Plus, does turkey really make you tired? And what you should not do when preparing it.
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Gertrude Stein wrote that “a rose is a rose is a rose.” Inspired by her musing (and alarmed at the high cost of the traditional Thanksgiving main course these days), we wanted to find out if the same could be said for turkeys.
For years, fans of the beloved Thanksgiving bird may have heard people refer to their pricey heritage turkeys as “life-altering.” But heritage birds are an investment: They can cost upward of $11 per pound compared with less than $2 per pound for a bargain bird. And if it’s brined and smothered in gravy anyway, how could anyone tell it apart from a regular grocery store bird? (Plus, you’ll be serving it alongside pumpkin, yams, and Brussels sprouts, right?)
To find out whether heritage birds are worth the money and how much difference there is between several popular grocery store brand turkeys, several colleagues headed to the Consumer Reports labs to roast five birds and do a blind taste test.
Even the least tasty turkey can be tarted up into something palatable if you massage enough butter, herbs, and other seasonings into its flesh before cooking, and then drown it in savory gravy after. But our goal was to evaluate the taste of the meat to help home cooks start with the best-tasting bird at the best price. So we took a minimal approach in our preparation: no added fat, herbs, or seasoning, other than 2.5 teaspoons of kosher salt distributed over the skin and inside the cavity—the most basic recipe we found that was approved by Paul Hope, a classically trained chef who writes about appliances at CR.
All of the turkeys we tested are listed below, with their cost as of November 2022, and our feelings about each cooked turkey’s texture, flavor, and moisture.
The 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Turkey was the second-most expensive turkey we tested—it flew to the top spot of the lists of most evaluators. And its virtues weren’t limited to its organic seal or its flavor: Social media editor Alexis Priester thought it was the prettiest turkey, too, which is important for that perfect Instagram moment. “White meat is generally the most appealing meat to look at (but least appealing in terms of flavor) . . . and this white meat was that turkey,” she said. Some tasters thought it was a little bland, but those who liked it really enjoyed it. Production Coordinator Aileen McCluskey thought both the “white and dark meat were moist . . . and had a really good, mild taste.”
Another evaluator thought this turkey was the most moist. At $2.99 a pound, it was the second-most expensive turkey.
With the holidays right around the corner, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right turkey brand for your festive feast. Two of the most popular options on the market are Butterball and Honeysuckle White turkeys But when it comes to taste, quality, price, and availability, which frozen turkey is the better choice?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Butterball versus Honeysuckle turkeys to help you determine the superior brand for your holiday table.
A Brief Overview of Butterball and Honeysuckle
Butterball and Honeysuckle White are two of the biggest turkey producers in the United States.
Butterball is the nation’s top selling brand, processing over 1 billion pounds of turkey every year. They provide a wide selection of turkey products including whole turkeys, breasts, deli meats, sausages, and ground turkey.
Honeysuckle White is another major player producing 350 million pounds of turkey annually. Like Butterball they offer an array of turkey options but are best known for their whole frozen birds.
Both brands raise turkeys on American family farms using grain-based feed. Their birds are antibiotic-free with no added hormones or steroids.
Comparing Flavor and Overall Quality
The most critical factor when selecting a holiday turkey is how it tastes. Based on expertise cooking turkeys from both brands, Butterball and Honeysuckle White are quite similar in overall flavor and quality.
Butterball turkeys are renowned for their juiciness, tenderness, and plump white meat. Their birds are pre-brined, resulting in moist, seasoned meat infused with extra flavor.
Honeysuckle White turkeys also deliver on tenderness and juiciness. Their meat tends to be milder in flavor but still savory and delicious. Honeysuckle birds are minimally processed to retain a more natural, subtle turkey taste.
While the flavors differ slightly, both brands provide tender, succulent meat ideal for holiday feasts. It comes down to personal preference for more pronounced or delicate turkey flavor.
Size Range and Product Variety
When it comes to size options and product range, Butterball offers one of the widest selections:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to 30+ pounds
- Turkey breasts from 2 to 8+ pounds
- Ground turkey, sausages, deli meat
- Organic and kosher choices
Honeysuckle White provides:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to 26 pounds
- Turkey breasts from 2 to 6 pounds
- Ground turkey and sausages
- Organic varieties
Both feature ample whole turkey sizes for parties big and small. However, Butterball edges out Honeysuckle for overall product variety.
Where to Buy Them
Availability is key when shopping for holiday turkeys. You’ll have no trouble locating either brand.
Butterball turkeys are sold at virtually every grocery store and warehouse club year-round. Special holiday offerings arrive in stores during the fall.
Honeysuckle White is similarly widely available at major supermarkets across the country. Peak selection is around the winter holidays but you can find their turkeys and deli meats throughout the year.
Since both brands are distributed nationwide, accessibility is comparable. Opt for whichever your preferred grocery chains carry.
Nutrition Facts and Ingredients
Frozen turkeys are a healthy, low-fat protein choice when not deep-fried.
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.
Honeysuckle White turkeys are simply seasoned with sea salt. They pride themselves on natural, minimally processed meat.
For purists, Honeysuckle lets the natural turkey flavor take center stage. However, Butterball’s injections provide undeniable seasoning.
Cost Comparison
Pricing fluctuates based on store promotions, weight, and seasonal demand. Generally expect to pay:
- Butterball:
- Whole turkeys: $1.00–$1.50 per pound
- Breasts: $6–$12 per pound
- Honeysuckle White:
- Whole turkeys: $0.90–$1.25 per pound
- Breasts: $7–$10 per pound
Honeysuckle White frequently has a lower cost than Butterball, especially for whole birds. But Butterball does offer coupon deals around the holidays to compete.
The Bottom Line: Which is Better?
When it comes down to it, both Butterball and Honeysuckle White produce extremely tender, flavorsome turkeys perfect for impressive holiday meals. Choosing between the brands depends on your priorities:
Go with Butterball if you want:
- More seasoning from flavor injections
- Wider range of turkey products
- Availability at virtually every grocer
Opt for Honeysuckle White for:
- Subtle, natural turkey flavor
- Lower cost per pound
- Minimally processed meat
No matter which you select, your holiday spread is sure to be a crowning achievement. Focus on picking the size you need and finding the best deal. Then relax knowing your turkey will turn out moist and delicious whichever brand you buy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Butterball versus Honeysuckle? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Are Butterball turkeys more flavorful?
Yes, Butterball turkeys are pre-brined, enhancing their flavor and juiciness. The broth injections impart seasoning throughout the meat.
Do Honeysuckle turkeys have a more natural taste?
Yes, Honeysuckle White turkeys are not pre-basted or injected. This gives them a more subtle, traditional turkey flavor.
What’s better for roasting and basic seasoning, Butterball or Honeysuckle?
Both turkeys roast well, but Honeysuckle lets you control seasoning from scratch. Butterball comes pre-injected so requires less seasoning effort.
Which brand has better availability around the holidays?
Both brands ramp up production for the holidays. Butterball may have a slight edge with distribution at more retailers.
Is there a significant difference in price between them?
There’s no major price difference. Honeysuckle frequently beats Butterball by 10-25 cents per pound on whole turkeys. But prices fluctuate.
Which turkey brand has a better reputation?
Both brands have excellent reputations among consumers for delivering quality turkeys year after year. Either is a safe bet.
Does one brand tend to have larger turkeys than the other?
Butterball offers a wider range of whole turkey sizes, up to 30+ pounds. Honeysuckle White tops out around 26 pounds.
Which brand offers better organic and kosher options?
Butterball has a greater selection of specialty turkeys like organic, kosher, heirloom, and free-range birds.
Which is easier to find good deals on around the holidays?
Both brands usually have promotions around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Butterball often distributes coupons for added savings.
The Final Word
Butterball and Honeysuckle White stand head-to-head when it comes to tasty frozen turkeys perfect for spectacular holiday meals. Choosing between the two brands comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Whichever high-quality turkey you select, you can count on impressing guests with a succulent, flavorful centerpiece. Gobble up the savings from holiday deals on these frozen bird brands, then relax and enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Best Value Bird: Aldi Never Any! Young Turkey
Price per pound, at the time of publish: $1.89
Graphic: Alisa OConnor/Consumer Reports Graphic: Alisa OConnor/Consumer Reports
It wasn’t the least expensive bird we tried (see Member’s Mark, below), but the Aldi Never Any! turkey is still a bargain at under $2 per pound, and many of our evaluators found it to be a palate pleaser. It also received two votes for the best-tasting bird. Several evaluators described the Aldi bird as gamey (one guessed it was a heritage bird), so this is a good choice for those who like their turkey on the gamey side and a bad choice for those who don’t. Althea Chang-Cook, an associate director of content, said it was “definitely more flavorful . . . and more tender, too.” It was her favorite. Priester also thought it tasted gamey but observed that it would stand up well to a “nice wet brine.”
15 Ways to Save Money on Your Feast
Check out our Thanksgiving food shopping tips.