Come November frozen turkeys fly off grocery store shelves as people prep for Thanksgiving feasts. But you can enjoy tasty and convenient frozen turkey any time of year. This helpful guide covers where to find frozen whole turkeys turkey breasts, and other turkey products.
Grocery Stores
Your regular supermarket likely has a solid selection of frozen turkeys. Most carry both name brand and store brand options in a range of sizes.
Popular national brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Shady Brook Farms, and Honeysuckle are safe bets for quality. Store brands can offer comparable quality at lower prices.
For the best selection, shop early to mid-November before stocks run low. Many stores even allow you to order your frozen turkey in advance and pick it up by a certain date.
Grocery delivery services like Instacart also let you add a frozen turkey to your online order. Just enter your zip code to see turkeys available for delivery from stores in your area.
Warehouse Stores
Bulk shopping destinations like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are ideal when you need to stock up on frozen turkeys for a crowd. You’ll find low member-only prices on frozen whole turkeys and turkey breasts.
Opt for their store brand Kirkland or Member’s Mark to maximize savings. These warehouse turkeys are tasty, plus portioned for smaller households. Grab extras to donate or serve throughout the holidays.
Butcher Shops
For premium quality, visit a local butcher shop or meat market. Their turkey selection may include higher-end brand names, specialty breeds, free-range, organic, heritage turkeys, and more.
Chat with the butcher to find one that fits your tastes and budget. You can also custom order exactly the size bird you need.
Online Retailers
Can’t find a small frozen turkey locally? Check online sites like Schwan’s, Omaha Steaks, Porter Road and Rastelli’s.
Specialty food stores like D’Artagnan offer organic and heritage breed frozen turkeys shipped overnight. Or try your favorite meal kit company for parts like turkey breasts and drumsticks.
What to Look for When Buying Frozen Turkey
Keep these tips in mind when selecting a frozen turkey:
-
Size: Choose based on the number of servings needed. Estimate 1 pound per person.
-
Type: Whole turkeys, turkey breasts, drumsticks, cutlets, and ground turkey are common.
-
Features: Opt for features like no antibiotics, free-range, organic, etc. if these are important to you.
-
Brand: Stick to reputable national brands or grocers’ private labels for best quality.
-
Price: Weigh cost vs. features. Less expensive turkeys may lack special attributes.
-
Pack date: Pick the latest sell-by date for maximum shelf life.
-
Appearance: Ensure there are no signs of frost burn or ice crystals which indicate improper freezing.
Handling and Storing Frozen Turkey
Follow these guidelines for safe handling and storage:
-
Keep frozen until ready to thaw and cook. Turkey can be stored frozen for 9-12 months.
-
Thaw in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Never thaw at room temperature.
-
Place on a tray to catch any drips while thawing.
-
Cook or refreeze within 2 days after thawing.
-
Wrap tightly in freezer bags or foil for storing in freezer. This prevents “freezer burn.”
Tips for Cooking Frozen Turkey
Cooking a turkey that went straight from the freezer to the oven takes a little finesse:
-
Allow 50% more cooking time.
-
Use a low roasting temp, 325°F to prevent overcooking.
-
Shield the breast with foil to prevent drying out.
-
Check temp early and often with a meat thermometer.
-
Never cook a stuffed frozen turkey – cook the stuffing separately.
-
Let rest 30-40 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Enjoy Delicious Frozen Turkey Any Time
From holiday feasts to busy weeknight dinners, frozen turkey is convenient, economical, and downright tasty when handled properly. With so many sources carrying frozen whole turkeys, breasts, cutlets, sausages, and more, you’re sure to find one that’s just right for any occasion.
Frozen Whole Turkey Near MeBuy your favorite Frozen Whole Turkey online with Instacart. Order Frozen Whole Turkey from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
- Turning on notifications for the Instacart app
- Keeping an eye out for text messages and phone calls from your Instacart shopper
- Leaving helpful instructions for parking, gate codes, or other clues to find your home.
- Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. Fees vary for one-hour deliveries, club store deliveries, and deliveries under $35.
- Service fees vary and are subject to change based on factors like location and the number and types of items in your cart. Orders containing alcohol have a separate service fee.
- Tipping is optional but encouraged for delivery orders. It’s a great way to show your shopper appreciation and recognition for excellent service. 100% of your tip goes directly to the shopper who delivers your order.
With an optional Instacart+ membership, you can get $0 delivery fee on every order over $35 and lower service fees too. Instacart pickup cost:
- There may be a “pickup fee” (equivalent to a delivery fee for pickup orders) on your pick up order that is typically $1.99 for non-Instacart+ members. Instacart+ membership waives this like it would a delivery fee.
- Pick up orders have no service fees, regardless of non-Instacart+ or Instacart+ membership.
- Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item.
- Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock.
- Dont Replace: For items you’d rather not replace, choose “Dont replace” to get a refund if the item is out of stock.
- Missing items
- Incorrect items
- Damaged items
- Poor replacements
- Early/late orders
If an order never came, or you get someone else’s order, you can reach out to Instacart Customer Experience. Yes! You can get Frozen Whole Turkey products delivered same-day in as fast as one hour from stores near you using the Instacart app or website.