. Like Butterball, they provide whole frozen birds plus other turkey products.
Both brands raise turkeys on American family farms using grain-based feed. Their birds are antibiotic-free with no added hormones or steroids.
Comparing Taste and Overall Quality
The most important consideration when selecting a turkey is taste and quality. In my experience, Butterball and Honeysuckle White are quite similar.
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Butterball turkeys are prized for their juiciness, tenderness and plump breast meat. Their birds are pre-brined for moist, seasoned meat.
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Honeysuckle White turkeys also deliver on tenderness and juiciness Their meat tends to be milder in flavor but still tasty. Their minimal processing retains a natural turkey taste.
While the flavors differ slightly, both offer tender, delicious meat perfect for holiday feasts. It comes down to preference between subtle or more pronounced turkey flavor.
Size Range and Product Variety
Butterball provides one of the widest selections of turkey options:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to 30+ lbs
- Breasts from 2 to 8+ lbs
- Ground turkey, sausages, deli meats
- Organic and kosher choices
Honeysuckle White offers:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to 26 lbs
- Breasts from 2 to 6 lbs
- Ground turkey and sausages
- Organic varieties
Both provide ample whole turkey sizes for any gathering. Butterball has a slightly broader product range.
Availability and Where to Buy
You’ll have no problem finding either brand in stores.
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Butterball turkeys are sold year-round everywhere from grocery stores to warehouse clubs. Limited editions come out for the holidays.
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Honeysuckle White is similarly widely available at major supermarkets, especially during peak holiday season.
Since both brands have nationwide distribution, accessibility is comparable. Go with whichever your preferred stores carry.
Nutrition Info and Ingredients
Frozen turkeys are a healthy, low-fat protein when not deep-fried.
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Butterball contains no added hormones, steroids or animal by-products. Their traditional turkeys are injected with a salt and broth solution for moisture and flavor.
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Honeysuckle White uses only sea salt for seasoning. They pride themselves on natural, minimal processing.
For purists, Honeysuckle lets the real turkey flavor come through. Butterball’s injections provide robust seasoning.
Cost Comparison
Pricing fluctuates based on deals, weight and seasonal demand. Generally expect to pay:
- Butterball: Whole turkeys $1.00-$1.50 per lb, Breasts $6-$12 per lb
- Honeysuckle White: Whole turkeys $0.90-$1.25 per lb, Breasts $7-$10 per lb
Honeysuckle White frequently beats Butterball on price, especially for whole birds. But Butterball may have coupon deals for the holidays.
The Verdict: Which Frozen Turkey Brand is Best?
Butterball and Honeysuckle White both deliver delicious, tender turkeys perfect for holiday meals. Choosing between them depends on your priorities:
Go Butterball for:
- More flavor injections
- Wider product selection
- Availability everywhere
Go Honeysuckle White for:
- Natural mild turkey taste
- Lower cost
- Minimal processing
Either way, you can’t go wrong picking these top turkey brands. Whichever you choose, your holiday feast is sure to be a memorably delicious success!
More Tips for Picking the Perfect Turkey
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For advertised sale prices, shop early – popular times sell out fast.
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Brining your turkey ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
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Thaw frozen turkeys in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking.
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Cook to 160°F in the deepest part of the breast for food safety.
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Let rest 20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Add your favorite herbs, citrus and spices under and on the skin.
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Use leftovers for easy casseroles, soups, sandwiches and salads.
Whichever brand you select, follow proper thawing, prep and cooking methods for the tastiest results. Here’s to a spectacular, stress-free turkey day! Gobble gobble!
HoneySuckle Turkey Butterball Turkey Compare ( Happy Thanksgiving ) choose which no added hormone
FAQ
Is honeysuckle a good brand for turkey?
Is a Butterball turkey better than others?
What brand of turkey is the most tender?
Are Butterball & honeysuckle white turkey meat the same?
Both Butterball and Honeysuckle White brands are known for the quality of the turkey meat they offer. Butterball is praised for the tenderness and juiciness of their turkeys and turkey meat. They are also brined and tenderized, so they turn out just like advertised.
Is Butterball the same as Honeysuckle White?
Considering that both brands revolve around turkeys and turkey meat, their products are widely available all year round in stores and online. Still, Butterball’s availability is slightly higher than Honeysuckle White’s.
Which is better honeysuckle or Butterball?
So, if you prefer a more gentle flavor, Honeysuckle While would be better for you, and if you are more into soft and juicy turkey meat, Butterball would be a better choice for your taste. What will you be going for this holiday season — gentleness or juiciness?
Are honeysuckle white turkeys good?
Honeysuckle White turkeys are known for their gentle and natural flavor. The meat is very tender and very easy to handle, so they turn out soft and juicy, just like advertised. Just like Butterball, Honeysuckle White also strives to give the customers what they promised and does a great job in doing so.
How much does a honeysuckle turkey weigh?
They typically weigh between 12 and 16 pounds when fully grown. Honeysuckle turkeys, on the other hand, are bred for their flavorful meat and slower growth rate. They typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds when fully grown. * Butterball turkeys have a white feathering, while Honeysuckle turkeys have a brown feathering.
Are honeysuckle turkeys processed?
They are typically processed in large plants and are available in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. * Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle turkeys are raised on small farms and are fed a diet of a variety of grains and vegetables. They are typically processed in smaller plants and are available in a smaller range of sizes, from small to large.