The Thanksgiving turkey is the crowning jewel of the holiday feast With family and friends gathered around the table, you want to make sure you serve up the very best bird But when it comes to choosing between the two top brands, Butterball and Jennie-O, which one reigns supreme? I decided to do a deep dive comparison to finally settle the debate over which turkey is better.
A Little Background on Butterball and Jennie-O
Butterball and Jennie-O are the two heavyweights of the turkey world. Butterball, founded in the 1920s, claims that one out of every three turkeys eaten in the U.S. is a Butterball. Jennie-O can trace its roots back to 1940 as a branch of Hormel Foods.
Both companies have become kitchen staples, beloved for their quality, availability, and ease of cooking. Most home cooks have a strong preference for one brand over the other. But is there truly a significant difference, or is it just personal attachment? Let’s take a closer look.
Flavor and Taste
The biggest distinction between Butterball and Jennie-O is in the flavor and taste.
Butterball turkeys are renowned for their classic, rich turkey flavor. The company says that they achieve this by pre-brining the turkeys based on size before packaging. This ensures the breast meat is extra juicy and tender.
Jennie-O turkeys have a slightly milder flavor. Their meat tends to be a little juicier as well since Jennie-O does not recommend pre-brining their birds. The milder taste makes them adaptable to a wide array of seasonings and marinades.
So if you want traditional turkey flavor, Butterball is likely the better choice. But Jennie-O’s mellower taste means you can impart more of your own flavor notes.
Price
In my research I found that Butterball turkeys are generally a little pricier than Jennie-O. However prices vary by store and time of year.
Around Thanksgiving when demand spikes, the prices are essentially equivalent. Butterball may cost $1-2 more per pound at your average grocer the rest of the year.
Jennie-O is usually the more budget-friendly option overall. But we’re talking a relatively minor price difference, so cost should not be the main deciding factor.
Availability
You can find both brands readily available at any major supermarket. Butterball may have a slight edge in that they supply turkeys to smaller specialty grocers as well. But Jennie-O has excellent nationwide distribution through major chains like Safeway, Publix, Kroger, etc.
Availability should not affect your purchasing choice. Whichever brand you opt for will be easy to find, especially around the holidays.
Cooking Considerations
Preparation and cooking method should also inform your turkey choice.
Butterball turkeys come pre-brined and pre-seasoned in a variety of herb, spice, and flavor options. This makes them very convenient, especially for novice cooks. However, experienced cooks may want to brine and season from scratch themselves.
Jennie-O turkeys arrive unbrined and unseasoned. This allows the cook to completely control the flavor profile themselves. So if you’re an avid home chef, Jennie-O may suit your needs better.
Customer Reviews
Looking at customer reviews and feedback provides helpful insight into quality and satisfaction.
Butterball earns consistently positive reviews, with many praising the juicy, robust turkey flavor and ease of cooking. Some negative comments mention issues with under or overcooking and bland taste if preparation guidelines aren’t followed.
Jennie-O reviews are also largely favorable. Happy customers report delicious flavor, easy prep, and great value. Critical comments focus on dryness and difficulty obtaining perfect doneness.
Both seem to have staunch fans across the cooking spectrum. From novice to expert, each brand has its devoted followers.
The Verdict
So which turkey reigns supreme? Based on my in-depth Butterball vs Jennie-O comparison, I’d say Butterball just slightly edges out Jennie-O. The classic turkey taste and consistently rave customer reviews win in a close race.
However, the truth is you can’t go wrong with either brand. Both Butterball and Jennie-O produce extremely high-quality turkeys using ethical, sustainable practices. The main differences come down to inherent flavor, price, and level of seasoning/convenience.
The best turkey for you depends on your personal preferences. Do you want convenient pre-brined, bold Butterball flavor? Or flexible, budget-friendly Jennie-O? Get the turkey that best suits your needs and tastes. Pick the size right for your gathering, and follow the cooking directions for best results.
With proper preparation and cooking, both Butterball and Jennie-O will deliver a mouthwatering centerpiece turkey, ensuring your feast is a resounding success. Here’s wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Bubba Burger Turkey Burgers
Bubba Burgers Turkey Burgers contain no artificial ingredients, additives, or preservatives. A 32-ounce pack of eight burgers cost me $8.99.
The look: I have a pretty good amount of experience with Bubba Burger, and I swear that every burger Ive ever seen from this brand has been oddly misshapen. The patty itself developed a good sear and it was pretty thick despite being a little too small to fit the bun.
The taste: My takeaway about the flavor of this patty is pretty much the same as my takeaways for the Applegate and Trader Joes patties. The taste is perfectly fine, albeit a bit boring. Id need to upgrade it with my own seasonings and toppings in order to really enjoy it. What pushed Bubba Burger ahead of the others, however, was the texture. Because the patty was thicker, it seemed to hold its juices much better during the cooking process that the Applegate Organics and Trader Joes burgers.
Good & Gather Turkey Burgers
Good & Gathers Turkey Burgers are made from turkey raised without any antibiotics, added hormones, or steroids. A 32-ounce pack of six burgers cost me $9.59.
The look: Big, thick, and the perfect size for the bun. However, the patty was on the paler side and didnt develop quite as good of a sear as some of the other brands.
The taste: Much more flavorful than the bottom three brands in this taste test, which makes sense considering that black pepper, dehydrated garlic, onion powder, and salt are all mentioned on the ingredients list. Good & Gather also wins points for the fact that the inside of the thick patty didnt dry out too much during the cooking process.
My one critique is that the burger had a subtle unpleasant taste that sort of reminded me of chemicals, but it wasnt so strong that it ruined the entire experience for me. If this patty came with all my favorite burger toppings, I probably wouldnt have even noticed it.
Review of Jennie-O Turkey Burgers
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