Is Jennie O a Good Turkey Brand? An In-Depth Look

Jennie O turkey is a popular Thanksgiving tradition for many families. But with so many turkey brands on the market how do you know if Jennie O is a good choice? As turkey lovers ourselves we decided to take an in-depth look at Jennie O turkey to see if it lives up to the hype.

A Brief History of Jennie O

Jennie O was founded in 1940 by Earl B. Olson in Willmar, Minnesota. He named the company after his daughter, Jennifer Olson. In 1949, Hormel Foods acquired Jennie O, but it continued operating as a separate brand.

Throughout the mid-1900s, Jennie O focused on breeding turkeys specifically for their meat quality Their birds became known for their juiciness, tenderness and flavor By the 1990s, Jennie O was one of the largest turkey producers in America.

Today, Jennie O sells whole turkeys, breasts, deli meats, sausages and ground turkey. Their headquarters is still in Willmar, MN and their turkeys are raised on Midwest farms.

Jennie O’s Reputation for Quality

Over 80 years, Jennie O has built a reputation for quality and taste. Their turkeys are prized for being juicy, tender and delicious right out of the oven.

Jennie O controls every step from the hatchery to the packaging plant Their turkeys are fed a vegetable diet and raised cage-free in temperature-controlled barns, No artificial hormones or steroids are used,

On consumer sites, Jennie O whole turkeys consistently earn high ratings. Customers rave about the juicy flavor. Jennie O has won numerous awards and taste tests over the years as well.

In a Serious Eats taste test comparing heritage, kosher, organic and conventionally raised turkeys, Jennie O came out on top. Testers praised it for juiciness and well-seasoned flavor.

How Jennie O Compares to Butterball

Butterball is Jennie O’s biggest competitor. Both are available nationally in grocery stores. Here are some key differences between them:

Size: On average, Butterball turkeys are slightly larger than Jennie O. Butterball offers turkeys up to 24 lbs, while Jennie O tops out around 16 lbs.

Price: Jennie O turkeys cost about $1 more per pound than Butterball. However, you may get more meat per dollar with a bigger Butterball.

Flavor: In taste tests, Jennie O tends to edge out Butterball slightly in juiciness and flavor. But both score well among testers.

Availability: Both are widely available, but Butterball may be easier to find last-minute since they dominate sales.

For quality and taste, Jennie O stacks up nicely against Butterball. Jennie O offers smaller turkeys, which works well for smaller gatherings. Their prices are very similar too.

Pros and Cons of Jennie O Turkey

Here are some key pros and cons of choosing Jennie O for your holiday bird:

Pros:

• Delicious, juicy flavor
• Carefully bred and raised for meat quality
• Good availability in major grocery stores
• Range of sizes for gatherings big and small
• Competitively priced with premium brands

Cons:

• Smaller maximum size than some brands
• Can be pricier than basic store brand turkeys
• Less availability than Butterball

Is Jennie O Worth the Cost?

Based on their reputation, quality and taste, paying a small premium for a Jennie O turkey is worth it for most shoppers. You’ll get exceptional flavor and juiciness.

Their smaller turkeys work great for gatherings under 8 people. Jennie O is also a trusted brand, so you can feel confident you’re getting a high-quality bird.

However, if feeding a huge crowd on a tight budget, you may want a cheaper store brand or larger Butterball. But for a mid-sized gathering with a little extra to spend, it’s hard to beat Jennie O for taste and value. Their moist, delicious turkeys cook up picture-perfect.

What Real Customers Say About Jennie O

We took a look at reviews from real Jennie O turkey customers to get their take:

“I was skeptical before I tried it. But the turkey turned out great – very moist and flavorful with delicious drippings for gravy. This is definitely worth a try for an easy Thanksgiving!”

“We made the Jennie-O turkey for Christmas. The meat lacked tenderness and juiciness compared to what we usually buy. Given the choice again, I would spend more on a different brand.”

“I like them. Brining for a couple days ahead of time gets the best taste and juiciness. Much better than lower quality brands.”

“I wouldn’t buy one, they are one of the worst brands. But it was free. I would still get something else.”

As you can see, experiences are mixed. While some find Jennie O juicy and flavorful, others feel it is lower quality. Brining seems to help ensure moistness.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Jennie O is a good quality turkey brand that produces juicy, tender and delicious birds. Their smaller turkey sizes are suitable for most gatherings. And they earn positive reviews from many customers.

While not the absolute best turkey for purists, Jennie O is a solid choice for shoppers wanting good flavor without breaking the bank. We think it’s worth trying, especially if you brine the bird first. Let your own taste buds be the judge!