Butterball or Honeysuckle: Which Turkey Should Grace Your Table This Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about the centerpiece of your holiday meal – the turkey! When it comes to turkey brands two names stand out from the flock – Butterball and Honeysuckle. But which one should you choose for your gathering? I’m here to break down the differences between these two famous turkeys to help you decide.

A Little Background on Each Turkey Brand

Butterball turkeys have been a Thanksgiving staple for decades. The company started in the 1950s when two brothers began selling turkeys from their North Carolina farm. Through smart marketing and product improvements, Butterball became the #1 turkey brand in the US by the 1960s. Today they sell over 20 million turkeys per year!

Honeysuckle turkeys have a shorter history, only dating back to the early 1900s. But they’ve become famous for their sweet, juicy breast meat. The breed was specially created by crossing two heritage turkey varieties. Although originally grown for commercial sales, Honeysuckle turkeys are now increasingly popular with home cooks.

Flavor and Texture

When it comes to taste and texture, there are some clear differences between these two turkey titans

Butterball turkeys are prized for their tenderness and juiciness. They go through a special process called “marination” where the meat is soaked in a salty solution, which helps keep the meat moist as it cooks. The result is very tender and succulent meat, although some find it a bit bland.

Honeysuckle turkeys are praised for their rich, old-fashioned turkey flavor. The meat has more dark poultry taste rather than a buttery mildness. And while juicy, Honeysuckle meat has a slightly firmer texture rather than being ultra-tender.

So if you want tender, fail-proof turkeys that please most palates, Butterball is your best bet. But for deep nostalgic flavor, Honeysuckle has the edge.

Farming and Processing

How and where a turkey is raised can impact its final quality. This is another area where the two brands differ.

Butterball turkeys are mass-produced on large commercial farms. They live indoors in spacious barns and eat a grain-based diet. Once fully grown, Butterball turkeys are processed at major plants before being shipped nationwide.

Honeysuckle turkeys are often raised on small family farms rather than big operations. They enjoy more access to the outdoors and eat a diverse diet of grains, grass, and bugs. Honeysuckle turkeys are processed in smaller regional plants instead of mega facilities.

So for turkeys raised in a more traditional, small-scale way, Honeysuckle is the better choice. But Butterball’s system allows them to sell turkeys nationwide at lower prices.

Availability and Pricing

With its huge production capabilities, Butterball offers more convenient turkey options year-round. You can readily find fresh and frozen Butterball turkeys of all sizes. Honeysuckle availability is more seasonal, with the best selection around the holidays.

In terms of pricing, smaller Honeysuckle turkeys usually cost a bit more per pound than mass-market Butterball birds. But you may be able to find discounts on Butterball turkeys around Thanksgiving when stores run special sales.

If you want a local artisan-raised turkey for a special occasion, splurging on a Honeysuckle can be worthwhile. But for an affordable everyday turkey, Butterball is easier to find at lower prices.

Herb Butterball or Honey Glazed Honeysuckle?

When it comes down to decision time this Thanksgiving, whether you select a plump Butterball or a sweet Honeysuckle depends on your tastes and needs.

If you’re feeding a large gathering or want foolproof cooking, Butterball is the safer bet. For smaller groups that will appreciate thoughtful quality, Honeysuckle’s flavor and little farm charm may win the day.

You really can’t go wrong with either of these top turkey producers. Just pick the size you need, get creative with sides and sauces, and you’ll have a centerpiece worthy of any Thanksgiving feast!