Planning a turkey this year? Let us help you find the perfect bird for your table.
Buying the right turkey can mean the difference between a good Thanksgiving and a legendary Thanksgiving. And while you can’t go wrong with any of our birds, shopping for a specific size or certification can be tricky. Rest assured, we’re here to help simplify the process. Below, learn more about our birds, plus get expert buying and storing tips.
Order online and schedule a time for pickup in store. Menu and location availability may vary. While supplies last.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks start their search for the perfect turkey to roast. While frozen turkeys are convenient, some prefer fresh, unfrozen birds for even better flavor and texture Fresh turkeys have never been previously frozen and stored for long periods. This results in higher quality meat that cooks up juicier and more tender However, finding an unfrozen turkey does take some extra effort. This article will provide tips on where to locate sources of fresh, unfrozen turkeys for your Thanksgiving feast.
Why Choose an Unfrozen Turkey?
There are several benefits to cooking an unfrozen turkey versus one that was previously frozen
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More Flavorful – Fresh turkeys retain more natural juices and flavors compared to frozen ones. The meat tends to stay moister and more tender when roasted.
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Better Texture – Frozen turkeys often suffer damage to the muscle fibers and cell structure during the freezing process. This can make the meat dry out faster and turn stringy. An unfrozen turkey has intact muscle structure.
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Easier Handling – Without the freezing and thawing there’s less risk of the turkey being misshapen or difficult to work with. A fresh turkey fits nicely into the roasting pan.
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Fresher Appearance – Since fresh turkeys were never frozen, they look plumper and more appetizing when cooked. The skin turns out smooth and nicely browned.
While fresh turkeys do require quicker cooking times, the improvement in quality and taste makes it worthwhile for many cooks.
Where to Buy Fresh Unfrozen Turkeys
Finding an unfrozen turkey will likely take checking multiple sources. Here are some of the best options to locate fresh birds:
Local Farms and Butchers
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Contact turkey farms in your area to ask about availability of fresh turkeys in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
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Check with vendors at local farmers markets 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. They may have fresh turkeys from regional farms.
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Ask your favorite butcher if they can source unfrozen turkeys from local suppliers. Give them a few weeks notice if possible.
Specialty Grocery Stores
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Many independent grocers and health food stores sell farm-fresh turkeys around the holidays. Look for organic and free-range options.
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Larger regional chains like Wegmans, HEB, Harris Teeter, Publix, and more often carry fresh turkey inventory. Visit their butcher counters.
Online Mail Order
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Companies like FreshDirect and Porter Road ship fresh turkeys packed with ice to keep them chilled. Order 1 week in advance.
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Wholesalers like Costco Business Center may have fresh turkeys available for delivery. You’ll likely need to buy in bulk quantities.
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Check crowd-sourced marketplaces like Barn2Door that connect consumers with local food producers.
Direct from Turkey Farms
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Search for turkey farms near you and call them about fresh turkey availability. Ask when they expect unfrozen inventory.
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The National Turkey Federation lists regional turkey providers that sell fresh birds.
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Ask friends/family living near turkey farms to check on availability and possibly transport one for you.
Buying and Storing Tips for Fresh Turkeys
When sourcing and cooking a fresh turkey, keep these important tips in mind:
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Allow 1-2 pounds of turkey per person when estimating the size needed. Smaller birds around 12-15 lbs work well.
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Inspect the turkey thoroughly when purchasing. Avoid any with leaks, odors or tears in the skin.
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Fresh turkeys only last 1-2 days max in the fridge. Plan to cook very soon after buying.
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Prepare and roast the turkey within 24-48 hours of bringing it home for optimal freshness.
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Monitor cooking times closely as fresh turkeys roast faster than frozen. Reduce oven time.
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Let the cooked turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving so juices redistribute evenly.
While finding a fresh, unfrozen turkey may require some extra effort, it can really maximize the flavor and texture of your Thanksgiving meal. Take the time to source one from a local farm or butcher for the best results. Your holiday guests will appreciate the delicious turkey dinner.
Where to Find Unfrozen Turkeys from National Retailers
In addition to local sources, some major national supermarket chains carry fresh, unfrozen turkey options leading up to Thanksgiving. Here are a few top retailers to check with:
FreshDirect
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This online grocer delivers fresh turkeys, packed on ice to keep chilled, to many locations nationwide.
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Birds range from 10 to 24 pounds. Free-range, organic, kosher and heritage breed options available.
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Order by the Friday before Thanksgiving for delivery Tuesday or Wednesday.
Whole Foods Market
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Selection varies by location, but most stores get fresh turkeys beginning in early November.
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Fresh birds range from about 8 to 22 pounds in size.
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Call your nearest Whole Foods butcher counter to ask about availability.
Walmart
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Most Walmart locations have frozen turkeys, but some carry fresh inventory.
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Fresh turkeys are often in the 10 to 20 pound range when available.
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Check with your neighborhood Walmart butcher/poultry department for availability.
Butterball
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The iconic turkey brand sells fresh, unfrozen whole turkeys on its website around the holidays.
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Birds are pre-brined for added juiciness and range from 12 to 22 pounds.
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Order 1 week in advance for delivery to your doorstep before Thanksgiving.
Trader Joe’s
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This popular grocer carries multiple fresh turkey options starting in early November.
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Choices include organic, kosher, and brined turkeys from 12 to 24 pounds.
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Fresh turkeys sell out fast, so shop at Trader Joes early.
With some persistence and planning, you can locate a fresh, unfrozen turkey from local farms, butchers or national retailers. The effort pays off with a delicious, juicy Thanksgiving bird your family will love.
How to Store Your Turkey
Whether you’ve picked up your turkey from our stores or you’re having it delivered, it’s important to store your bird properly before cooking. Follow these tips for success.
Our fresh turkeys are kept in a deep chill to maintain a crust of ice on the surface. This ensures that you can safely store your bird at home until you’re ready to cook. Keep your turkey deep-chilled (35°F) in the coldest spot in your fridge, turned down as low as possible, or store in a secondary fridge. The ice will easily melt over time, but be sure to check your bird the day before Thanksgiving. If it looks a bit crisp, place under cool running water to ensure it’s perfect by your feast.
Store frozen birds in your freezer (ideally in a secondary freezer if you have one) until you’re ready to thaw. Depending on how much time you have, you can thaw your turkey in your refrigerator or by submerging it in cold water.
What Makes Our Turkeys Different?
Whether classic or kosher, heirloom or organic, all of the fresh and frozen turkeys we sell meet our Quality Standards. All of the birds in our Meat department are Animal Welfare Certified (except kosher turkey) and meet over 100 animal welfare standards. And, like all meat and poultry in the department, the animals must be raised with no antibiotics ever and no animal by-products in feed.
What Types of Turkey Do We Offer?
So, fresh or frozen? Organic or heirloom? Here’s what you need to know about our turkey selection when shopping our Meat department. Kosher, heirloom and heritage birds may not be available in all locations, so be sure to contact your store ahead of time.
These essential whole turkeys are always crowd-pleasers. Packed with flavor and wallet-friendly, you can’t go wrong.
- Classic Turkeys: These tasty, tender turkeys are a great choice for value, quality and flavor.
- Organic Turkeys: These birds receive organic, non-GMO feed and have specific requirements for the amount of access to the outdoors.
If you’re looking to try something different this year, don’t miss our assortment of unique, special birds. Make sure to check your local store for assortment.
- Regeneratively Raised Turkeys: Tender, juicy, full-flavored turkey that was raised within a holistic regenerative program, using agricultural practices like rotational grazing, that support soil health and biodiversity.
- Heritage Turkeys: These unique, old-world birds are leaner with a smaller meat-to-bone ratio and can be very flavorful.
- Heirloom Turkeys: A little bigger than heritage turkeys, this special variety has robust flavor and a lot of dark meat.
- Brined Turkeys: We’ve marinated these birds in a seasoned brine for moist, flavorful meat. If you’re planning to fry your turkey, start with one of our brined birds.
- Kosher Turkeys: Rubbed with kosher salt inside and out, kosher birds are checked by specially trained rabbinical inspectors to make sure they’re processed in accordance with kosher standards. The kosher salt preseasons the bird and gives it extra flavor.
- Turkey Breasts: Feeding a smaller group? Our classic and organic turkey breasts (no antibiotics ever) are easy to brine and take less time to prepare than a whole turkey. We offer bone-in, organic bone-in and boneless options.
All fresh and frozen turkeys from our Meat department must meet our standards for being raised with no antibiotics ever, no animal by-products in feed and 100+ animal welfare standards. Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in raising turkeys.
Fresh vs. Frozen: Choosing Your Turkey
FAQ
Can you buy an unfrozen turkey?
Select fresh: The “fresh” label means the turkey has never been chilled below 26 F. Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer’s tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates the turkey will be okay on the date you plan to cook it.
Do they sell turkeys that are not frozen?
Butterball Fresh Whole Turkey is all natural*, never frozen, gluten free, and raised without hormones on American farms.
Are all grocery store turkeys frozen?
These days, turkeys come fresh, frozen and somewhere in between. That “in between” category is courtesy of a recent USDA ruling on labeling. Fresh turkeys have to be stored at 26 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Can you buy frozen turkey year round?
Frozen turkeys are processed in much the same way as fresh turkeys, but producers start slaughtering them for storage as early as the beginning of the year. Though they’re available online year-round, they’ll start showing up at most supermarkets in early November, and can be stored in your freezer for up to a year.
Where can I buy a non frozen turkey?
With some advance planning, you can seek out and buy a non frozen turkey from specialty food stores, farms, online mail order companies and more. Just be sure to store your fresh bird properly and cook it within a day or two for food safety.
Where can I buy fresh turkey?
Some regular supermarkets like Kroger, Publix and Safeway carry limited quantities of fresh turkeys. Check availability and preorder. Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s sometimes have fresh turkeys in the weeks around Thanksgiving if you buy a membership. Inventory is limited.
Where can I buy fresh turkey ice?
Several nationwide companies like Harry & David, Williams-Sonoma and Goldbelly will ship fresh turkeys packed with ice directly to your door. Order 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Check local butcher shops, premium grocers like Whole Foods, or chains like Fresh Market which often stock fresh turkeys. Call ahead to preorder.
Can you freeze a fresh turkey?
Fresh turkeys are pre-brined. If you can’t cook the turkey within 2 days, you can freeze it. This stops bacteria growth. When freezing, remove giblets and wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to one year. Follow these tips and your fresh turkey will stay nice and fresh until you are ready to cook and serve it.
When should I buy a fresh turkey?
Call ahead to check. No matter where you purchase a fresh turkey, it’s recommended to order it 1-2 weeks in advance of when you plan to cook it. The closer it gets to Thanksgiving, the more limited availability becomes. Proper storage is crucial once you buy a fresh, unfrozen turkey to keep it safe to eat.
How do you store a fresh turkey?
Follow these tips for success. Our fresh turkeys are kept in a deep chill to maintain a crust of ice on the surface. This ensures that you can safely store your bird at home until you’re ready to cook. Keep your turkey deep-chilled (35°F) in the coldest spot in your fridge, turned down as low as possible, or store in a secondary fridge.