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.
As the holidays approach, it’s time to start thinking about the star of your festive meal – the turkey! While frozen turkeys are convenient, nothing beats the flavor and juiciness of a fresh turkey. If you want to serve up the tastiest bird this year, here’s how and where to order a fresh turkey close to home.
Why Choose Fresh Over Frozen?
First let’s look at why a fresh turkey is worth seeking out
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Superior texture – Fresh turkeys have never been frozen, so the meat retains a smoother, more tender quality when cooked. No freezer burn or ice crystals damaging the fibers
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Better taste – Freshness locks in more turkey flavor. The meat soaks up seasonings and marinades for more aromatic, juicy results.
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Fewer preservatives – Fresh turkeys don’t require the sodium solutions commonly injected into frozen birds to retain moisture. This leads to cleaner, purer turkey taste.
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More options – Fresh turkeys provide more versatility You can choose heirloom breeds, free-range, organic, kosher, and other specialty birds unavailable frozen
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Higher quality – With frozen turkeys, you never know how long it’s been in the freezer. Fresh turkeys from local suppliers guarantee just-harvested, peak quality.
Where To Order Fresh Turkeys Locally
You have several options for sourcing a just-slaughtered turkey near your home:
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Butcher shops – Many local butchers offer fresh turkeys for the holidays. Lead times range from needing just 1-2 days notice to ordering weeks in advance.
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Farms – Check nearby farms to see if any sell fresh turkeys direct to consumers. They may even let you select your bird pre-slaughter.
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Specialty grocers – Upscale markets like Whole Foods often carry fresh turkeys from regional suppliers. Watch for preorders opening 1-2 months before Thanksgiving/Christmas.
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Online mail order – Several companies ship fresh turkeys packed with ice packs. Order 1-3 weeks ahead to get your bird in time.
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Meal kit services – Meal kit companies like Blue Apron may offer fresh turkey add-ons for holiday recipes.
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Grocery delivery – Walmart, Safeway, and other big chains let you add a fresh turkey to grocery delivery orders. Check availability weekly as the holidays near.
Tips for Ordering Your Fresh Turkey
Once you’ve selected a source, keep these tips in mind to guarantee you receive a high quality fresh turkey:
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Order early – Don’t wait until the week before! Reserve your fresh turkey 1-2 months in advance whenever possible.
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Specify size – Decide how many guests you’re hosting and order a turkey weighing 1.25-1.5 lbs per person.
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Request organically fed – Ask if the turkey was raised on organic grain for better nutrition and flavor.
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Understand processing methods – Ask when the turkey will be slaughtered and how it’s chilled and stored for freshness.
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Check producer background – Research the farm or producer’s reputation and handling practices to ensure a safely processed bird.
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Confirm delivery date – Schedule delivery as close to your event as possible, 1-4 days before ideal.
Get Ready for the Freshest, Tastiest Turkey Ever!
With a little advance planning, you can source a just-harvested turkey that rivals any you’ve tasted before. Seek out local farms, butchers, and specialty grocers to order your fresh gobbler. Then get ready to wow your guests with juicy, flavorful turkey perfection!
What Makes Our Turkeys Different?
Whether classic or kosher, heirloom or organic, all of the fresh and frozen turkeys we sell meet our Quality Standards. Turkeys are third-party audited to meet over 100 animal welfare standards and all options are Animal Welfare Certified (except kosher turkeys). And, like all meat and poultry in the department, the animals must be raised with no antibiotics ever and no animal by-products in feed.
What Types of Turkey Do We Offer?
So, fresh or frozen? Organic or heirloom? Here’s what you need to know about our turkey selection when shopping our Meat department. Kosher, heirloom and heritage birds may not be available in all locations, so be sure to contact your store ahead of time.
These essential birds are always crowd-pleasers. Packed with flavor and wallet-friendly, you can’t go wrong.
- Classic Turkeys: These tasty, tender turkeys are a great choice for value, quality and flavor.
- Organic Turkeys: These birds receive organic, non-GMO feed and have specific requirements for the amount of access to the outdoors.
If you’re looking to try something different this year, don’t miss our assortment of unique, special birds.
- Regenerative Turkeys: Juicy, tender birds that rotationally graze, foraging through pastures to support healthier soil.
- Heritage Turkeys: These unique, old-world birds are leaner with a smaller meat-to-bone ratio and can be very flavorful.
- Heirloom Turkeys: A little bigger than heritage turkeys, this special variety has robust flavor and a lot of dark meat.
- Brined Turkeys: We’ve marinated these birds in a seasoned brine for moist, flavorful meat. If you’re planning to fry your turkey, start with one of our brined birds.
- Kosher Turkeys: Rubbed with kosher salt inside and out, kosher birds are checked by specially trained rabbinical inspectors to make sure they’re processed in accordance with kosher standards. The kosher salt pre-seasons the bird and gives it extra flavor.
- Turkey Breasts: Feeding a smaller group? Our classic (no antibiotics ever) and organic turkey breasts are easy to brine and take less time to prepare than a whole turkey. We offer bone-in, organic bone-in and boneless options.
All fresh and frozen turkeys from our Meat department must meet our standards for being raised with no antibiotics ever, no animal by-products in feed and 100+ animal welfare standards. Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in raising turkeys.
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- Thanksgiving
- How to Buy Turkey: Types, Sizes and Storage
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.
Expert’s Guide to Shopping for Turkey
FAQ
When can I buy a fresh turkey?
Are fresh turkeys available at Costco?
Are fresh turkeys in short supply?
Are Trader Joe’s turkeys fresh?
Where can I buy a whole turkey?
A whole turkey makes a stunning addition to any dinner, and leftovers are just fine the next day. No matter if you’re planning for a small gathering or a large rush, there’s a whole turkey for you. Purchase one today at your local Safeway and get one step closer to the compliments you deserve! Shop Turkey – Whole direct from Safeway.
Can you buy a whole Turkey at Safeway?
A whole turkey is the perfect centerpiece for the table, even if it’s not during Thanksgiving or Christmas! You can get whole turkeys at your local Safeway any time of the year. Buying fresh whole turkeys unlock a wealth of delicious meal combinations, from casseroles to juicy servings just waiting to be paired with gravy and sides.
How do I find Butterball turkey products?
Use our product finder to see what delicious Butterball turkey products are available in your area. Use our product locator to find a Butterball turkey product for any occasion by selecting the desired product name, inserting your zip / postal code and desired search radius.
Can I buy Butterball frozen whole Turkey before cooking?
All natural* Butterball frozen whole turkeys can be purchased weeks in advance and thawed a few days before cooking. *All natural means minimally processed and no artificial ingredients. All of our whole turkey (fresh and frozen), boneless roasts, and bone-in breasts are available in all major retailers across the country.