How Much Does a 10 lb Turkey Cost? Prices and Buying Tips

When it comes time for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion calling for a turkey dinner, one of the first questions is: How much should I expect to pay for a turkey? The price of a turkey can vary greatly depending on the size, brand, source, and time of year.

Specifically when looking at a 10 lb turkey which is a great size for feeding about 8 to 12 people, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $25 depending on the factors mentioned. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the pricing on 10 lb turkeys from different stores and provide tips to get the best deal.

Average Price of a 10 lb Turkey

On average, a frozen 10 lb turkey costs around $15 – $20 in a typical grocery store. However, you’ll see some variation based on these factors

• Store brand vs name brand: Store brands like Signature Select or Kirkland are less expensive than name brands like Butterball or Jennie-O.

• Frozen vs fresh Frozen turkeys are less expensive than fresh turkeys since they last longer in storage.

• Whole vs part: Whole turkeys tend to cost slightly less per pound compared to just buying a turkey breast.

• Pre-brined/stuffed vs standard: Turkeys sold pre-brined or pre-stuffed command a higher price for the convenience.

• Organic/free-range vs conventional: Naturally-raised specialty turkeys are pricier than standard commercially-raised birds.

• Time of year: Prices are lowest in the days leading up to Thanksgiving when inventory is highest.

Average Prices at Popular Grocery Stores

Here are current average prices for a frozen 10 lb turkey at some of the most popular grocery chains in the U.S.:

• Walmart: $9.98
• Aldi: $11.99
• Kroger: $14.99
• Safeway: $17.49
• Publix: $19.99
• Whole Foods: $24.99

As you can see, prices range from less than $10 per 10 lb turkey at discount grocers like Walmart and Aldi, up to $25 at premium chains like Whole Foods. Locally-owned butcher shops and specialty grocers will fall somewhere in the middle.

Buying a Fresh Turkey vs Frozen

Fresh turkeys that have never been frozen do cost more than frozen birds. On average, expect to pay about $5 more for a comparable 10 lb fresh turkey. The benefit is you are getting a product that’s fresher since it was never previously frozen. However, fresh turkeys have a much shorter shelf life and need to be cooked within 2 days of purchasing.

Frozen turkeys can be purchased well in advance of the holiday when prices are lower, and they have a longer safe storage life in the freezer. For those reasons, most people opt for frozen turkeys for the cost and convenience benefits.

Tips to Save Money on Your Turkey

Here are some tips and strategies for getting the best deal on a 10 lb turkey:

• Shop early for the best selection and lowest prices.
• Check sales ads and clip coupons to save more.
• Stick to store brands over name brands.
• Buy ahead of time and freeze until you’re ready to thaw and cook.
• Consider buying a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey if you have a smaller gathering. Turkey breasts generally cost slightly less per pound.
• Buy in bulk right after Thanksgiving when prices drop significantly. Even if you don’t need multiple turkeys now, you can stock up and freeze them for use throughout the year.

Should You Buy an Organic or Kosher Turkey?

Specialty turkeys like organic, kosher, free-range, pasture-raised, and heritage breed turkeys do cost more than standard turkeys. Here are the average prices you can expect:

• Organic frozen turkey: $25-$35 for 10 lbs
• Kosher turkey: $30-$40 for 10 lbs
• Free range/pasture raised: $35-$45 for 10 lbs
• Heritage breed: $50-$70 for 10 lbs

The higher cost comes from the more natural diet, higher welfare standards, slower growth, and special processing these birds receive versus standard commercial turkeys. For special occasions or if your budget allows, these turkeys offer premium quality and flavor. But you can save significantly by purchasing a standard turkey if cost is a concern.

Bottom Line on 10 lb Turkey Prices

When shopping for your holiday bird, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $25 or more for a frozen 10 lb turkey, depending on where you buy it and whether you select a basic store brand or splurge for an organic variety. With some smart shopping strategies, you can certainly find excellent deals, especially around Thanksgiving. Now go enjoy a delicious turkey feast without breaking the bank!