Where to Buy a Smoked Turkey: The Ultimate Guide

Smoked turkey is the perfect main course for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas or any special occasion when you want amazing flavor without much fuss. The smoky, savory taste and moist, tender meat make smoked turkeys a crowd-pleasing centerpiece But where can you find high-quality ready-to-eat smoked turkeys to serve your family?

There are several excellent options for purchasing smoked whole turkeys and turkey breasts both locally and online. This guide will walk you through the best places to buy smoked turkey, top brands, pricing, how to choose the right size, and expert tips for selecting the perfect bird.

Buying Smoked Turkey at Your Local Grocery Store

Checking your neighborhood supermarket is a convenient option for picking up a smoked turkey Many major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons carry them in the poultry section or prepared/deli foods area

Here are some top grocery stores for buying whole smoked turkeys and turkey breasts:

• Costco – Carries large Kirkland Signature smoked turkey breasts and whole birds over 10 lbs.

• Sam’s Club – Member’s Mark brand whole smoked self-basting turkeys and smoked turkey breasts.

• Walmart – Butterball, Honeysuckle White, and Cajun style smoked turkey options.

• Kroger – Private Selection smoked self-basting and smoked turkey breasts.

• Publix – Publix Deli smoked and cajun style whole turkeys and smoked turkey breast.

• Albertsons – Honeysuckle White hickory smoked self-basting whole turkeys.

• Safeway – Signature Select brand hickory smoked turkey.

• Wegmans – Wegmans Food Markets smoked and cajun style whole turkeys.

When shopping your grocery store, check available weights, pricing, and if special ordering bigger sizes is an option.

Find Smoked Turkeys at Warehouse Club Stores

Shopping at bulk warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s is a great way to score large smoked turkey breasts and whole birds ranging from 6-16 lbs at wholesale pricing.

Costco in particular is renowned for its affordable prices on top-rated Kirkland Signature house brand smoked turkeys, exclusively available to members online and in-club. It’s honestly some of the best smoked turkey quality you can buy.

The advantage of warehouse clubs is they mostly offer their own private label smoked turkeys rather than name brands. So review details like the smoking method, flavoring, ingredients, etc.

Order Smoked Turkey Online for the Biggest Selection

To access the widest variety of smoked turkey sizes, flavors, premium brands, and customization, shopping online is the way to go. Here are the best online stores for smoked turkeys:

• Butterball – Turkey experts offering frozen hickory smoked whole turkeys and smoked turkey breasts.

• Cracker Barrel – Original and cajun smoked whole turkeys, breasts, and other cuts.

• Hickory Farms – Known for gift baskets but also sell smoked whole turkeys and turkey breast.

• HoneyBaked Ham – Famous for ham but also have whole & half boneless smoked turkey.

• D’Artagnan – High-end gourmet D’Artagnan smoked and cajun smoked organic whole turkeys.

• Peacock Foods – Smoked turkey in various flavors, sizes, cuts, roasts and sausage.

• Schwan’s – Hickory smoked self-basting whole turkey breasts and other cuts.

• Omaha Steaks – Carry smoked turkey breasts and sausages, great for gift packages.

Buying smoked turkey online allows easy brand, size, weight, and delivery date selection. Most let you choose the exact delivery date too.

Purchasing Directly from Smokehouses

For the true smoked turkey experts, go straight to the source at specialty meat smokehouses like:

• Burgers’ Smokehouse – Family-run since the 1920s, offering premium smoked turkey in diverse cuts, sizes, and flavors.

• Nueske’s – Specialty meats smokehouse with applewood smoked turkey breasts and other turkey cuts.

The advantage of buying direct from smokehouses is you know you’re getting authentic, artisanal smoked turkey. However, minimum orders and shipping costs may apply.

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Smoked Turkey

Follow these tips when buying a smoked turkey:

• Check the weight to order the right size for your gathering. Estimate ~1/3 lb per person.

• Look for self-basting turkeys for added moisture and flavor.

• Pick your preferred smoking wood like hickory, applewood, pecan, etc.

• Choose seasoned smoked turkeys for cajun, garlic, honey etc flavors.

• Go for boneless smoked turkey breast for easier carving.

• Order 2+ weeks ahead for holidays to ensure availability.

How Much Does Smoked Turkey Cost?

Smoked turkey prices can vary quite a bit depending on size, brand, source, and seasonal demand:

• Whole smoked turkeys range from $2.99 to $5.99 per pound

• Smoked turkey breasts average $7.99 to $11.99 per pound

• Smaller specialty smokehouses run $12.99 to $17.99 per pound

So expect to spend $40 up to over $100 for a whole smoked turkey feeding 8-12 people. High-end gourmet smoked turkeys cost even more. Buying at wholesale clubs can substantially reduce costs.

Top Brands of Smoked Turkey

Sticking with a well-known national brand can provide confidence in consistent quality and flavor. Here are some of the most popular smoked turkey brands:

• Butterball – The #1 turkey brand also offers frozen smoked turkeys.

• Honeysuckle White – Specializes in smoked turkey in diverse flavors, sizes, and cuts.

• Kirkland Signature – Costco’s acclaimed house brand smoked turkey at wholesale pricing.

• Cargill – Major turkey processor selling Honeysuckle and Shady Brook Farms smoked turkey.

• Jennie-O – Known for turkey products, provides smoked turkey to stores under license.

• Member’s Mark – Sam’s Club private label smoked turkey great for large crowds.

There are also amazing smaller smokehouses and specialty retailers with excellent smoked turkey reputations.

Fresh vs. Frozen Smoked Turkey

You likely won’t find fresh, never-frozen smoked turkey at supermarkets or online. The smoking process used by major brands involves freezing. However, frozen smoked turkey maintains the same delicious flavor and texture after thawing.

To find absolutely fresh smoked turkey, you’d have to visit a local smokehouse or specialty meat shop. So opt for the convenience of frozen smoked turkey.

Order Your Smoked Turkey Early!

During busy holiday seasons, frozen smoked turkeys often sell out. Retailers also limit the number you can buy.

Make sure to purchase your smoked turkey well in advance – ideally 4+ weeks before Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter etc. Check your grocery’s policy on special orders too.

Buying online for delivery provides more flexibility than relying solely on your neighborhood market. Lock in your smoked turkey order early!

Enjoy the Convenience of Smoked Turkey

There’s no arguing the wonderful flavor and ease smoked turkey delivers for holiday meals, family gatherings, or anytime you crave smoky, savory turkey without the effort. Now that you know where to buy smoked turkey locally and online, the hard part is just picking which kind to serve!