A whole turkey is the traditional centerpiece of a Thanksgiving feast, but cooking an entire bird is impractical for smaller gatherings. A boneless turkey breast is a convenient main course for Friendsgiving dinners, nuclear families, or couples celebrating the holiday. But how much should you expect to spend on a turkey breast? We compared prices across major grocery chains to find the best deals.
Average Price of Turkey Breasts by Weight
Turkey breast prices vary primarily by weight. Here are the average per-pound costs for common turkey breast sizes:
- 2-3 pound turkey breasts: $4 – $6 per pound
- 4-7 pound turkey breasts: $3 – $5 per pound
- 8-10 pound turkey breasts: $2 – $4 per pound
So larger turkey breasts generally offer the best value per pound. However, small gatherings don’t need a huge turkey breast, so consider how many portions you require.
Bone-in turkey breast halves with skin are cheaper than boneless skinless breasts. But you’ll lose some weight peeling off the skin and bones.
Kosher and organic turkey breasts command premium pricing, ranging from $6 to $9 per pound.
Comparing Prices at Major Retailers
Here are current price ranges for whole turkey breasts at top national supermarket chains
Walmart
- Bone-in breasts $1.98 – $2.98 per lb
- Boneless breasts $3.98 – $5.98 per lb
Kroger
- Bone-in breasts $1.49 – $2.99 per lb
- Boneless breasts $3.99 – $6.99 per lb
Aldi
- Honeysuckle boneless breasts $3.49 per lb
- Easy carving boneless breasts $4.49 per lb
Target
- Boneless breasts $3.99 – $4.99 per lb
- Organic boneless breasts $8.99 per lb
Costco
- Bone-in breasts $2.99 per lb
- Boneless breasts $3.99 – $5.99 per lb
Sam’s Club
- Member’s Mark boneless breasts $2.98 per lb
Trader Joe’s
- All natural boneless breasts $3.99 per lb
Whole Foods
- All natural boneless breasts $4.99 – $7.99 per lb
- Organic boneless breasts $8.99 – $9.99 per lb
Getting the Best Deal on Turkey Breasts
To save money on your Thanksgiving centerpiece:
- Buy bone-in turkey breasts and remove skin and bones yourself
- Opt for larger 8-10 pound turkey breasts over smaller portions
- Shop at discount chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Costco
- Look for holiday sales and price cuts on turkey breasts
- Avoid premium organic and kosher turkey if budget conscious
- Only buy what you realistically need for your gathering
With some smart shopping, you can put a delicious and affordable turkey breast on the table this Thanksgiving.
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How much does a 3 lb turkey breast serve?
Can I buy just a turkey breast?
Is turkey breast expensive?
Is it better to buy a whole turkey or just the breast?
How much turkey breast should you buy for a party?
Essentially, if you’ll be serving four people, you should plan on purchasing 5 pounds of bone-in turkey breast. For a party of eight, boost the total yield to 10 pounds. If your party consists of 10 people, purchase 13 pounds of bone-in meat.
How much does a turkey cost per pound?
For smaller dinner parties, the Shady Brook 10 to 14-pound young turkey priced at $1.69 per pound could be a good fit. Larger family gatherings may want to opt for the Wegmans 24 to 28-pound turkey for $1.99 per pound or the Wegmans 22 to 26-pound antibiotic-free turkey for $3.19 per pound.
How much does a turkey cost at Costco?
Prices on fresh turkeys typically start at $1 per pound, if you get a good deal. Costco usually has them for this price. The prices goes up for more premium brands or if you are looking at a free range turkey or Organic turkeys are hard to find for under $2.99 a pound. But are usually not more than $3.99 a pound.
How much does a turkey cost at Whole Foods?
The all natural brined young turkey is priced at $1.99 per pound, while the limited Glatt kosher turkeys are $2.99 per pound. This year, Whole Foods is offering low holiday prices and three different turkey options. Whole turkeys start at $1.99 per pound, while organic whole turkeys are $2.99 per pound.