Not sure how much turkey to make per person this holiday season? This handy rule will make your Thanksgiving planning so much easier.
No matter how often you host Thanksgiving, one big question remains the same: Exactly how much turkey do I need to make per person? The turkey’s size determines how big of a helping each guest receives—not to mention how much will remain for leftover turkey recipes.
If you want to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey recipe will prepare enough turkey for every guest, plan on 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person. Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25, then round up to the nearest whole number. So, if you’re expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.
To simplify things, we’ve created a guide to help you pick the perfect-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be the star of any meal. But with prices fluctuating, how do you know how much per pound to pay for turkey? As a budget-conscious shopper, I did some research to find out the average cost per pound for whole turkey, turkey breasts, drumsticks, ground turkey and more.
Average Turkey Prices Per Pound
On average, you can expect to pay the following turkey prices per pound:
- Whole turkey – $1.40 to $2.50 per lb
- Boneless turkey breast – $3.99 to $5.99 per lb
- Turkey drumsticks – $1.99 to $2.99 per lb
- Ground turkey – $3.50 to $4.50 per lb
- Turkey tenderloins – $7.99 to $9.99 per lb
But prices can vary depending on the specific cut, brand, farm, season and where you shop. Here’s what impacts the cost of turkey
Factors That Affect Turkey Prices
Several key factors play into the price per pound for turkey
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Type of cut – Whole turkeys are cheaper than cuts like breast, drums or tenderloins. Ground turkey costs more than chicken.
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Brand – Premium and organic brands charge higher prices per pound than basic store brands.
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Fresh vs frozen – Fresh turkey tends to cost more per pound than frozen.
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Time of year – Prices peak around the holidays when demand is highest.
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Store or source – Grocery stores, warehouse clubs, local farms and online sellers vary in turkey prices.
Understanding what determines the price per pound can help you find the best turkey deals.
Average Prices Per Pound by Turkey Type
Here are typical per-pound costs for different types of turkey:
Whole Turkeys
- Frozen: $1.15 to $1.99 per lb
- Fresh: $1.99 to $2.99 per lb
- Organic/Free-range: $2.49 to $4.99 per lb
- Kosher: $2.99 to $3.99 per lb
- Heritage: $4.99+ per lb
Parts & Ground
- Boneless breast: $3.99 to $5.99 per lb
- Drumsticks: $1.99 to $2.99 per lb
- Ground turkey: $3.50 to $4.50 per lb
- Turkey tenderloins: $7.99 to $9.99 per lb
As you can see, whole frozen turkeys offer the best value per pound. Certain cuts and specialty turkeys cost more.
Average Cost Per Pound by Weight
For whole turkeys, larger birds are generally a better deal per pound than smaller sizes.
Turkey Weight – Avg Price Per Pound
- 8 to 12 lbs – $1.89/lb
- 12 to 16 lbs – $1.69/lb
- 16 to 20 lbs – $1.59/lb
- 20 to 24 lbs – $1.49/lb
The best price per pound is usually found on large 20+ pound turkeys. Avoid overbuying though since you need refrigerator space to thaw large birds.
How to Get the Best Price Per Pound on Turkey
Here are some tips for getting the lowest price per pound when buying turkey:
- Buy frozen instead of fresh
- Shop at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club
- Look for holiday sales at grocery stores
- Check prices at multiple locations
- Buy larger whole turkeys over 20 lbs
- Purchase store brands instead of premium
- Buy extra turkey when it’s on sale and freeze it
Being flexible on the type, brand and source of your turkey can lead to big savings per pound. With the right strategies, you can enjoy delicious turkey meals while sticking to your food budget. Don’t overpay per pound when you go turkey shopping this year!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I pay per pound for an organic turkey?
You can expect to pay $2.49 to $4.99 per pound for an organic or free-range turkey, depending on the size.
What’s the average cost per pound for a frozen 15 lb turkey?
The average price for a 15 lb frozen turkey runs about $1.59 per pound, so around $23-24 total for a 15 lb bird.
Is a kosher turkey more expensive per pound than a standard turkey?
Yes, kosher turkey averages $2.99 to $3.99 per lb, higher than standard frozen turkeys. The koshering process increases costs.
Should I pay more per pound for a fresh or frozen turkey?
Frozen turkeys offer the best value, averaging $1.15 to $1.99 per lb compared to $1.99 to $2.99 for fresh. Go frozen to save.
Can I get a better price per pound if I buy a turkey in bulk?
Definitely. Larger whole turkeys over 20 lbs offer the lowest cost per pound. Warehouse clubs also offer deals for buying bulk turkey.
Knowing approximate turkey prices per pound for different types and sizes can help you shop smart. Use these average costs as a guide, compare prices across stores, and look for sales to get the best deal. With the right intel, you can serve up amazing turkey meals without overspending!
What size turkey should I buy to feed a large group?
You don’t have to buy one large turkey to feed a crowd. Large turkeys are heavy and take a long time to cook. Instead, try dividing the total number of pounds by two and buying two smaller birds. Cooking a small turkey is quicker, and the meat will cook more evenly.
How to Serve and Store Thanksgiving Turkey
Once the turkey is out of the oven, let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, use our tips on how to carve a turkey to create beautiful slices. Arrange the meat on a platter so your guests can choose which piece they like.
When everyone is finished eating, don’t forget about the leftovers. Store the meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. We like to reheat turkey in the oven with a bit of gravy, broth or butter to keep it nice and juicy.