How Much Does a 12 lb Turkey Cost? Examining Prices From Farms, Grocery Stores, and More

As Thanksgiving approaches, one of the biggest questions on people’s minds is how much their holiday centerpiece will cost. For a 12 lb turkey prices can vary significantly depending on where you purchase it and what type you buy. Keep reading as I break down the average cost of a 12 lb turkey from national grocery chains, local farms online retailers, and more.

Factors Impacting Turkey Prices

Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand the factors that influence the price of a turkey. These include

• Supply and demand – Turkey prices fluctuate based on availability and demand Prices tend to be higher in the days leading up to Thanksgiving when demand spikes

• Feed costs – What turkeys are fed impacts the price. Organic or vegetarian feed is more expensive than standard commercial feed.

• Free range vs caged – It costs more to raise free range turkeys that have access to the outdoors vs caged birds.

• Organic – Organic turkeys that are not given antibiotics or hormones carry a premium price.

• Breed – Heritage breeds cost more than standard commercial turkeys.

• Weight – The heavier the turkey, the more it costs per pound due to higher feed costs.

• Speciality – You’ll pay more for specialty items like smoked, cajun injected, or kosher turkeys.

• Retailer – Prices vary between national chains, local butchers, farms, etc.

Now that we’ve covered the factors impacting cost, let’s look at prices for a 12 lb turkey from different sources.

National Grocery Chain Prices

For many, the most convenient place to purchase a turkey is their neighborhood supermarket. Here are some average prices for a 12 lb turkey at major national chains:

• Walmart – $12.00
• Kroger – $14.88
• Target – $11.88
• Aldi – $11.76
• Food Lion – $12.48
• Safeway – $15.84
• Publix – $13.68
• Albertsons – $15.36

As you can see, prices at national chains range from $11.76 at Aldi to $15.84 at Safeway for a 12 lb turkey, with most stores pricing them between $12-$14. Discounters like Walmart and Aldi offer lower prices, while premium chains are higher.

Farm Fresh Local Prices

Shopping directly from a local farm is a great way to get a fresh, high-quality bird. Here are average prices per 12 lb turkey from local farms:

• Free range – $18-$24
• Organic free range – $24-$36
• Heritage breed – $36-$60

As expected, farm fresh turkeys carry a premium, especially for types like organic, free range, and heritage breed. However, you’re getting a high-end artisanal turkey for your money.

Online & Specialty Retailers

Online retailers offer the convenience of home delivery at various price points:

• FreshDirect – $13.99
• Peapod – $14.39
• AmazonFresh – $17.99

Meanwhile, specialty retailers like butcher shops and meat markets offer premium turkeys:

• Diestel Family Ranch – $160 for 12-14 lb organic turkey
• D’Artagnan – $120 for 12 lb free range organic turkey
• Niman Ranch – $95 for 10-12 lb natural turkey

As you can see, specialty turkeys from high-end providers come at a steep price – often $100+ for a 12 lb bird. You’re paying for the top-notch quality.

Costco vs Whole Foods

Two popular specialty grocery stores, Costco and Whole Foods, offer cheaper and pricier options respectively:

• Costco – $0.99/lb for Butterball turkey
• Whole Foods – $3.99/lb for organic turkey

Given Costco’s discount business model, it’s no surprise their standard turkeys are very reasonably priced. Meanwhile, Whole Foods offers premium certified organic turkeys for people willing to pay more for specialty birds.

What Does a 12 lb Turkey Cost on Average?

Based on national grocery store prices, you can expect to pay around $12-$15 for a typical frozen 12 lb turkey. Going to a specialty butcher or purchasing an organic free range turkey can easily double that price or more.

Here’s a side-by-side look at average prices for a standard 12 lb turkey vs. a premium 12 lb turkey:

So if you want a standard grocery store turkey, plan on budgeting $12-$15. But be prepared to spend $24 or more for a premium artisanal turkey from your local farm or specialty market.

How Much Per Pound?

Figuring cost per pound is another helpful way to compare turkey prices:

Expect to pay right around $1.00-$1.25/lb for a typical whole turkey. Double that for specialty birds.

Does Turkey Size Impact Cost?

The size of your turkey does impact the overall cost. Here’s how price per pound compares for turkeys of different weights from the same farm or store:

As you can see, smaller turkeys are more expensive per pound due to fixed costs for the farmer. You get the best price per pound for turkeys over 20 lbs.

Save Money With Thanksgiving Turkey Deals

If you want to get the lowest price on your holiday bird, look for Thanksgiving turkey deals at local grocery stores. National chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger often offer special discounted pricing in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

You may also be able to save by choosing a frozen turkey, buying early, avoiding specialty birds, and comparing prices between stores. Many grocers even offer free turkeys with a minimum dollar purchase – so keep an eye out for those deals.

Final Thoughts on 12 lb Turkey Prices

The average cost for a 12 lb turkey ranges from $12-$15 for a standard bird from the grocery store. But you’ll pay closer to $24-$36 for an organic free range turkey direct from a local farm. Wherever you buy, expect to spend around $1.00-$1.25/lb for a typical whole turkey.

To save money, compare prices between stores and watch for Thanksgiving deals at major retailers like Walmart and Aldi in the weeks before the holiday. With some smart shopping, you can find a delicious turkey for your Thanksgiving feast at an affordable price.