Where Can I Buy a Frozen Turkey? Your 2022 Guide for Purchasing Whole Frozen Birds

As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, you may be wondering where you can buy a frozen turkey this year. With recent supply chain issues and inflation, turkey availability has been tight in 2022. But there are still plenty of places to purchase whole frozen birds online and in-store if you act soon.

This guide will overview the best places to buy frozen turkeys, what sizes are ideal for different gatherings, and tips to ensure you get the bird you need for your holiday feast.

Online Retailers for Purchasing Frozen Turkeys

Ordering frozen turkeys online is often the most convenient option. Here are some top retailers offering online turkey sales and delivery:

Walmart – Wide selection of name brand frozen turkeys like Butterball, Shady Brook Farms, and Walmart’s store brand. Whole birds from 10-22 lbs

Amazon – Sells Butterball and other brand name frozen turkeys. Options forPrime 1-day delivery available in select areas.

Instacart – Arrange same-day grocery delivery of frozen turkeys from local stores like Kroger, Costco, Albertsons, etc

Schwan’s – Get whole frozen turkeys shipped direct from this food delivery service. Size range of 10-20 lbs available.

Omaha Steaks – Higher end mail order frozen turkeys including premium basted and smoked options.

Grocery Stores With Frozen Turkeys

The freezer sections at your local supermarket chains will also have an ample supply of frozen birds. Try these grocery stores:

• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway
• Giant Eagle
• Harris Teeter
• Albertsons
• Piggly Wiggly
• Costco

Call your nearby stores first to check availability of preferred turkey sizes. Be sure to shop early as inventory may be lower this year.

Ideal Turkey Sizes for Gatherings

Aim to buy 1-1.5 lbs of turkey per person, going up to 2 lbs per person for extra leftovers. Here are recommended turkey sizes for different gatherings:

• 8-12 people = 12-15 lb turkey
• 14-16 people = 16-18 lb turkey
• 18-22 people = 20-22 lb turkey

Smaller 4-8 lb turkeys are best for smaller groups of 3-4 people. Young whole hens tend to be smaller while young toms and mature turkeys run larger.

Allow 1 lb per person if also serving ham or other main dishes. Better to have extras than run short, if possible.

Make Sure Your Turkey Fits Your Oven

Before purchasing, measure your oven’s interior depth and width. Avoid turkeys longer or wider than those dimensions, factoring in a roasting pan.

Most standard ovens accommodate up to an 18 lb turkey. Larger birds may require switching to a smoker, deep fryer, or having the butcher cut in half.

If oven space is tight, buy two smaller turkeys rather than one huge bird. This also gives you a backup in case of an oven malfunction.

Leaner vs Pre-Basted Turkeys

You’ll typically find two options when buying whole frozen turkeys:

Lean “Natural” Turkeys – Not injected with broths or saline solutions. Require basting during roasting for moisture.

Pre-Basted Turkeys – Injected with a salt solution and/or vegetable broths. More moist but higher in sodium.

Pre-basted or “self-basting” turkeys save you time and effort. Lean turkeys allow more control over ingredients and flavors. Choose based on your preferences.

Choose Fresh or Hard Frozen Birds

Turkeys can be either “hard” frozen or “fresh” frozen. Here is how to tell the difference:

• Hard frozen = Rock solid throughout, requires 3+ days thawing.

• Fresh frozen = Still pliable with some softness, thaws in 1-2 days.

Fresh frozen turkeys thaw faster but have a shorter shelf life. Inspect packaging dates and try to pick recently frozen birds.

Make note of the thawing time needed for the type of turkey you buy. This will determine when you need to start thawing before the big day.

Order Early for Better Selection

The most foolproof way to secure a turkey this year is to shop early. Place online orders or visit stores at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

Retailers get limited thawed turkeys to sell directly before Thanksgiving. If you wait until the last minute, you risk having no options left.

Check your grocery store weekly ads for pre-holiday turkey deals. Buying early also lets you take advantage of any sales or promotions.

Store Properly After Purchasing

Once home, store frozen turkeys in a lower level of your refrigerator if space allows. Otherwise keep in freezer.

Avoid frequent opening of the freezer to maintain temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure freezer stays at 0°F or below.

Keep the turkey in original airtight packaging until ready to thaw. Place inside a plastic bag if storing long term.

With some advance planning, you can track down a wholesome frozen turkey this holiday season. Shop early for the best selection and review proper storage and thawing for your bird. Then get ready to enjoy a centerpiece turkey on your Thanksgiving table this year.