Where to Get Turkey Breast – A Complete Guide

Turkey breast is a versatile and delicious poultry option perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With its lean protein, turkey breast can be roasted, grilled, smoked, or prepared in a variety of ways. But where exactly can you get turkey breast? This comprehensive guide covers all the details on the best places to buy turkey breast, how to choose the right turkey breast, and tips for storage and preparation.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are one of the most convenient places to buy turkey breast Most full-service supermarkets will carry a selection of fresh or frozen turkey breast options

When shopping for turkey breast at the grocery store you’ll typically find

• Bone-in turkey breast – This is a whole half breast with the bone and skin still intact. Bone-in breasts are juicier and have more flavor from the bone. A bone-in breast feeds more people, around 8-10.

• Boneless turkey breast – Boneless breasts are more convenient for slicing and portioning. However they can dry out more easily without the bone. Plan for about 1/2 pound per person.

• Frozen options – Many stores carry frozen raw turkey breasts as well as pre-cooked frozen turkey breast deli meat.

Look for turkey breast packages without tears or punctures. Check the sell-by date and pick the freshest option. Prices and availability may vary throughout the year. Sales often pop up around the holidays when turkey is in high demand.

Grocery store pros:

• Convenience and easy availability
• Wide variety of national brands and store brands
• Can buy just what you need for a meal

Potential cons:

• Prices may be higher than warehouse stores
• Less selection than a specialty retailer

Warehouse Stores

For bulk buying, stocking up, and the best deals, warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are great places to buy turkey breast. Around the holidays, whole frozen turkey breast sells for around $1.99-$2.99 per pound.

The warehouse store turkey breast selection includes:

• Large frozen whole bone-in turkey breasts
• Frozen boneless turkey breasts
• Pre-cooked deli turkey breast

Opt for turkey breasts within the sell-by date that show no signs of frost or freezer burn. The only potential warehouse store downside is having to buy a large package, which requires freezer space. However, the savings often make it worthwhile.

Warehouse store pros:

• Best prices on bulk frozen turkey breast
• High-quality name brand options
• Can stock up for multiple meals

Potential cons:

• Large pack sizes
• Only frozen options

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

For the freshest, highest-quality turkey breast, specialty butcher shops and meat markets are the way to go. Skilled butchers can provide customized cuts. The turkey is often sourced from local farms.

Expect to find:

• Fresh never-frozen turkey breast
• All-natural and organic options
• Custom cuts like double-boneless breasts
• Unique brined or seasoned turkey breasts
• Ground turkey and sausage

Look for plump turkey breasts with creamy skin and no blemishes. The price per pound runs higher than grocery stores but deliver premium quality. Ask questions about sourcing and prep if it’s not clear.

Butcher shop pros:

• Freshest, humanely raised turkey options
• Custom cuts and seasoned varieties
• Support small businesses and farms

Potential cons:

• Higher per pound cost
• Inconsistent stock, sells out fast

Online Retailers

Ordering turkey breast online offers convenience along with quality options. Retailers like Thrive Market, Walmart, FreshDirect, and Schwan’s ship frozen turkey breast directly to your door. Prices range from $2.99-$6.99 per pound.

Buying turkey breast online allows you to:

• Browse and compare multiple brands
• Find organic and heritage turkey
• Shop sales and deals
• Get free shipping with minimum order sizes

Check delivery dates so your turkey breast arrives when you need it. Look at reviews if buying from a new company.

Online pros:

• Huge selection of brands and types
• Convenience of home delivery
• Easy price comparisons

Potential cons:

• Need to plan ahead for delivery
• Can’t inspect product before buying

Direct from a Farm or Butcher

For the best quality and customization, buying direct from a local farm, butcher shop, or turkey farm lets you get precisely the cut, size, and style of turkey breast you want. Search for “turkey farms near me” or “pasture raised turkey.”

Farm-direct turkey breast benefits:

• Supports small local farms
• Natural and humane raising practices
• You set the custom size and cut
• Ultimate freshness

Be sure to call or email to place your order 1-2 months before you need it since stock is limited. Expect to pay premium prices, anywhere from $4-$8 per pound for the highest quality turkey.

Buying direct pros:

• Freshest and humanely raised
• Custom sizing and cutting
• Support local business

Potential cons:

• Higher per pound costs
• Need to plan very far ahead

How Much Turkey Breast to Buy

When calculating how much turkey breast to buy, here are some general guidelines:

• Bone-in breast: Estimate 1⁄2 pound of meat per person, or 1 breast for every 4 people
• Boneless breast: Plan for around 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person
• Slices: Allow for 3-5 ounces of sliced turkey breast per person
• Ground turkey: Estimate 1⁄3 pound uncooked turkey per person for dishes like burgers or meatballs

Buy at least a little extra since having leftovers is never a bad thing! Cooked turkey breast also freezes beautifully for future meals.

Choosing the Best Turkey Breast

Whether you’re buying at the store or directly from a farm, here are tips on picking the highest quality turkey breast:

• Check the color – Raw turkey should be pink to cream in color without dark spots.

• Examine the skin – Look for creamy, intact skin without tears or blemishes.

• Feel the firmness – Opt for breasts that feel plump and firm to the touch, not squishy.

• Look at the sell-by date – Choose turkey with the furthest out expiration date.

• Read the label – Watch out for added broths, salt solutions, or extended shelf life claims which indicate lower quality.

• Ask questions – If buying direct from a farm or butcher, ask about feed, hormones, antibiotics, etc.

Turkey Breast Storage

Proper storage preserves freshness and prevents spoilage of raw turkey breast:

• Raw turkey breast – Store fresh turkey breast in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freeze for 4-6 months.

• Cooked turkey – Refrigerate carved, cooked breast for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

• Frozen – Keep frozen turkey breast at 0°F or below. Avoid freezer burn by using airtight packaging.

• Thawing – Thaw frozen breasts for 1-2 days in the fridge, 24 hours in cold water, or 3-5 minutes in the microwave. Cook immediately after thawing.

Preparing Turkey Breast

From roasting to grilling, smoking to slicing deli meat, there are endless options for cooking turkey breast. Here are a few go-to methods:

• Oven roast – Roast seasoned bone-in or boneless turkey breast at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Smoke – Slow smoke turkey breast with wood chips at 225-250°F fortender, juicy meat.

• Sous vide – Cook 1-2 inch turkey breast steaks in a water bath at 146°F for 2-4 hours.

• Grill – Quickly grill boneless, skinless turkey cutlets or kabobs over direct high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.

• Braise or stew – For tender shredded turkey, braise bone-in breast for 1-2 hours in broth until falling apart.

• Slice deli meat – Chill cooked turkey completely before slicing thinly to use for sandwiches, wraps, salads and more.

With so many options for where to buy turkey breast and how to prepare it, you really can enjoy tasty and protein-packed turkey breast any day of the year. Use this guide to shop for your perfect turkey breast and whip up amazing meals for any occasion.