How Much Does a Butterball Turkey Cost Per Pound?

As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, many people start thinking about picking up a tasty turkey for their festive meals. One of the most popular options is a Butterball turkey – but how much do these birds cost per pound? In this article, we’ll break down Butterball turkey prices so you know what to expect when turkey shopping.

Average Price Per Pound of Butterball Turkeys

Butterball offers frozen whole turkeys in a variety of different sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 24 pounds. The average price per pound for a frozen Butterball turkey is $147 However, prices can vary depending on the size of the turkey you buy.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated Butterball turkey prices per pound

• 10-12 pound turkey: $1.59 per pound
• 14-16 pound turkey: $1.47 per pound
• 18-20 pound turkey: $1.39 per pound
• 22-24 pound turkey: $1.29 per pound

As you can see, the price per pound decreases as the turkey size increases. Buying a larger turkey gives you more bang for your buck.

Factors That Affect Butterball Turkey Prices

Several factors impact the retail pricing for Butterball turkeys each year:

Turkey Size – As mentioned, larger turkeys are typically cheaper per pound. Opting for a 20+ pound turkey will give you the best price.

Where You Shop – Prices can vary between grocery stores. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club often have the lowest Butterball prices per pound.

Fresh vs. Frozen – Fresh turkeys tend to cost more than frozen per pound. A frozen Butterball is the most budget-friendly option.

Organic vs. Conventional – Organic and free-range Butterballs cost more than conventionally raised turkeys. Expect to pay a premium for specialty birds.

Time of Year – Turkey prices fluctuate based on the holiday season Prices are lowest in December after Thanksgiving and highest in November.

Turkey Shortages – Limited turkey supply due to factors like avian flu outbreaks can drive Butterball prices up.

Estimated Prices at Grocery Chains

To give you a better idea of real-world Butterball turkey prices, here are the estimated per-pound costs at popular grocery chains:

• Kroger – $1.29-$1.59 per pound

• Walmart – $1.19-$1.49 per pound

• Aldi – $0.99-$1.39 per pound

• Publix – $1.49-$1.79 per pound

• Safeway – $1.39-$1.69 per pound

• Wegmans – $1.49-$1.79 per pound

As expected, warehouse chains like Walmart and Aldi offer the best deals for budget-conscious turkey shoppers. Premium grocers have higher prices.

Getting the Best Butterball Turkey Price

Here are some tips for scoring the lowest Butterball price per pound:

• Shop at warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale Club

• Buy the largest frozen turkey that will fit your needs

• Avoid last minute shopping – buy 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving

• Check stores’ weekly flyers and look for turkey promotions

• Ask the butcher for price breaks on larger turkeys

• Use turkey coupons and rebate apps for additional savings

• Stock up post-Thanksgiving when prices drop significantly

As long as you shop smart, you can definitely find cheap Butterball turkey prices ranging from $1.00-1.50 per pound on average. With the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious turkey without breaking the bank!

Breaking Down the Cost of a Whole Butterball Turkey

To give you a better sense of what you’ll pay for a whole Butterball bird, here’s a cost breakdown of typical turkey sizes:

10-12 pound turkey

• Avg per pound: $1.59
• Total cost: $15.90-$19.08

14-16 pound turkey

• Avg per pound: $1.47
• Total cost: $20.58-$23.52

18-20 pound turkey

• Avg per pound: $1.39
• Total cost: $25.02-$27.80

22-24 pound turkey

• Avg per pound: $1.29
• Total cost: $28.38-$30.96

As you can see, even a large 24-pound Butterball turkey will cost around $30-35 for the entire bird. Compared to premium deli turkey breast that costs $9-12 per pound, a whole Butterball turkey is quite an affordable option for holiday meals.

Bottom Line

When shopping for the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, Butterball turkeys provide a high quality bird at a budget-friendly price point. Focus your Butterball shopping on large frozen turkeys at warehouse chains to get the best value. With average per-pound prices ranging from $1.29-$1.59 depending on size, you can easily find delicious Butterball turkeys for under $1.50 per pound. Employ smart shopping strategies and you can enjoy turkey on a budget this holiday season!