When to Buy a Frozen Turkey for Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again – Thanksgiving is right around the corner! For many families, the centerpiece of this beloved holiday feast is a beautifully roasted turkey. But when is the right time to purchase your frozen bird to get the best deal while still ensuring high quality? I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.

Why Choose a Frozen Turkey?

Opting for a frozen turkey has several advantages over a fresh one

• Earlier Purchase Frozen turkeys can be bought well in advance of Thanksgiving since they have a long shelf life when properly stored This gives you plenty of time to shop sales,

• More Options: Freezing allows turkeys from different farms and locations to be processed and distributed. So there’s more variety in breed, size, antibiotic-free options, organic, etc.

• Better Availability: As Thanksgiving nears, fresh turkeys sell quickly. But ample frozen stock is still available leading up to and even on Thanksgiving.

• Easier Storage: A large frozen turkey only takes up a little freezer space until you’re ready to thaw. Fresh turkeys need careful refrigeration.

• Longer Lasting: Frozen turkeys maintain quality for 2 years in the freezer vs fresh only last a few days.

When Should You Buy a Frozen Turkey?

Here are some guidelines on the best times to purchase your frozen Thanksgiving turkey

• Early November: Prices haven’t been lowered yet, but inventory starts building. Shop early for the best selection.

• Mid November: We’re getting closer to Thanksgiving now, so retailers may lower prices to clear stock. Watch for deals.

• 1-2 Weeks Before Thanksgiving: There should still be a good supply available at competitive prices. Check your sizes.

• Day Before Thanksgiving: Your selection will be more limited at this point, but you can still find frozen turkeys. Expect to pay higher last-minute prices though.

• Thanksgiving Day: You’ll have very limited availability, but some stores will still have a few frozen birds. These will be the most expensive.

I recommend buying your frozen turkey anytime between early November and 1 week before Thanksgiving. This gives you a nice balance of availability, variety, and potential savings. Just be sure to verify the size you need is in stock.

What Size Turkey Should You Buy?

The typical recommendation is around 1 pound of turkey per person. But here are some more specific frozen turkey size guidelines based on the number of guests:

• 4 people = 8-12 lb turkey
• 6 people = 12-14 lb turkey
• 8 people = 16-18 lb turkey
• 10 people = 20-22 lb turkey
• 12 people = 24-26 lb turkey
• 14 people = 26-28 lb turkey

There are also smaller turkey breast halves, allowing about 1 breast per 2 people.

Aim for the smaller end if you want lots of leftovers, or larger for heartier appetites and minimal leftovers. And account for all the sides and desserts filling people up too!

Finding the Best Price on Frozen Turkeys

Here are some tips for getting the best deal on your holiday bird:

• Check flyers and ads for turkey promotions in early November.

• Ask about price matching policies to utilize competitors’ deals.

• Check warehouse stores like Costco for savings on large birds.

• Watch for turkey coupons to stack with store sales.

• Consider supermarket loyalty programs with holiday savings.

• Check warehouse websites for bulk frozen turkey discounts.

• Compare prices at smaller chains, ethnic markets, and butchers.

Properly Storing Your Frozen Turkey

It’s important to store your turkey correctly from purchase date until thawing and cooking for food safety and quality:

• Keep the turkey at 0°F or below in your freezer. Most freezers work fine.

• Leave the turkey in its original airtight and moisture-proof packaging. Don’t reuse bags.

• Place the turkey on a tray to catch potential leakages. Avoid freezer burn.

• Stack packages flat instead of upright to avoid rupturing seals.

• Don’t purchase frozen turkeys with damaged, torn, or ice-crusted packaging.

• Follow all use by dates and don’t exceed 2 years frozen.

• When thawing, keep turkey wrapped and place on a tray in the fridge 2-3 days before cooking.