It can feel like a lot of pressure for perfection when it comes to seasoning, preparing and roasting the turkey, knowing that it will be the star of the meal.
For first-time turkey cookers and tenured Thanksgiving chefs alike, theres good news: Butterball is here to help.
The companys Turkey Talk-Line is open every November and December to give advice and answer turkey-related questions. You can call or text Butterballs turkey experts for individualized help. The company also offers how-to information on its website.
Dont get asked to bring plates and napkins next year. Heres information on the hotline and some answers to make your turkey the most delicious.
Butterball turkeys are a staple for many households during the holiday season. If you’ve stocked up on frozen Butterball turkeys, you may be wondering – how long will they last? Can you keep them in the freezer for months or even years after purchase?
Understanding how to interpret the Butterball turkey date codes can help you determine if your frozen bird is still safe to thaw and roast. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the shelf life and freshness of frozen Butterball turkeys.
Overview of Frozen Butterball Turkey Storage Life
In general, an unopened frozen Butterball turkey can be stored in the freezer for a minimum of 2 years from the packaging date, according to Butterball. However, for best quality and flavor, it is ideal to use frozen Butterball turkeys within 1 year.
To get the full 2 year freezer life some conditions must be met
- Turkey must remain continuously frozen
- Original airtight packaging with no tears or holes
- Stored at a constant 0°F or below
If stored properly in the freezer, Butterball states that their turkeys can stay fresh for up to 2 years. But the date codes provide more specific guidance.
Reading and Understanding Butterball’s Date Codes
Butterball uses several different date code formats on their frozen turkey packaging. Here’s how to decipher each type:
Date Code Starting with 25 + 8 Digits
Example: 2500011210C
- The first 2 digits (25) = The year (2025)
- Next 8 digits (0011210) = Julian date code for the year (112th day of 2025)
- Final letter (C) = Production code
Date Code Starting with LOT + 6 Digits + EST + 3 Digits:
Example: LOT 00120 EST 137
- LOT = Batch code
- Next 6 digits (00120) = Julian date (120th day of the year)
- EST = Establishment code
- Final 3 digits (137) = Plant processing code
Date Code Starting with 150 + 8 Digits:
Example: 15000011210
- First 3 digits (150) = Year (2015)
- Next 8 digits (0011210) = Julian date (112th day of 2015)
Date Code Starting with 6 or 7 + 2 Digits + 1 Digit:
Example: 6 20 1
- First digit (6 or 7) = Decade (2060s or 2070s)
- Next 2 digits (20) = Year within decade (2020)
- Final digit (1) = Production code
Signs Your Turkey May Be Past its Prime
While the Butterball date codes provide the definitiveProduction codes. production date, here are some other signs that your frozen turkey may be too old to use:
-
Freezer burn – Grayish-brown dry spots indicate freezer burn. This affects texture and moisture.
-
Ice crystals – Large ice crystals inside packaging means thawing and refreezing occurred.
-
Odor – If you detect an off or unpleasant odor upon opening.
-
Color – If the flesh looks very dull or yellowish.
-
Sliminess – Excessive slippery moisture when thawed.
Use your judgment along with the date codes. If you see these issues when examining your turkey, it’s best to discard it even if the date codes indicates it should still be good.
Proper Thawing and Handling
To safely thaw your frozen Butterball turkey:
- Refrigerator thawing is ideal – allow 1 full day per 4-5 lbs turkey.
- Can thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Avoid thawing at room temperature or in hot water to prevent bacterial growth. Cook thoroughly and properly store any uneaten leftover turkey.
Can You Refreeze a Thawed Turkey?
Once thawed, Butterball states that turkeys should not be refrozen for food safety reasons. Even if refrozen quickly, the ice crystals and texture deterioration make it inadvisable.
If you thawed a turkey but changed your plans, your best option is to cook the turkey fully then freeze the cooked meat in portions. The cooked turkey will maintain quality and taste better when used later.
What’s the Shelf Life of Cooked Leftover Turkey?
Cooked leftover turkey can be frozen for 2-6 months for optimal quality. When refrigerating, consume leftover turkey within 3-4 days.
Freeze turkey meat in airtight packaging in small portions to avoid waste. Thaw completely when ready to eat.
Buying a Fresh Turkey vs Frozen
Since frozen Butterball turkeys can maintain quality for so long, there is minimal difference in freshness between a fresh or properly frozen turkey. Both are excellent options. Go with the best value or convenience for your needs.
The date codes printed on Butterball’s frozen turkeys allow you to make the most of your holiday bird purchase. Follow the guide above to decode the date format used. Combine with sensory inspection and proper thawing and cooking. Then you can enjoy delicious Butterball turkey for up to 2 years frozen.
How long should I brine a turkey?
There are a lot of different ways to flavor your turkey before it goes into the oven or fryer. Using a wet brine is a more popular way to prepare the turkey.
Theres no universal way to brine a turkey; different recipes mandate soaking the turkey for different amounts of time. It can take as long as 24 hours.
The turkey should be completely thawed before the brine. Prepare your prep time accordingly.
What is the Butterball hotline?
The Butterball hotline has been helping holiday chefs prepare their turkeys for more than four decades. Since 1981, the hotline has grown in its operations and popularity, becoming a staple for the holiday season.
Today, the Turkey Talk-Line assists more than 100,000 chefs across the United States and Canada, according to Butterball. The line takes 10,000 calls on Thanksgiving Day alone.
Butterball Cook from Frozen Premium Whole Turkey: How to Unwrap and Prep
FAQ
Is a 2 year old frozen turkey ok to eat?
Eating a turkey that has been frozen for two years is generally considered safe, as long as it has been kept at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. Freezing preserves food and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Where is the expiration date on a frozen turkey?
Per the USDA frozen turkey meat is safe to eat indefinitely. The hang tag has Julian or lot codes that can be used to determine the date your turkey was packaged. Using the information below, you can determine a turkey’s pack date from the MFG INFO on a hang tag.
How long can you keep a turkey in the freezer before it goes bad?
A frozen turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to one year without a significant loss in quality. However, it will remain safe to eat indefinitely if kept at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. For best results, it’s recommended to consume the turkey within 6 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Are frozen Butterball turkeys any good?
These Butterball frozen turkeys come brined, so the meat is juicy and flavorful. And the skin actually does get crispy—as long as it’s not touching any of the turkey juices. If you’re looking for a super-easy Thanksgiving turkey that requires the bare minimum of work, then you’ve found your solution.
How long can you keep a frozen turkey in the freezer?
According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line Expert, turkey can be stored in the freezer (unopened and uninterrupted) for up to 2-3 years and still be safe to cook. However, for the best quality, we recommend using the frozen turkey within 7 months of storage. Thereof, how can you tell if a frozen turkey is bad?
How long does a frozen Butterball turkey last?
First things first, let’s talk about the general shelf life of a frozen Butterball turkey. As a rule of thumb, you can keep a frozen Butterball turkey in its original packaging for a minimum of 2 years. Yep, you read that right, 2 years! That’s a pretty long time, but there are a few conditions to keep in mind: The turkey must remain frozen.
How long can you keep a Butterball turkey in the fridge?
A whole turkey can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Turkey pieces are best consumed within nine months. Ground turkey can be stored for up to three to four months. How long can you keep a frozen Butterball turkey in the fridge?
Can you freeze a frozen Butterball turkey?
Freezer burn can dry out the meat as moisture evaporates. For peak quality and taste, consume your frozen Butterball turkey within 6-12 months. Cook from frozen, do not thaw and refreeze. How Can I Maximize Freezer Life?
How long does a Turkey last in the fridge?
There are two main types of turkeys: fresh and frozen. Fresh turkeys are typically sold in grocery stores and have a shelf life of about 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Frozen turkeys are sold in grocery stores and meat markets, and have a shelf life of about 9-12 months when stored in the freezer.
How long does a turkey breast last in the freezer?
Fresh turkeys will keep for a shorter period of time than frozen turkeys. In general, a whole turkey will keep for up to 1 year in the freezer, while a frozen turkey breast will keep for up to 9 months. However, these are just general guidelines, and the actual shelf life of your turkey may vary depending on the factors listed above.