It’s that time of year again – the holidays are right around the corner! For many, this means it’s time to start thinking about cooking up a delicious turkey dinner. But where can you find a frozen turkey when you need one quickly? This article will explore the best places to buy frozen turkey near you, so you can easily find one for your next meal.
Grocery Stores
The most obvious place to buy a frozen turkey is your local grocery store. Most major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, etc. have an ample frozen turkey selection in the days leading up to the holidays. The nice thing about grocery stores is you can often find name brand turkeys like Butterball, Honeysuckle, Shady Brook Farms, and Norbest. They offer whole frozen turkeys in a variety of sizes like 10 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb and up. You can also often find smaller frozen turkey breast roasts or boneless turkey breasts too.
Grocery store turkeys are convenient, but do keep in mind that the most popular sizes may sell out quickly. Make sure to shop early, or you may be stuck with a size that’s too big or small for your gathering. Grocery stores are best for buyers who want a wide selection and name brand birds.
Warehouse Clubs
For bulk buying, warehouse clubs are the way to go for frozen turkeys. Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJ’s are ideal for folks cooking for large groups or extended families. These stores typically start stocking frozen turkeys as early as late October. They have options like whole birds, turkey breasts, boneless roasts, and ground turkey in just about any size imaginable.
Warehouse clubs mainly offer store brand turkeys under names like Members Mark and Kirkland But occasionally you can also find brand name birds from Butterball and others too The unit price per pound on warehouse frozen turkeys is often cheaper than grocery stores. Keep in mind you need a membership to shop there. If you have a large family though, the membership pays for itself with the savings on bulky holiday birds.
Online Shopping/Delivery
Another option for hassle-free turkey buying is ordering online and having it delivered straight to your door. Retailers like Instacart, AmazonFresh, Walmart Grocery, and others let you browse and buy frozen turkeys which they deliver right to you. It’s important to check delivery timeframes so your bird arrives by the time you need it. Some key benefits of online ordering are:
- Huge selection across multiple stores
- Ability to compare prices easily
- Convenient same or next day delivery timeslots
- Avoid crowds and lines at physical stores
- Purchase additional sides and ingredients you need in one order
The main downsides are delivery fees can add up, and you need to be home to receive the order. But for a busy household, the convenience is tough to beat.
Local Meat Markets
Don’t overlook local meat markets or butcher shops in your area either. They may offer premium farm raised frozen turkeys you won’t find elsewhere Many butchers source fresh turkeys from small regional farms leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas They then fully process the birds and freeze them to order. Expect to pay more per pound compared to mass market birds, but the quality is top notch. Local markets are great for turkeys with no hormones, antibiotics, or preservatives. Call your neighborhood butchers early to inquire about holiday turkey availability.
Specialty Food Stores
If you want an upgrade from the typical frozen turkey check out a local specialty food store. Retailers like Whole Foods Market Central Market, or Sprouts Farmers Market have premium “natural” frozen turkey selections. Here you’ll often discover heirloom breed turkeys, organic and free-range options, and turkeys from heritage breeds. The flavor and quality is noticeably better. Just anticipate paying about $1 more per pound versus standard grocery store birds. If you want the very best tasting turkey with strict sourcing standards, specialty markets are the ticket.
Direct from a Turkey Farm
Finally, don’t underestimate buying directly from a local turkey farm. Search for “turkey farms near me” and you may discover producers with farm stands, on-site sales, or preordering options. This is the freshest turkey you can source, often processed just days before you pick it up. Farms may offer pasture-raised, non-GMO, and preservative free birds. Expect to pay a premium, but you’ll taste the difference in a farm-direct turkey. Check the farm’s website or call to confirm availability and to get on a pre-order list.
What Size Turkey Should I Buy?
The most popular sizes for whole frozen turkeys are typically 10 to 22 lbs. Here are some general guidelines on what size to buy based on the number of people you’re serving:
- 8-12 people = 10-12 lb turkey
- 12-16 people = 15-18 lb turkey
- 18-24 people = 18-22 lb turkey
Aim for 1.25-1.5 lbs of turkey per person if you want ample leftovers. Buying too big of a turkey leads to wasted food and money. Better to err on the smaller size if you’re unsure.
For small gatherings under 8 people, turkey breast roasts (5-7 lbs) or boneless turkey breasts (2-4 lbs) are great options. You can also find ground turkey, turkey cutlets, turkey sausage, and other cuts for smaller holiday meals.
When to Buy Your Turkey
I recommend buying your frozen turkey 1-2 weeks before the holiday you’re celebrating. This gives you time to safely thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Don’t buy frozen turkeys too far in advance, as they have a typical shelf life of 9-12 months in a freezer.
Aim to buy around Thanksgiving time by early-November and near Christmas and New Years by mid-December. Store it carefully in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Keep the bird frozen until you’re ready to thaw, then move to the fridge about 5 days before roasting.
Tips for Picking the Best Turkey
- Inspect packaging – avoid torn bags or frost/ice buildup
- Check weight – pass on scrawny or oddly shaped turkeys
- Look for USDA seal – ensures quality and safety standards
- Verify “sell by” or expiration date – pick the longest date for freshness
- Know your prep time – factor in thawing/brining when selecting
- Consider enhanced vs. natural – enhanced has added broth solution
Safely Thawing Your Turkey
Properly thawing your frozen turkey is critical for even cooking and avoiding bacteria. Here are a few safe methods:
- Fridge Thaw – Allow 24 hrs for every 4-5 lbs, place in fridge in a tray
- Cold Water Thaw – Submerge in cold water, change water every 30 mins
- Microwave Thaw – Follow appliance guidelines, cook immediately after
- Don’t thaw at room temp – bacteria can grow rapidly
Once thawed, cook within 1-2 days and don’t refreeze. For food safety, thaw in the refrigerator whenever possible.
Enjoy Your Fresh Local Turkey!
Frozen Turkey Near Me
- Turning on notifications for the Instacart app
- Keeping an eye out for text messages and phone calls from your Instacart shopper
- Leaving helpful instructions for parking, gate codes, or other clues to find your home.
- Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. Fees vary for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and deliveries under $35.
- Service fees vary and are subject to change based on factors like location and the number and types of items in your cart. Orders containing alcohol have a separate service fee.
- Tipping is optional but encouraged for delivery orders. It’s a great way to show your shopper appreciation and recognition for excellent service. 100% of your tip goes directly to the shopper who delivers your order.
With an optional Instacart+ membership, you can get $0 delivery fees* on every order over $35. *Service fees apply. Instacart pickup cost:
- There may be a “pickup fee” (equivalent to a delivery fee for pickup orders) on your pick up order that is typically $1.99 for non-Instacart+ members. Instacart+ membership waives this like it would a delivery fee.
- Pick up orders have no service fees, regardless of non-Instacart+ or Instacart+ membership.
- Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item.
- Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock.
- Dont Replace: For items you’d rather not replace, choose “Dont replace” to get a refund if the item is out of stock.
- Missing items
- Incorrect items
- Damaged items
- Poor replacements
- Early/late orders
If an order never came, or you get someone else’s order, you can reach out to Instacart Customer Experience. Yes! You can get Frozen Turkey products delivered same-day in as fast as one hour from stores near you using the Instacart app or website.
When To Buy a Frozen Or Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey + 4 More Prep Questions Answered
FAQ
When can I buy a frozen turkey?
A frozen turkey can be bought weeks before the holiday, as long as you give it enough time to thaw. However, fresh turkeys are chilled at a higher temperature, so they should be bought only a few days before Thanksgiving.
How many people will a 10 lb turkey fee?
| Number of Guests | Size Turkey Recommended |
|---|---|
| 4 – 6 | 4- to 9-lb. turkey* |
| 8 – 10 | 8- to 15-lb. turkey |
| 12 – 16 | 12- to 24-lb. turkey |
| 18 – 20 | 18- to 30-lb. turkey |
Does Costco sell frozen turkeys?
The Costco Turkey
Costco sells both frozen and fully cooked turkeys ahead of the big day, along with a variety of other meats (who doesn’t love options). Here’s what you can expect to find in stores right now.
Is it worth buying frozen turkey?
Frozen turkeys can last in the freezer for a long period of time, so they’re perfect for those who want to buy in advance. If you have more than a week before your meal, the USDA says to go ahead and buy frozen. On the other hand, fresh turkeys should be purchased only one or two days before you cook it.