Enjoy this product 3-5 days after delivery or freeze upon arrival, and use within the year.
This product ships deep chilled to arrive fresh in a biodegradable liner. Arrival temperature of bird will vary depending on your location, & turkey may feel hard upon arrival – this indicates it is still deeply chilled.
That suggested roasting times may vary. If the turkey is unstuffed, decrease the roasting times listed above by approximately 30 minutes.
To remove the truss just lift the ring and pull it up and over the end of the drumstick. To secure the truss, hold the drumsticks together, lift the ring and pull it over the drumsticks. The nylon truss is oven and microwave safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450º F.
Preheat oven to 325º F. Remove soft oven ready turkey from the bag. After removing the neck and giblets from the body cavities rinse the bird with cold water. Pat turkey dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird this would be the time to do so.
As Thanksgiving approaches one of the big questions on everyone’s mind is – how much does a 16 lb turkey cost this year? With inflation driving up food prices is that delicious centerpiece bird going to break the bank?
I analyzed turkey prices from major grocery chains to find out the going rate for a 16 lb turkey Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect to pay this holiday season
Factors Driving Turkey Prices in 2022
Before diving into current 16 lb turkey prices, it helps to understand why costs are fluctuating right now. Here are the key factors impacting turkey prices:
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Supply Chain Issues – Ongoing labor shortages and transportation disruptions continue to impact gets and poultry. This drives up costs across the supply chain.
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Inflation – Broad inflation averaging 8% is leading to higher prices for food, gas, housing, and other consumer goods.
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Avian Flu – A widespread bird flu outbreak wiped out millions of turkeys this year, constraining supply.
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Higher Corn Feed Prices – Drought conditions drove the price of corn to record highs, which increases costs for poultry producers.
Average Price for a 16 Pound Turkey
Taking a broad national look, the average price for a 16 lb frozen turkey this year ranges from $16 to $32. That comes out to $1 to $2 per pound.
Here’s how prices break down across some of the major supermarket chains:
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Walmart – $19.96 for a 16 lb Butterball turkey ($1.25/lb)
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Kroger – $23.99 for a 16 lb frozen turkey ($1.50/lb)
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Aldi – $18.99 for a 16 lb frozen turkey ($1.19/lb)
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Albertsons – $31.99 for a 16 lb frozen turkey ($2/lb)
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Publix – $29.99 for a 16 lb frozen turkey ($1.87/lb)
So prices can vary significantly by retailer, but average around $1.50/lb.
Price Range for Fresh vs. Frozen
You’ll also find a price premium for fresh turkeys vs. frozen:
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Frozen: $1 to $1.50 per pound
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Fresh: $1.50 to $2.50 per pound
A fresh 16 lb turkey may cost $24 to $40, compared to $16 to $24 for a frozen turkey. The convenience of fresh comes at a price.
Estimated Total Cost
Overall, expect to pay $20 to $35 for a typical 16 lb turkey this Thanksgiving. Here’s a summary:
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Frozen turkey: $16 to $24
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Fresh turkey: $24 to $40
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Average price per pound: $1 to $1.50/lb
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Estimated total for 16 lb turkey: $20 to $35
These are national averages – prices at any particular grocery store in your area may be higher or lower.
Ways to Save on a 16 Pound Turkey
Here are some tips to get the best deal on your holiday bird:
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Shop sales and promotions – Many grocers like Kroger and Walmart are lowering prices.
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Consider alternate sizes – Smaller 12-14 lb or larger 20 lb turkeys may have better pricing.
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Buy early – Prices tend to go up closer to Thanksgiving as demand rises.
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Check warehouse clubs – Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club often have discounted turkeys.
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Check freezer sections – You may find markdowns on turkey inventory stores are trying to sell.
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Use loyalty discounts and rewards points to lower costs.
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Buy store brand or generic turkey options for lower prices.
Estimated Prices at Top Grocery Chains
Here’s a pricing chart summarizing average costs for a 16 lb turkey at major supermarkets:
| Store | Fresh | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $32 | $19.96 |
| Kroger | $36 | $23.99 |
| Aldi | $28 | $18.99 |
| Albertsons | $40 | $31.99 |
| Publix | $40 | $29.99 |
| Safeway | $36 | $25.99 |
| Food Lion | $32 | $23.99 |
| Stop & Shop | $40 | $25.99 |
| H-E-B | $28 | $19.99 |
Prices and availability vary, so check your local listings. But this gives you an idea of average costs.
Be Prepared This Thanksgiving
Understanding the market dynamics this year will help you find the best turkey deal for your Thanksgiving meal. With inflationary conditions, plan on paying around $1.50 per pound or $25 for a 16 lb turkey. Shop around, look for promotions and discounts, and buy early to secure the lowest price. With some savvy shopping, you can still keep turkey on the holiday menu without overspending. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Family Recipe: Simple Rub
Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices or with a paste made of the following ingredients:
4 Tbsp oil, (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.) 4 tsp. salt, or to taste 2 tsp. paprika
Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 2 cups water or broth. Place your beautiful turkey in the oven.
Use a 325º F oven. We would encourage you to check the internal temperature throughout the roasting time to be careful not to over-roast. The internal temperature typically increases more rapidly during the last half of roasting.
There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a rich, golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. For truly marvelous gravy, heat (do not boil) 1 cup white wine. Pour this over your turkey halfway through the roasting time. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven. Cover and let stand for at least 15 minute before carving.
How much will your Thanksgiving turkey cost?
How much does a 15 pound turkey cost?
As revealed in the study, this year, Americans will pay an average of $34.15 for a 15-pound turkey, roughly $2.28 per pound with the most expensive birds being found in both Alaska and Hawaii at $50.35 and $49.85, respectively.
How much is a pound of frozen turkey per pound?
*Updated for 2023* Meijer Frozen Grade A Turkey $0.49 per pound (down .10 from last year), limit 1. Reg price $0.59. For a little more, get a Butterball Frozen Grade A Turkey $1.29 per pound, limit 2. *Updated for 2023* Kroger or Jeani- O (10-14 lb) is $0.69 a pound. This is down $1 from last year.
How much does a 16 pound turkey cost at Kroger?
For 16 to 20-pound turkeys, Kroger’s prices vary between $0.39 and $1.49 per pound. The German-founded discount retailer Lidl announced in October that its shoppers would be able to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people for less than $30.
How much does a frozen turkey cost?
Find a store near you. *Updated for 2023* Get a frozen turkey for $0.29 per pound with your MVP card and an additional $35 purchase. Turkey must be 10 lbs or larger and there is a limit of 2. Make sure to check back regularly for MVP price discounts. See terms and conditions.