Turkey prices might drop this Thanksgiving, but don’t get too comfortable. A Wells Fargo consumer report says that turkey prices will drop from last year to 2016; however, shoppers may not save as much because stores aren’t passing on all of the wholesale price cuts.
The report discovered that even though wholesale prices are down a huge 2.9 percent, supermarkets are keeping more of that difference to boost their profits. Stores know that a lot of people will still want to buy that bird in November, so prices will probably drop even more in the days before the big meal.
But if you were hoping to serve ham, brace yourself. The price of ham is reaching near-record highs, up 5. 2%, now costing $4. 56 per pound. Also, that’s not the only holiday staple whose price is going up; russet potatoes are also at an all-time high, up 14% since 2014, making mashed potatoes a more expensive side dish.
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate reflect, and enjoy delicious food. For many the centerpiece of a holiday meal is a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey or glazed ham. But with rising food costs, is it cheaper to serve ham or turkey this year? Let’s break down the prices.
Factors That Impact Turkey and Ham Prices
Several factors impact the prices of holiday turkey and ham, including:
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Supply and demand – Prices fluctuate based on availability and consumer demand. Prices tend to be higher around the holidays when demand spikes.
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Processing – Whole turkeys require more processing as they need to be slaughtered, defeathered, eviscerated, and packaged. Hams require less processing which impacts prices.
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Packaging – Fresh turkeys are more expensive than frozen turkeys because of the expedited packaging required to get them to stores quickly.
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Premium options – Naturally-raised, organic, and heritage breed options cost more than standard supermarket varieties.
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Bone-in vs boneless – Boneless ham and turkey tend to cost more per pound than bone-in options.
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Brand and quality – Premium brand, free-range, and higher quality meats are typically more expensive.
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Weight – Larger, heavier turkeys and hams generally have a lower cost per pound.
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Sales and promotions – Holiday sales and promotions can reduce prices, especially on frozen turkeys and spiral-cut hams.
Average Prices for Ham and Turkey
Turkey
The average cost for a whole turkey ranges from $1 to $1.50 per pound. However, prices fluctuate and can go as high as $2 per pound depending on the factors above.
Here are some typical turkey price ranges:
- Frozen whole turkey: $0.99 – $1.49 per lb
- Fresh whole turkey: $1.29 – $1.99 per lb
- Boneless turkey breast: $3.99 – $6.99 per lb
- Organic and free-range turkeys: $3.49 – $6.99 per lb
Ham
Ham prices also vary greatly, with bone-in hams costing less than boneless. Fresh hams are more expensive than cured, cooked hams. Expect to pay:
- Bone-in spiral sliced ham: $2 – $3 per lb
- Boneless spiral cut ham: $3 – $6 per lb
- Fresh bone-in ham: $3.50 – $6 per lb
- Cured ham (cooked): $3.50 – $5.50 per lb
- Organic/premium hams: $6 – $12 per lb
Turkey vs Ham Price Comparison
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Bone-in turkey is generally cheaper than bone-in ham per pound. Bone-in turkey averages $1 – $1.50 per lb compared to $2 – $3 per lb for bone-in ham.
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Boneless ham is more expensive than boneless turkey. Boneless ham ranges from $3 – $6 per lb while boneless turkey breast averages $3.99 – $6.99 per lb.
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Smaller birds are more economical. A 10 lb turkey often costs less per pound than a 20 lb turkey. Opt for a smaller bird if feeding fewer guests.
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Watch for promotions and stock up when prices are low. Deep discounts on frozen turkeys and hams are common leading up to the holidays.
Estimating Turkey and Ham Needs
How much turkey or ham should you buy? Here are some guidelines:
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Estimate 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. For a 10 person dinner, buy a 10-12 lb turkey.
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Estimate 1/3 to 1/2 pound of cooked ham per person. For 10 guests, buy a 5-7 lb cooked, bone-in ham.
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Add extra if you want ample leftovers. Leftover turkey or ham makes excellent sandwiches, soups, and other meals.
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Boneless roasts or breasts give the most meat per pound since there is no bone.
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Let guests supplement with side dishes and appetizers so the turkey/ham doesn’t have to be oversized.
Ways to Save on Ham and Turkey
Here are some tips for saving money on your holiday centerpiece:
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Buy early – Shop before the holiday rush when prices tend to be lower.
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Shop sales – Check ads and shop multiple stores to find the best deals.
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Buy frozen – Frozen whole turkeys are significantly cheaper than fresh.
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Downsize – Get a smaller turkey or ham if hosting fewer guests.
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Consider other meats – Roasts like prime rib may be just as budget-friendly.
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Buy just breast meat – Turkey breast and boneless ham cost more per pound but yield pure meat.
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Plan leftover meals – Stretch your dollar by using leftovers creatively.
The Verdict: Ham vs Turkey
Overall, fresh turkey will cost a little more per pound, but turkeys are lighter so the total cost typically evens out compared to ham. If opting for boneless, ham is usually pricier due to processing and packaging costs. For best value, choose a smaller, frozen whole turkey or bone-in spiral ham and watch for market promotions and sales. With some savvy shopping, you can serve a beautiful holiday meal on a budget. Focus on the memories made gathered around the table, not the cost per pound.
What items will save you money?
There are a few Thanksgiving staples that offer savings. It looks like fresh cranberries will be cheaper in 2020 than they were last year. This could mean that making your own cranberry sauce is the best deal. Romaine lettuce is also down by 10%, so salads could be a more affordable addition to your table. Sweet potatoes, while up 4%, remain a relatively budget-friendly option.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the pricier items:
- Ham: $4.56 per lb. (up 5.2%)
- Russet potatoes: $1.17 per lb. (up 14%)
- Canned cranberry sauce: up 7%
- Canned green beans: up 9%
- Pumpkins: up 30%
The Best Lunch Meat To Buy At The Grocery Store…And What To Avoid!
FAQ
What’s cheaper, turkey or ham?
How expensive is a ham?
Is turkey or ham better for you?
What sells more, turkey or ham?
Is turkey meat cheaper than Ham?
Turkey meat is cheaper compared to ham. Ham, more often than usual, is considered a delicate cold cut. However, cheap cuts are also available in the market. As the quality of pork and the smokiness increase, it becomes more expensive if the ham is boneless.
How many calories are in Turkey meat compared to Ham?
Turkey meat contains 44 calories more than ham. They are classified as medium-calorie foods. Both turkey meat and ham have a glycemic index that is equal to 0. Turkey meat, compared to ham, is richer in phosphorus, copper, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. On the other hand, ham is richer in zinc, potassium, manganese, and iron.
Is turkey meat more protein than Ham?
Turkey meat is richer in protein by nearly 1.5 times compared to ham. Turkey meat contains 28g of protein, whereas ham contains 20g. When we dissect the protein profile of both turkey meat and ham, we find that they are rich in all the essential amino acids that we require daily to be consumed from the diet.
What is the difference between Turkey meat and Ham?
Turkey meat is mostly richer in polyunsaturated fats. Ham is higher in trans fats compared to turkey meat. Turkey meat has negligible amounts of trans fat. Trans fat consumption has dietary relevance. It is important to monitor the trans fat intake. It should be in minimal amounts. If possible, avoiding it altogether is the healthiest approach.
Is Turkey a good substitute for Ham?
Ham has closer to 18g. Rich in selenium – Turkey is a top source of the antioxidant mineral selenium, which supports immunity. Versatility – Turkey can more easily be used as a lower-fat substitute for recipes calling for ham. So for those focused on healthy eating, turkey generally aligns better with nutrition goals.
Are Ham and turkey meat vegan?
Both turkey meat and ham are animal-source proteins that are not consumed in the vegan diet. If you are searching for vegan meat alternatives, please visit here.