How Much Does a 20 Pound Turkey Cost?

The star of many Thanksgiving and holiday feasts, turkey is a delicious and versatile protein that feeds a crowd. But with prices fluctuating year to year, many home cooks wonder – how much does a 20 pound turkey cost?

The cost of a 20 pound turkey can vary significantly depending on the time of year, quality of the bird, and where you shop During peak holiday seasons like Thanksgiving, demand drives the price up Meanwhile, prices tend to dip down around Christmas and New Years. By understanding the factors that influence cost, you can get the best deal on your holiday bird.

Average Cost of a 20 Pound Turkey

On average, a frozen 20 pound turkey costs between $20 to $40 in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Fresh turkeys, specialty breeds, and organic options skew towards the higher end of that range At some grocery stores or direct from farms, turkeys may cost up to $1.00-$2.00 per pound.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated per-pound costs:

• Frozen Standard Turkey: $1.00-$1.50 per lb
• Fresh Standard Turkey: $1.50-$2.00 per lb
• Organic/Free-Range Turkey: $2.00-$3.00 per lb
• Heritage Breed Turkey: $3.00-$4.00+ per lb

So for a 20 pound bird, the total price would run:

• Frozen: $20-$30
• Fresh: $30-$40
• Organic: $40-$60
• Heritage: $60-$80+

Shopping sales at grocery stores or buying direct from a farm can help lower the overall cost.

Why Prices Fluctuate

Many factors influence the retail price of a turkey each year including

Supply and Demand – Around the holidays, demand for turkeys skyrockets while supplies constrict. This drives up the prices. After the rush, prices go back down.

Feed Prices – When grain prices are high, it costs farmers more to feed the turkeys, increasing production costs. These costs translate to higher retail prices.

Processing Costs – Factors like labor, transportation, and packaging affect the processing costs that factor into the retail price.

Turkey Size – Smaller turkeys generally have a higher per-pound cost than larger birds. A 15 lb turkey may be $1.50/lb while a 20 lb may be $1.25/lb.

Specialty Options – Organic, free-range, pasture-raised, and heritage breed turkeys cost more to produce, driving up the retail prices.

Supply Chain Issues – Disruptions like COVID-19, labor shortages, and transportation snags can restrict turkey supplies and availability.

Regional Pricing – Where you live can impact cost. Prices may vary between different grocery store chains.

Finding the Best Deal

While the average 20 lb turkey costs $20-$40, you can take some steps to save:

• Shop early – Prices tend to rise closer to the holidays as supplies dwindle. Shop early in the season for better deals.

• Buy frozen – Frozen turkeys are more economical than fresh. Allow enough defrost time before cooking.

• Check sales ads – Grocery stores will often run turkey promotions leading up to the holidays. Look for cents-off coupons, loyalty card discounts, and sale prices.

• Buy in bulk – Larger birds generally have a lower per-pound cost. Opt for a 20 lb or larger turkey.

• Buy direct from a farm – Local farms may offer lower costs by cutting out retail markups. Delivery fees may apply.

• Wait until after the rush – Prices usually dip after the holiday madness dies down around early December.

• Shop warehouse stores – Retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJs sell large quantities of frozen turkeys at competitive prices.

Estimating Turkey Needs

When estimating how big a turkey you need, plan for about 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. For a group of 10, a 15-20 lb turkey should be sufficient.

Here are some turkey size guidelines for gathering sizes:

• 8-12 people = 15-18 lb turkey
• 12-15 people = 18-22 lb turkey
• 16-20 people = 22-24 lb turkey
• 20-25 people = 24-30 lb turkey

Add extra weight if you want ample leftovers. An overestimate is better than running short.

Is a Fresh or Frozen Turkey Better?

Fresh and frozen turkeys both have their pros and cons. Pick the option that best suits your meal plan:

Fresh

• Superior texture and flavor
• Shorter thawing time
• Limited shelf life – cook within 2 days
• More expensive
• Needs to be preordered from a farm

Frozen

• Lower cost
• Extended shelf life in freezer
• Requires thawing ahead
• Still delicious when cooked properly
• Readily available at grocery stores

Both fresh and frozen can make amazing turkeys. Go with the best value for your holiday budget and meal timeline.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

A 20 lb bird yields plenty of tasty leftovers. Here are some delicious ways to repurpose them:

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
• Turkey noodle soup
• Turkey tetrazzini
• Turkey chili
• Turkey pot pie
• Turkey enchiladas
• Turkey casserole
• Turkey salad wraps
• Turkey hash with eggs
• Turkey slider sandwiches
• Turkey bone broth

With a little creativity, you can enjoy turkey for weeks after the big feast!

The Perfect 20 Pound Turkey

A 20 pound turkey makes an impressive holiday centerpiece. For the juiciest, most flavorful bird, follow these tips:

• Thaw safely in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking
• Pat the turkey dry and coat in olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Place on a V-rack in a roasting pan, breast up
• Roast at 350°F, basting occasionally with pan drippings
• Cook to an internal temp of 165°F in the thigh
• Let rest at least 30 minutes before carving

Your guests will rave over a perfectly roasted 20 pound turkey! With average prices around $1.00-$2.00 per pound, it’s a great size for feeding a holiday crowd without breaking the bank.