The centerpiece of many holiday meals is a golden brown turkey fresh from the oven. For cooks short on time frozen turkeys offer convenience without sacrificing quality. Two of the top brands for frozen whole turkeys are Butterball and Honeysuckle White. But when it comes to taste, price, availability and other factors, how do you decide between these turkey titans?
As someone who has cooked both Butterball and Honeysuckle White turkeys for decades of holidays, I’ve developed some useful insights on each brand. Keep reading for a detailed comparison of Butterball versus Honeysuckle turkeys to help you pick the right bird for your festive feast!
Quick Overview of Butterball and Honeysuckle White
Butterball and Honeysuckle White are two of the major turkey brands in the U.S.
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Butterball leads the market, processing over 1 billion pounds of turkey every year. They sell whole turkeys along with turkey breasts, deli meat, sausages, ground turkey, and more.
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Honeysuckle White produces 350 million pounds annually. While best known for whole frozen turkeys, they also offer turkey breasts, ground turkey, sausages, and organic options.
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Both companies raise turkeys on American family farms. Their birds are antibiotic-free with no added hormones or steroids.
Comparing Flavor and Overall Quality
The most important consideration is how the turkey actually tastes. In my experience:
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Butterball earns its reputation for moist, tender meat and plump breast meat. Their turkeys are pre-brined helping season the meat and keep it juicy.
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Honeysuckle White turkeys are also nicely tender Their flavor is milder but still savory and delicious Less processing produces a more natural turkey taste.
While subtle differences exist in flavor, both deliver juicy, high quality meat perfect for holiday meals. Go with your preference for more pronounced or delicate turkey taste.
Size Range and Product Variety
Butterball provides one of the widest ranges of turkey options:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to over 30 lbs
- Turkey breasts from 2 to over 8 lbs
- Ground turkey, sausages, deli slices
- Organic and kosher varieties
Honeysuckle White offers:
- Whole turkeys from 10 to 26 lbs
- Turkey breasts from 2 to 6 lbs
- Ground turkey and sausages
- Organic choices
Both provide ample whole turkey sizes for any gathering. Butterball has a slight edge in overall product diversity.
Availability and Where to Buy
You’ll have no issues finding either brand in stores.
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Butterball turkeys are sold nationally at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, etc. Special holiday products arrive in fall.
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Honeysuckle White also has strong national distribution at major supermarkets. Peak availability is holiday season but you can find their turkeys year-round.
Bottom line – go with whichever brand your preferred retailers carry. Both offer exceptional accessibility.
Nutrition Info and Ingredients
As a lean protein, frozen turkey is low calorie and healthy if not deep fried.
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Butterball contains no added hormones, steroids, or animal by-products. Their turkeys are injected with a salt and broth solution for moisture and flavor.
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Honeysuckle White only uses sea salt, keeping the turkey minimally processed. This allows for a more natural, subtle turkey taste.
If you want an unadulterated turkey flavor, Honeysuckle White is your best bet. But Butterball’s injections impart undeniable seasoning.
Cost Comparison
Pricing fluctuates based on retailer promotions, weight, and seasonal demand. In general:
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Butterball: Whole turkeys $1.00-$1.50 per lb. Breasts $6-$12 per lb.
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Honeysuckle White: Whole turkeys $0.90-$1.25 per lb. Breasts $7-$10 per lb.
Honeysuckle White frequently has the lowest prices, especially for whole birds. But Butterball may offer holiday coupon specials.
The Verdict: Which Turkey Brand is Better?
Butterball and Honeysuckle White both produce amazing turkeys perfect for any holiday table. Choosing between them depends on your priorities:
Go Butterball for:
- More pronounced turkey flavor
- Wider product selection
- Available everywhere
Go Honeysuckle White for:
- Natural mild turkey taste
- Lower cost
- Minimal processing
Either brand you select, your holiday meal is sure to be a delicious success. When it comes to frozen turkeys, you really can’t go wrong with Butterball or Honeysuckle White!
HoneySuckle Turkey Butterball Turkey Compare ( Happy Thanksgiving ) choose which no added hormone
FAQ
Is honeysuckle a good brand for turkey?
Is a Butterball turkey better than others?
What brand of turkey is the most tender?
Are Butterball & honeysuckle white turkey meat the same?
Both Butterball and Honeysuckle White brands are known for the quality of the turkey meat they offer. Butterball is praised for the tenderness and juiciness of their turkeys and turkey meat. They are also brined and tenderized, so they turn out just like advertised.
Is Butterball the same as Honeysuckle White?
Considering that both brands revolve around turkeys and turkey meat, their products are widely available all year round in stores and online. Still, Butterball’s availability is slightly higher than Honeysuckle White’s.
Which is better honeysuckle or Butterball?
So, if you prefer a more gentle flavor, Honeysuckle While would be better for you, and if you are more into soft and juicy turkey meat, Butterball would be a better choice for your taste. What will you be going for this holiday season — gentleness or juiciness?
Are honeysuckle white turkeys good?
Honeysuckle White turkeys are known for their gentle and natural flavor. The meat is very tender and very easy to handle, so they turn out soft and juicy, just like advertised. Just like Butterball, Honeysuckle White also strives to give the customers what they promised and does a great job in doing so.
How much does a honeysuckle turkey weigh?
They typically weigh between 12 and 16 pounds when fully grown. Honeysuckle turkeys, on the other hand, are bred for their flavorful meat and slower growth rate. They typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds when fully grown. * Butterball turkeys have a white feathering, while Honeysuckle turkeys have a brown feathering.
Are honeysuckle turkeys processed?
They are typically processed in large plants and are available in a variety of sizes, from small to extra-large. * Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle turkeys are raised on small farms and are fed a diet of a variety of grains and vegetables. They are typically processed in smaller plants and are available in a smaller range of sizes, from small to large.