Turkey is a festive centerpiece for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas But not all turkey is created equal For the juiciest, most flavorful turkey meat, you need to know where to source high-quality birds. This guide will walk you through the different options for buying fresh and frozen whole turkeys, breasts, wings, ground turkey, and other cuts. Follow our tips to serve the perfect turkey and wow your guests!
Fresh Turkey Options
Specialty and Organic Markets
Check your local upscale grocers and butcher shops for premium fresh turkey. Many offer natural, free-range, pasture-raised, heritage breed, or organic birds raised without antibiotics or hormones. These turkeys typically cost more but provide superior texture and taste. The butcher can custom cut whole turkeys or just breast meat. Ask when their next fresh turkey shipment arrives to get the freshest pick.
Popular premium turkey brands include
- Diestel Family Ranch
- Mary’s Free Range Turkeys
- Central Valley Meats
- Joyce Farms
- Plainville Farms Poultry
Local Farms
Buying directly from a local farm is ideal for ultra freshness. Check farmers markets, CSAs, or search online directories for farms near you selling whole pastured turkeys. Order early, as small farms have limited supplies. Make sure to pick up your turkey shortly before roasting. The just-slaughtered flavor can’t be beat!
Online Mail Order
Online retailers like D’Artagnan or Fresh Direct offer wide turkey selections you can order for home delivery. Opt for overnight shipping of fresh turkeys packed with ice to ensure optimal freshness. Mail order allows you to sample premium turkey breeds from small family farms across the country.
Frozen Turkey Options
Grocery Stores
Frozen supermarket turkeys are inexpensive and readily available. Common brands like Butterball, Honeysuckle, and Shady BrookFarms offer whole birds and turkey parts like breast, drumsticks, etc. Check sell-by dates and pick the freshest option. Allow 2+ days to safely thaw large frozen turkeys in the fridge.
Warehouse Clubs
Bulk shopping clubs like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club sell large frozen turkeys at budget prices. Their store brand Kirkland turkey gets high marks for juicy well-flavored meat. Vacuum-sealed turkey breast cuts are convenient for smaller gatherings. Just watch portion sizes, as warehouse turkey comes in jumbo sizes.
Online Retailers
Ordering frozen turkey online allows maximum selection and convenience. Food delivery services like Omaha Steaks or Schwan’s Home Delivery have large turkey inventories. Or use meal kit companies like ButcherBox and Porter Road that offer high-end heritage breed turkeys shipped frozen to your door. Check shipping deadlines to receive your frozen turkey well before the big day.
Direct from Processors
Buy directly from major turkey processors like Norbest, Plainville Farms, or Jennie-O for savings on frozen birds. Check their websites for online ordering, bulk/parts discounts, and factory direct deals not found in stores. Direct purchasing eliminates retailer markups.
Farmer’s Markets
Ask your local farmer’s market turkey vendors if they stock frozen birds. Many smaller farms freeze surplus turkeys from each season. Farmers’ market turkeys are typically more natural, local, and ethical than generic supermarket varieties. Just confirm safe handling practices.
What to Look for in Quality Turkey
Focus on finding the freshest, naturally raised turkey available within your budget. Signs of higher quality turkey include:
- Free range/pasture raised – Allowed to roam outdoors for a healthier bird
- Heritage breeds – Traditional breeds like Bourbon Red with more flavor
- Organic – Certified raised without antibiotics, hormones, GMOs etc.
- Air chilled – No excess water retained compared to water chilling
- Hormone free – Contains no artificial growth hormones
- Natural – Minimally processed with no artificial ingredients
- Heirloom – Heritage breeds raised sustainably on small farms
Check labeling to confirm humane standards, air chilling, and other positive attributes. Prioritize fresh turkeys within 2 weeks of slaughter for optimal juiciness and taste.
How Much Turkey Should I Buy?
Estimate 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. For gatherings over 8 people, also buy a 14+ lb whole turkey for presentation and leftovers. Add extra turkey breasts and wings as needed for big crowds and hearty appetites. Remember to account for the weight of stuffing when roasting a whole stuffed turkey.
Buy your turkey only 1-3 days before roasting, or thaw frozen turkey 2+ days in advance in the fridge. Cook fresh or properly thawed turkey within 2 days. With the right planning, you can serve the freshest, juiciest holiday turkey.
Ground Turkey and Parts
Whole birds make a prettier table centerpiece. But turkey parts like breast, thighs, wings, and ground turkey offer versatility for everyday meals. Find ground turkey, cutlets, sausage, turkey bacon, and deli meats year-round at any grocery store. Or order premium specialty turkey parts from online retailers or meat markets for the best quality and variety.
The Takeaway
With so many turkey options, you can find the ideal fresh or frozen bird for your budget and guest list size. Shop early at specialty butcher and organic shops for premium quality. Or select budget-friendly frozen turkeys at supermarkets, clubs, or direct from processors. The key is allowing time to safely thaw frozen turkeys or cook fresh turkeys within a couple days. Follow these tips to serve your guests moist, delicious holiday turkey!
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How To Shop For Beef, Chicken, Pork, & Turkey At The Grocery Store
FAQ
What company sells turkey meat?
- Butterball, LLC.
- Cargill Value Added Meats.
- Cooper Farms.
- Dakota Provisions.
- Farbest Foods, Inc.
- Foster Farms.
- Hain Pure Protein Corp.
- House of Raeford Farms, Inc.
How much is a pound of turkey meat cost?
| TURKEY | PRICE | UNIT |
|---|---|---|
| BONELESS BREAST | $5.59 | lb. |
| BREASTS, TURKEY | $4.09 | lb. |
| GROUND TURKEY – 89% lean | $4.49 | lb. |
| GROUND TURKEY – 99% lean | $6.49 | lb. |
Does Trader Joe’s sell turkey meat?
Trader Joe’s Has the Best Turkey I’ve Ever Had—It’s Seasoned and Ready To Roast. It’s a half turkey! This may not be a shocker, but people have some very strong opinions about turkey.
How much would a 10lb turkey cost?
£66.50.
Where can I buy a whole turkey?
Buy your favorite Whole Turkey online with Instacart. Order Whole Turkey from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours. What size whole turkey should you purchase? How do you store a whole turkey? How do you thaw a whole turkey?
Where can I buy a Turkey at the best price?
To buy a Turkey at the best price, consider most stores, as they often require a grocery purchase for the discount. When looking for your turkey, think about where you do the bulk of your shopping.
How do I buy a Turkey online?
To buy a turkey online simply click on a red icon, then click ‘visit store’ to go to the producer shop page, or to visit and buy, click on a green icon. Or BUY NOW online using our MarketPlace, simply type in your postcode and the product you want to buy. Then find some mouthwatering turkey recipes.
How much does a turkey cost in the grocery store?
Last year, both Fred Meyer and QFC offered a great price of $0.49 per pound for turkeys, but it required a minimum $50 grocery purchase. We usually also see stores offer a free turkey, but typically only with a grocery purchase of $100-$150.
Which grocery store is best in Turkey?
Migros has more than 2300 stores and is definitely the leader in grocery shopping in Turkey. You can check their latest deals and information from their official website and Instagram account. 6. Macro Center Macrocenter is another sub-branch of Migros, and it deserves its own space because it is unique.
Where can I buy a smoked turkey?
You can buy smoked turkeys at Costco. They are fully cooked and ready to eat, making them a convenient option for your meals. Prices at Costco are on par or cheaper than most grocery stores.