How Much Does Fresh Turkey Cost Per Pound This Year?

As Thanksgiving approaches many people are starting to think about cooking the centerpiece of their holiday meal – the turkey. With inflation hitting grocery prices hard in 2022 some shoppers are wondering how much fresh turkey will cost per pound this year. While prices are up across the board, there are still ways to get a good deal on your holiday bird.

What is the Average Price Per Pound for Fresh Turkey in 2022?

On average, Americans can expect to pay $35.40 for a 15-pound turkey this year — an average of $236 per pound This represents an increase of about 17% compared to 2021’s average of $1.99 per pound.

At more than $50 per bird ($52.85), Hawaii has the highest average turkey prices of all the states. In the contiguous U.S., Minnesota and California tie for the highest average price at $41.85 per 15-pound bird. Prices tend to be lowest in the Southeast, with Arkansas offering the cheapest turkeys at an average of $28.65 for 15 pounds.

Why Are Turkey Prices Higher This Year?

There are a few key reasons why fresh turkey is more expensive in 2022:

• Increased feed costs – The price of corn and soybean meal, primary components of turkey feed, has risen significantly. This is pushing up farmers’ production costs.

• Supply chain issues – Ongoing labor shortages and disruptions in processing and transportation are impacting supply. This is driving up costs across the supply chain.

• High inflation – General inflation is around 8% in the U.S. in 2022. Rising prices for fuel, wages, packaging and other inputs are making turkey more expensive.

• Avian flu – An outbreak of avian influenza killed millions of turkeys and chickens this year. While the impact on supply is uncertain, it adds further pressure.

How to Get the Best Deal on Fresh Turkey

While fresh turkey will cost more overall this year, there are ways savvy shoppers can still save:

• Shop early – Prices tend to be lowest right when fresh turkeys first arrive in stores, usually in late October or early November.

• Buy frozen – Frozen turkeys are less expensive than fresh on average. Just remember to leave time for thawing.

• Check ads – Watch for turkey sales, promotions and coupons at local grocery stores and supermarkets.

• Buy smaller – A 12-15 pound turkey often provides the best value per pound. Outsized birds usually cost more.

• Consider heritage breeds – Pasture-raised heritage turkeys offer premium quality but usually at a higher price point.

• Buy direct – Purchasing directly from a local farm can sometimes save money while supporting your community.

• Watch portions -Buying a smaller turkey and supplementing with more sides is a way to reduce costs.

How Long Does Fresh Turkey Last?

Fresh, whole turkeys purchased from the store should be cooked within 2 days for peak quality and food safety. Properly stored fresh turkey can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to check use-by dates and discard if they have passed.

For longer storage, fresh turkey can be frozen for 4-12 months if kept constantly at 0°F. Maintaining a consistent freezer temperature is important to avoiding spoilage and safely preserving your turkey.

How Much Should I Buy?

When estimating how big a turkey to buy, plan on about 1 pound of turkey per person. For hearty holiday appetites, bump it up to 1 1⁄2 pounds per guest. Keep in mind you’ll need extra for leftovers!

An easy rule of thumb is 1 pound of uncooked turkey yields about 0.5 pounds of cooked meat when accounting for bone and waste.

So for example, a 15-pound turkey will provide around 7-8 pounds of cooked meat, enough to feed 14 hungry Thanksgiving diners with a bit leftover.

Buying the right sized fresh turkey for your gathering ensures you get the premium quality turkey you want for the big day without overspending or having too many leftovers. With some savvy shopping, you can still find a reasonably priced turkey and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving feast with family and friends in 2022.