Where Can You Buy a Turkey Breast? A Complete Guide

Turkey breast is a popular choice for an easy, lean protein to roast, grill, or use in a variety of recipes. But with so many options available, where exactly can you buy turkey breast? This comprehensive guide covers the top places to find high-quality turkey breast for your cooking needs.

Traditional Grocery Stores

For convenient one-stop shopping, full-service grocery stores are a reliable source for fresh and frozen turkey breast. Most will have:

• Bone-in turkey breast – The whole half breast with bones and skin intact for added moisture and flavor. Feeds around 8-10 people.

• Boneless turkey breast – More versatile for slicing, portioning, and cooking evenly. Count on 1⁄2 pound per person.

• Frozen raw turkey breast – Fully cooked deli slices and pre-packaged cutlets are frozen options.

When buying at the grocery store, inspect packaging for tears or leaks. Check expiration or sell-by dates and select the freshest turkey breast available. Regular grocery stores may have limited stock and availability may vary throughout the year.

Grocery Store Pros

• Easy one-stop shopping at your neighborhood market
• Wide assortment of national brands and store varieties
• Purchase just what you need for a meal

Potential Grocery Store Cons

• Prices may be higher than warehouse stores
• Less selection than a specialty store

Warehouse Club Stores

For the best deals on bulk frozen turkey breast, warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale are ideal. Shop their freezer section for:

• Large whole frozen bone-in turkey breasts
• Family-sized packages of boneless turkey breast
• Pre-cooked frozen deli turkey breast slices

Around the holidays, you can find whole turkey breast for as low as $1.99 per pound at warehouse stores. Opt for packages without frost or freezer burn The large pack sizes may require more freezer space

Warehouse Store Pros

• Bulk pricing on frozen turkey breast
• Reputable name brand options
• Ability to stock up for multiple meals

Potential Warehouse Store Cons

• Large pack sizes to store
• Mostly frozen, not fresh

Specialty Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

For the ultimate in freshness and custom cuts locally-owned butcher shops and specialty meat markets have high-end turkey breast available. Skilled butchers can provide

• Fresh never-frozen turkey options
• All-natural, organic, and heritage breeds
• Custom thickness cuts to order
• Unique seasoned and brined turkey breast
• Ground turkey and sausage

Expect to pay more per pound than a grocery store but get premium quality Look for plump, blemish-free turkey breast with creamy skin Ask questions about sourcing, hormones, etc. if it’s unclear.

Butcher Shop Pros

• Freshest turkey from ethical local farms
• Custom sizing and seasoning
• Support small businesses

Potential Butcher Shop Cons

• Higher price per pound
• Limited stock that sells out fast

Online Retailers

For convenience, order turkey breast online from retailers like Thrive Market, Fresh Direct, Schwan’s, and Walmart. Prices range from $2.99-$6.99 per pound for:

• Organic and heritage breed turkey
• National turkey brands
• Frozen whole turkey breast
• Deli slices and precooked options

Check delivery dates so turkey arrives on time. Read reviews before buying from an unfamiliar company. Look for deals on shipping costs.

Online Shopping Pros

• Huge selection of turkey brands and types
• Shipped frozen right to your door
• Easy to compare prices

Potential Online Shopping Cons

• Need to plan ahead for delivery
• Can’t inspect the specific product before purchase

Direct From a Local Farm or Butcher

For the absolute freshest turkey breast, buy directly from a local farm, butcher, or turkey producer. Search for “pasture raised turkey near me” or “heritage turkey farm.” Benefits include:

• Supporting small family farms
• Natural, free-range raising practices
• Custom size and cut options
• Ultimate freshness

Expect to pay $4-$8+ per pound for premium quality. Be sure to call or email 1-2 months ahead to reserve your turkey since supply is limited.

Buying Direct Pros

• Freshest and humanely raised
• Custom sizing and cutting
• Know your farmer and source

Potential Buying Direct Cons

• Higher per pound costs
• Need to order well in advance

How Much Turkey Breast Should You Buy?

Here are some turkey breast buying guidelines per person:

• Bone-in breast: 1⁄2 pound of meat, or 1 breast per 4 people
• Boneless breast: 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
• Sliced deli meat: 3-5 ounces per person
• Ground turkey: 1⁄3 pound uncooked for burgers, meatballs, etc.

Get a little extra since having leftovers is great. Turkey breast also freezes well for future meals.

Choosing the Best Turkey Breast

Follow these tips for picking the highest quality turkey breast:

• Check the color – Raw turkey should look pinkish to cream, not spotted or bruised.

• Inspect the skin – Opt for smooth, creamy intact skin without tears or blemishes.

• Feel the firmness – Choose breasts that feel plump and firm, not squishy.

• Read labels – Avoid turkey injected with broths or salt solution.

• Ask questions – For direct farm purchases, ask about feed, hormones, etc.

Proper Turkey Breast Storage

Store turkey breast correctly to maintain safety and maximize freshness:

• Raw turkey – Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Freeze for 4-6 months.

• Cooked turkey – Store carved meat for 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.

• Frozen – Keep frozen turkey at 0°F or below. Use airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn.

• Thawing – Thaw breasts for 1-2 days in the fridge, 24 hours in cold water, or in the microwave. Cook immediately after thawing.

Preparing and Cooking Turkey Breast

From roast to grill to slices, turkey breast can be used in all types of delicious recipes. Quick ways to cook include:

• Oven roast – Roast seasoned turkey at 350°F until 165°F internal temperature.

• Grill – Grill boneless turkey cutlets or kabobs over direct high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.

• Smoke – Slow smoke bone-in or boneless turkey breast at 225-250°F for tender, juicy meat.

• Sous vide – Cook turkey breast steaks in a precision water bath at 146°F for 2-4 hours.

• Braise or stew – Braise bone-in breast in broth for falling apart, shredded turkey.

• Sliced deli meat – Chill and slice cooked turkey breast thinly for sandwiches.

With endless options for buying quality turkey breast and cooking it deliciously, you can enjoy this versatile lean protein anytime. Use this guide to shop turkey breast and whip up amazing meals for any occasion.

Related Questions:

Can you buy just a turkey breast?

Yes, you can purchase individual raw or smoked turkey breast packages at many grocery stores, butcher shops, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. This lets you enjoy tasty turkey breast without buying a whole bird.

When should you buy a fresh turkey breast?

Plan to buy fresh turkey breast 1-2 days before you intend to cook it. Check package dates, but fresh turkey can be refrigerated unopened for 1-2 days past any sell-by or use-by dates listed.

Why is there sometimes a shortage of turkey breasts?

Combination of factors like high poultry disease rates, inflation, and seasonal demand around the holidays can limit supply and make turkey breasts scarce in some years. But most years they are readily available.

Can you find turkey breast year-round or just at Thanksgiving?

Turkey breast is typically easy to find year-round at most grocery retailers. You may find a wider selection of whole birds and sizes around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but turkey breast remains available as a quick protein choice for meals all year.