Can You Buy Turkey Year Round? How to Find Whole Turkeys Outside of the Holidays

Turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, as millions of families across America gather around the table to enjoy a roasted turkey dinner. But contrary to popular belief turkey doesn’t have to be relegated just to the holidays. You can actually purchase whole turkeys year-round if you know where to look. Here’s how to get your hands on a whole turkey any time of year.

Why Whole Turkeys Are Harder to Find Post-Holidays

There are a few reasons why spotting whole turkeys in grocery stores becomes more scarce outside of the holidays:

• Seasonal demand – Turkey consumption spikes by 30% around Thanksgiving, as it’s a staple for holiday feasts. High demand means ample supply in stores

• Limited shelf life – Fresh turkeys have a shorter shelf life than other poultry Stores don’t want to be stuck with unsold turkeys.

• Loss leaders – Turkeys are often loss leaders for stores around the holidays to lure in customers. Less incentive to sell off-season.

• Lack of variety – Turkey production focuses on larger frozen birds available year-round. Less availability of small, fresh turkeys.

So once the holidays have passed, most grocery retailers shift their poultry inventory away from whole turkeys since sales precipitously decline in January. But don’t despair – you can still buy whole turkeys 365 days a year with a little effort.

Where to Purchase Whole Turkey Year-Round

Here are some of the best options for sourcing whole turkeys outside of the hectic holiday season:

• Frozen at the grocery store – Frozen whole turkeys are readily available at most supermarkets year-round. Opt for a smaller bird around 8-12 lbs for everyday meals.

• From a butcher shop or meat market – Specialty meat shops and butcher counters often stock fresh turkeys in a variety of sizes. Ask ahead to check availability.

• Direct from a local farm – Many turkey farms sell frozen birds from their flock direct to consumers year-round. Shop at farmer’s markets or visit their websites.

• Online retailers – Several online stores sell turkeys year-round and ship them frozen straight to your door. Search for heritage and organic birds.

• Wholesale stores – Big box stores like Costco and Sam’s Club typically have large frozen turkeys in their freezers all year for bargain prices.

Tips for Buying Turkey Post-Thanksgiving

Follow these handy tips for scoring great turkey deals outside of the peak holiday season:

• Shop early – retailers are most likely to have excess inventory right after Thanksgiving.

• Check the freezer section – you’ll have the most luck finding birds there rather than refrigerated.

• Buy frozen – frozen turkeys are often less expensive and can be stored long-term until ready to use.

• Look for sales – holiday pricing still applies in December so watch for discounts.

• Go for smaller sizes – 12 lbs and under turkeys work great for non-holiday meals.

• Consider heritage breeds – they have more flavor but cost a bit more than commercial turkeys.

• Request special orders – ask your butcher counter or specialty market to bring some in.

Enjoy Turkey All Year Long

You no longer have to wait for the holidays to enjoy delicious roasted turkey! With frozen birds available at any grocery store and fresh turkeys found at specialty shops, you can find whole turkeys year-round. Be flexible on size and breed and you’ll have no problem sourcing quality birds perfect for everyday meals. Happy turkey hunting!