Its never too early to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. After all, the holiday has a way of sneaking up on you—and if you dont get a head-start on your Thanksgiving turkey, you may be too late. (Gasp!) But dont worry, all you need to know is when to buy your Thanksgiving turkey and youll be well on your way to a successful feast. With this first step tackled, you can rest assured that youll have plenty of time for roasting, deep frying, or even spatchcocking the bird.
So, when exactly do you need to buy your Thanksgiving turkey? The answer depends on a couple of factors. Are you planning on buying a fresh turkey or frozen turkey? How much space do you have to store it and how do you plan to order your turkey—online or from a store? Below, youll find a breakdown of when to buy or order your turkey for every circumstance. Then, check out our tips for how much turkey you need per person and Ree Drummonds recipe for turkey brine. (Trust that it makes all the difference!)
Thanksgiving is the time when turkey takes center stage. Families and friends gather together to feast on the big bird and all the delicious trimmings. But once the leftovers are gone, you may find yourself wondering – does turkey go on sale after Thanksgiving?
The short answer is – yes, absolutely! Turkey prices often drop quite a bit in the days and weeks following Thanksgiving This price drop occurs for several reasons that we’ll explore in more detail Understanding the post-Thanksgiving turkey market can help you save money and take advantage of deals on high-quality turkey meat.
Why Turkey Prices Decrease After Thanksgiving
There are a few key factors that cause turkey prices to decline after Thanksgiving:
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Excess Inventory – Grocery stores stock up heavily on turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving to meet the surge in demand. Once the holiday passes, they’re eager to sell off excess frozen and fresh turkeys to clear shelf space for other products.
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Decreased Demand – Turkey sales spike dramatically in November as Thanksgiving approaches. But demand plummets rapidly after the holiday as most folks have had their fill of turkey dinners. Lower demand allows retailers to discount turkey to attract buyers.
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Drawing Customers In – Some grocery chains use discounted turkeys as a loss leader after Thanksgiving. By marking them down significantly, they aim to get holiday shoppers in the door who will also purchase other items.
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Competition – More grocery stores carry whole frozen turkeys during the holidays than the rest of the year. This increased competition for a temporarily larger market drives prices down.
How Long Do Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Sales Last?
The duration of turkey sales after Thanksgiving can vary depending on the retailer. Some stores start slashing prices immediately the next day. Other retailers wait a week or more before offering their deepest discounts. Sales often last one to two weeks, but pricing and availability can fluctuate greatly. Your best bet is to check ads frequently and stock up as soon as you see a bargain.
Where to Find the Best Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Deals
The stores below tend to offer some of the biggest turkey discounts and widest remaining selection after Thanksgiving:
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Grocery Stores – Check major chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Giant, Stop & Shop, etc. Look for markdowns on fresh and frozen whole turkeys.
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Warehouse Clubs – Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Costco typically have an abundance of large frozen turkeys to sell at lower prices.
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Walmart – With their massive supply chain, Walmart can aggressively discount turkeys after Thanksgiving to draw in shoppers.
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Local Butcher Shops – Smaller meat markets need to offload fresh turkeys quickly. Ask about any markdowns on their holiday stocks.
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Online Retailers – Keep an eye out for turkey deals from meal delivery services and online grocers.
Tips for Getting the Best Post-Thanksgiving Turkey
Follow these tips to find and select the best discounted turkey after Thanksgiving:
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Shop early for the best selection and availability.
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Compare prices between different weights and brands. Calculate cost per pound.
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Inspect fresh turkeys closely for any flaws, odor issues, or excessive moisture.
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Double check sell-by and use-by dates to ensure adequate time to cook or freeze.
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Look for turkeys with the USDA Grade A seal for higher quality.
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Consider smaller turkey breasts or quarters if you don’t need a whole bird.
Creative Ways to Use Post-Thanksgiving Turkey
Along with traditional turkey leftovers, get creative with markdown turkeys in these fun recipes:
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Turkey Enchiladas – Shredded turkey, cheese, beans, salsa stuffed in tortillas and baked with sauce.
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Turkey Pot Pie – Comfort food classic with turkey, veggies, and creamy sauce topped with pie crust.
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Turkey Tacos – Spice up shredded turkey with salsa and taco fixings for an easy weeknight meal.
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Turkey Casserole – Combine turkey with rice or pasta, mushrooms, veggies, and creamy soup.
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Turkey Stir Fry – Quick and healthy with turkey, ginger, veggies, garlic, soy sauce and rice or noodles.
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Turkey Soup – Simmer turkey with veggies, beans, pasta, and seasonings for a hearty soup.
Can You Freeze Turkey Bought After Thanksgiving?
Yes, absolutely! One money-saving strategy is to buy deeply discounted fresh turkeys after Thanksgiving and stash them in the freezer for later holidays and meals.
Be sure to freeze the turkey promptly and securely wrap in freezer bags or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Date the packaging so you know when you stored it. Whole turkeys can be frozen for 4-6 months while pieces last 1-3 months. Thaw turkey safely in the fridge before cooking.
Get the Best Turkey Value After Thanksgiving
Don’t wait to think about turkey just during the holidays. Keep an eye out for deals after Thanksgiving to stock up on turkey at its most affordable. With proper freezing and storage, you can enjoy delicious turkey for months at prices that are something to be thankful for!
When to Order a Turkey for Thanksgiving
Ordering a turkey is always a good idea, especially if you dont want to be stressed during your Thanksgiving prep. Many grocery stores and farms these days allow you to order or reserve your fresh turkey in advance and pick it up closer to the holiday. Not only will this help you ensure that you get a turkey on the table, but you can also reserve the right size turkey to feed your family.
If you’re looking for a mail-order turkey, there are plenty of online grocers that will allow you to skip the busy supermarket altogether! Just be sure to check the delivery dates to ensure it arrives in time for your holiday feast.
When to Buy a Fresh Turkey
Whether or not you reserve a turkey from the store, picking up your turkey or actually purchasing a fresh turkey should be something you do within a couple of days of Thanksgiving. According to Butterball, an unopened fresh turkey can be stored in the refrigerator until the sell-by date but should be cooked within four days.
Why Turkey Prices Drop Right Before Thanksgiving | 3 Reasons
FAQ
Is turkey cheaper before or after Thanksgiving?
Turkeys are generally cheapest just before Thanksgiving. Markets lower the prices to lure shoppers to buy all the extras. Some offer discounts when you spend a certain amount. One store near me gives you a free turkey if you spend $100.
Will turkeys go on sale after Thanksgiving?
The Cheapest Time to Buy a Turkey
According to USA Today, “Retail prices for a whole-fresh turkeys dropped 9% in October compared to the same month last year.” That said, if you’re looking to save even more, you can buy frozen turkeys after Thanksgiving—and they can sometimes be on sale.
What month is the cheapest to buy turkey?
November is the best time of year to buy turkey on sale.
What happens to unsold turkeys after Thanksgiving?
Repurposing Food for Other Occasions
As a result, many unwanted fresh Thanksgiving turkeys are sent straight to the butcher so that consumers can purchase smaller, more affordable portions of the meat. Some grocery stores also opt to cook a portion of their leftover Thanksgiving meats to be sold at their delis.
Can you buy a Turkey after Thanksgiving?
No sale or reduced prices at all. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when shopping for a turkey after Thanksgiving. The frozen ones will be more expensive than before Thanksgiving likely. Since they are frozen there is no need for the stores to try and sell them quickly.
When should a fresh turkey be sold by date?
A fresh turkey should have a sell by date on it. Fresh turkeys tend to arrive at stores the weekend that is before the weekend that is before Thanksgiving – in other words just under 2 weeks from Thanksgiving Day. I have always found that those turkeys had a sell by date that was at least a couple days past Thanksgiving.
Should I buy a Turkey before or after Christmas?
I highly recommend if you have the freezer space and are doing a turkey for Christmas to is buy to ahead. You can even grab one of those clearance sales on a fresh turkey and freeze it. After Christmas, the fresh turkeys will disappear until next Thanksgiving season. I have never seen a fresh whole turkey in a store outside of the holiday season.
Should you buy a turkey in December?
Buying a turkey in December is the best time to snag an incredible deal and save money on meat. This sets up you for success at the best price. Don’t automatically buy the turkey at the first store you go to. It may seem a bit strange, but learning how to buy turkey after Thanksgiving can help you save.
Are frozen turkeys still on sale?
The frozen turkeys were still plentiful but those were no longer on sale. Plus just as Publix it was hard to find any ones that weren’t 20 pounds plus. Anyone one buying one would be better off with the fresh ones. RELATED – Kroger Turkey Price Guide They had both fresh and frozen turkeys left. No sale or reduced prices at all.
How long does a fresh turkey last?
It won’t last indefinitely. You need to treat it as you would any other poultry. A fresh turkey should have a sell by date on it. Fresh turkeys tend to arrive at stores the weekend that is before the weekend that is before Thanksgiving – in other words just under 2 weeks from Thanksgiving Day.