How Much Does a Frozen Turkey Cost?

Turkey is the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals, but rising food costs may have some families wondering if they can afford it this year. With inflation driving up prices across the board, is frozen turkey still an affordable option for the holiday table? This article will break down the average cost of frozen turkeys from major grocery chains and help you comparison shop to fit your budget.

Size Matters

The first factor that determines a frozen turkey’s price is the size, Smaller birds of 10 to 15 pounds typically run $1 to $150 per pound These are good options for smaller gatherings of 4 to 8 people,

Full-size turkeys between 16 to 24 pounds normally cost $1 to $2 per pound This covers most family holiday dinners with 8 to 12 guests,

Jumbo turkeys over 24 pounds are the most expensive at $2 to $3 per pound, They can feed large parties over 12 but aren’t ideal for smaller groups

When calculating how big a turkey you need, plan on 1 pound per person, plus a little extra. Leftovers are part of the fun!

Supermarket Prices

National supermarket chains like Kroger, Walmart, and Albertsons sell a range of store brand and name brand frozen turkeys. Here are some average per pound prices:

• Walmart: $0.58 – $1.98
• Kroger: $0.39 – $1.49
• Albertsons: $1.89 – $2.79
• Aldi: $0.49 – $1.07
• Publix: $0.99 – $1.89

Most supermarkets discount turkeys during the holidays or offer loyalty card savings. Watch for ads and coupons to save more.

Bulk discount stores like Costco and Sam’s Club also sell large frozen turkeys at value prices, though you need a paid membership to shop there.

Organic and Specialty

Organic, free-range, heritage breed, kosher, and other specialty turkeys cost more than standard supermarket birds. Expect to pay:

• Organic turkey: $2.99 to $3.99 per lb
• Free range/pasture raised: $2.50 – $4.99 per lb
• Heritage breeds: $4.99 – $6.99 per lb
• Kosher turkey: $2.99 – $4.99 per lb

You can find these premium turkey options at higher-end grocers like Whole Foods, niche butchers, co-ops, and direct from family farms.

Order Early for Savings

Many grocery stores offer discounts on turkeys and holiday meals if you order ahead online. Reserve your turkey early to take advantage of these deals.

Another bonus of advance ordering is getting dibs on the exact size bird you want before supplies run low. The most popular sizes sell out quickest as Thanksgiving nears.

Some mail order food companies like Schwan’s and Omaha Steaks let you order a frozen turkey along with full holiday meals for delivery to your door. Check their websites for promotion codes to save on holiday packages.

Try a Turkey Breast

If you don’t need a whole bird, consider buying just a turkey breast. Boneless turkey breast roasts weigh from 2 to 6 pounds and feed 4 to 8 people.

The average price for turkey breast is $3 to $5 per pound. Even with the higher per pound cost, a 3 to 5-pound roast may be cheaper overall for a smaller gathering than buying a whole 10 to 15-pound turkey.

Shop Early Bird Sales

Both Whole Foods and Walmart have announced “early bird” discounted turkeys to help shoppers keep costs low.

At Whole Foods, turkeys are $1.99 per pound from now through December 24 as part of the chain’s Holiday Savings program.

Walmart has also rolled back prices to match last year’s rates. Their turkeys are under $1 per pound, and whole holiday meals start at just $5 per person to feed up to 10.

Check your local grocery ads and websites for similar holiday markdowns on frozen turkeys. The deepest discounts are usually 2 to 3 weeks before the big day.

Buy a Gift Card

If you’re really strapped for cash, consider asking a local charity organization for a donated Thanksgiving grocery gift card. Or reach out to your local food pantry to see if they are distributing free turkeys or gift cards to shoppers in need.

Some churches, schools, and community groups also collect food donations and gift cards at this time of year to help families put a holiday meal on the table. Don’t be afraid to inquire about assistance programs if you are struggling.

With a little savvy shopping and some creative sourcing, you can stick to your budget and still enjoy delicious turkey this season. Focus on size, sales, and advance planning to find the best deal on a frozen bird for your gathering.