Where Can I Buy Halal Turkey? Your Complete Guide

With the holidays coming up many people are looking for delicious halal turkey options to cook for their family celebrations. But finding high-quality halal turkey isn’t always easy especially if you don’t live near a specialty market. In this complete guide, I’ll cover all the best places to buy halal turkey so you can enjoy tasty and humanely raised birds this season.

Why Choose Halal Turkey?

Halal turkey has become popular even among non-Muslims for its high standards of quality Here are some of the benefits of choosing halal turkey

• Humane Treatment – Halal turkeys are treated humanely from birth to slaughter according to Islamic law. This means no crowding, abuse or unnecessary suffering.

• Natural Feed – Halal turkeys are fed a vegetarian diet free of animal byproducts and antibiotics. This results in a healthier, cleaner meat.

• Hand-Slaughtered – Each halal turkey is hand-slaughtered individually while a prayer is recited. This technique minimizes the bird’s suffering.

• Higher Quality – With greater care around feed, housing and processing, halal turkey is often considered superior in taste and texture.

For those reasons and more, many seek out reliable sources for quality halal turkeys during holiday seasons.

Where to Buy Halal Turkey Online

Ordering halal turkey online tends to be the most convenient option, as it allows you to buy directly from halal specialty sellers and get fresh halal turkey shipped right to your door. Here are two excellent companies to buy halal turkey online in the US:

Crescent Foods

Crescent Foods is a leader in hand-cut halal poultry since 1999. Their turkeys have:

• 100% vegetarian-fed diets with no antibiotics ever

• Humane treatment and hand-slaughtering methods

• Direct fresh shipping to consumers

Crescent Foods offers whole turkeys, turkey breasts, ground turkey, turkey burgers, turkey bacon, and more. Their turkeys come in popular sizes like 10-12 lbs for smaller gatherings or 15-18 lbs for large parties.

You can browse their full selection of premium halal turkey online and get convenient shipping.

Midamar

Midamar is another top online halal meat delivery retailer. They provide hand-slaughtered halal whole turkeys that are:

• Antibiotic-free with no hormones or steroids

• Carefully cleaned and packaged for freshness

• Available in sizes ranging from 10-24 lbs

You can order Midamar’s halal turkeys online and get direct home delivery. Their selection includes popular breeds like broad-breasted white turkeys.

Finding Halal Turkey at Local Stores

If buying halal turkey online is not an option for you, try finding it from these local brick-and-mortar stores:

• Ethnic Grocers – Middle Eastern, Turkish, Indian and Bosnian markets often carry halal poultry. Check for proper halal certification labels.

• Halal Butchers – Many cities now have halal butchers and meat markets. Ask when they expect halal turkey inventory for the holidays.

• Mainstream Grocery Stores – Some chains like Costco, Whole Foods or HEB now stock certified halal turkey options. Check the frozen section.

When purchasing in-store, look for the halal symbol from approved certifiers like IFANCA or Islamic Services of America. Also confirm the turkey was hand-slaughtered, not just machine stunned. This ensures proper halal technique.

What to Look for When Buying Halal Turkey

To select the highest quality halal turkey, keep an eye out for:

• Reputable Brands – Stick with established halal poultry companies, avoiding generic or non-certified options.

• Halal Symbol – Confirm the halal certification symbol from an approved organization is present.

• No Antibiotics/Hormones – Select turkeys raised without antibiotics or hormones for a healthier choice.

• Hand-Slaughtered – Make sure the turkey was hand-slaughtered, not just stunned. Stunning can make meat non-halal.

• Good Color – Choose turkeys with creamy white to pale pink skin and light pink flesh, indicating freshness.

• Ideal Size – Pick a turkey size suitable for the number of people you plan to serve. Estimate 1-1.5 lbs of turkey per person.

Using those criteria will help you select delicious, high-quality halal turkey for your holiday celebrations!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about purchasing halal turkey:

Is halal turkey more expensive than non-halal turkey?

Halal turkey costs a little more due to the extra care in hand-slaughtering and certification. But it’s usually only $1-3 more per pound.

How early should I buy my halal turkey for the holidays?

Shop for your halal turkey 1-2 weeks before the holiday you want it for. Halal turkeys often sell out closer to holiday seasons when demand spikes.

Should I brine or marinate a halal turkey?

Yes, brining or marinating is recommended to keep the turkey moist and add extra flavor. Avoid ingredients like alcohol that are forbidden.

Can I freeze a fresh halal turkey?

Fresh halal turkey can be frozen 4-6 months with minimal impact to quality and taste. Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking.

Is there enough demand for halal turkey year-round?

The popularity of halal turkey means many retailers now sell it year-round. But availability in smaller stores may still be seasonal.

Enjoy Delicious Halal Turkey

Finding high-quality halal turkey for your holiday meals or special events is easy when you know where to look. Shop from trusted halal poultry providers online or locally for the best tasting, humanely-raised halal turkey. With this guide, your holiday feasts will be a great success!