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.
A 30 lb turkey is the perfect size for feeding a large gathering of family and friends for a holiday feast. But finding just the right 30 lb turkey can take some planning and searching Here are the best places to shop for quality 30 lb turkeys for your next special event.
Online Retailers
The convenience of online shopping has made buying larger turkeys like 30 lbers easier than ever.
Major grocery chains such as Kroger Albertsons and Safeway allow you to order fresh and frozen 30 lb turkeys online for pickup at your local store or home delivery. Walmart and many other big box stores also carry 30 lb turkeys on their websites for in-store or curbside pickup.
Online specialty grocers like FreshDirect and Peapod are additional places to order 30 lb turkeys for delivery to your doorstep. Some benefits of going through online grocery platforms include:
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Wide availability of popular brands like Butterball, Shady Brook Farms, Honeysuckle White, Plainville and more.
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Ability to see exact turkey weights and pick the right size.
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Hand-selected turkeys versus grabbing one off the shelf.
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Discounts and promos around holidays.
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Avoiding crowds and sold out issues.
For the widest selection, Amazon offers various 30 lb turkeys available for Prime delivery. Just double check that the seller packs them with enough insulation and ice packs to keep them chilled.
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s are go-to sources for large, affordably priced turkeys around the holidays. They typically stock 30 lb flagship brands like Butterball and store Kirkland turkeys primarily as frozen options.
The major perk of buying from warehouse clubs is the low cost per pound. However, choices are more limited compared to traditional supermarkets. You may also need to join as a member to shop there.
Traditional Grocery Stores
National chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, Hy-Vee and countless regional grocers will carry an ample supply of 30 lb turkeys in stock around Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can hand pick through fresh and frozen options to find your perfect bird.
Be aware that the most popular sizes like 30 lbers tend to sell out quickly due to high demand. Shop early to get the best selection. Many grocers will also allow you to special order larger custom sized turkeys.
Local butcher shops and meat markets are other excellent in-person sources for fresh turkeys. You’ll pay more per pound but can get superior quality compared to mass market brands.
Direct from Farms
For the ultimate farm-fresh turkey, look for local farms selling pasture-raised birds around the holidays. These heritage breed turkeys are humanely raised and can be ordered directly from family farms.
Search for “turkey” and your location on sites like LocalHarvest.org. Or visit farmers markets to inquire about holiday turkey availability. Expect to pay premium organic prices but you’ll get an heirloom turkey with premium flavor.
Tips for Buying
Here are some tips when purchasing a 30 lb turkey:
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Allow 1.5-2 lbs per person when estimating turkey size.
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Make sure your oven, roasting pan and fridge can fit a 30 lber.
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Choose frozen to buy early, fresh for closer to holiday.
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Inspect packaging for ice crystals or tears.
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Check sell-by or use-by dates.
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Allow 1-2 days thawing time for frozen.
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Ask for heritage or organic if desired.
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Consider free-range, pasture-raised turkeys for better quality.
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Watch ads for deals, especially the week of Thanksgiving/Christmas.
With multiple options from online stores to local farms, hopefully you now feel confident about where to source the perfect 30 lb turkey for your holiday feast! Let this guide point you in the right direction to get everyone’s favorite bird.
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.
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
If you do choose one of our frozen birds, make sure to leave plenty of time for thawing. Use this handy chart to plan ahead.
|
Turkey Size |
Days in Fridge |
Hours in Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
|
14 pounds |
3 |
7 |
|
20 pounds |
4 |
10 |
We recommend thawing your turkey one of two ways:
Most Reliable Way: Put a tray or pan underneath the bird (in its packaging) to catch drips and place it in the refrigerator on the lowest shelf for 1 full day for every 5 pounds of turkey.
Fastest Way: Short on time or fridge space? This is your best option. Make sure the turkey is sealed in a leakproof wrapper and place it in a vessel large enough to completely contain it. Add cold water to cover. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
Need to stock up on turkey essentials like spices, fresh herbs and more? You can shop holiday groceries for pickup or delivery opens in a new tab with Prime.**
For plenty of inspiration, check out our Turkey Recipe Collection for menu ideas and our Essential Turkey Cooking Tips for expert pointers.
What Size Turkey To Buy – Ace Hardware
FAQ
Can you get a 30 pound turkey?
Butterball All Natural Frozen Whole Turkey, 24-32 lbs.
How many people will a 30 pound turkey serve?
As a general rule, plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. If you like leftovers, make it 1½ to 2 pounds per person. Therefore, a 30-pound turkey can serve up to 30 people (but realistically, more like 15 to 20 if you want leftovers, and you probably do).
Can you get a 28 lb turkey?
Butterball Whole Turkey Grade A, Frozen (26-28 lb)
Can you buy a 32 lb turkey?
Butterball Whole Turkey Fresh – Weight Between 24-32 Lb is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal. It is made with tender turkey that is perfect for roasting, grilling, or frying, and it is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
Where can I buy a whole turkey?
All of our whole turkey (fresh and frozen), boneless roasts, and bone-in breasts are available in all major retailers across the country. Please be sure to check with the store manager if you do not find the item or specific size you’re looking for. All the turkey tips you need right at your fingertips.
How much does a 20 pound turkey cost?
Most toms would weigh 25 pounds live, which would give you a 20 pound bird that would cost $100. A farm close to us, Tea Hills, list the price as $4.50 per pound, which would put the total cost for the turkey at $90. They also list the price of heritage breed turkeys at $6.99 per pound.
How do I find Butterball turkey products in my area?
Use our product finder to see what delicious Butterball turkey products are available in your area. Data is based on retailer-reported product availability. Due to quickly changing inventory, we recommend calling the store to confirm the product you’re seeking is in stock. Butterball, LLC strives to make its web experience accessible to all users.