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Turkey breast is a lean, flavorful cut of meat that can be the star of many meals. With the holidays coming up, you may be wondering where you can find a juicy, high-quality turkey breast to serve. The good news is there are many great options for purchasing fresh or frozen turkey breast no matter where you live. In this complete guide, I’ll walk through the best places to buy turkey breast and things to look for when shopping.
Overview of Turkey Breast
The breast is one of the most prized cuts on a whole turkey. Comprised of two muscles (the pectoralis major and minor) turkey breast meat is leaner and contains less fat compared to the legs and thighs. Boneless turkey breast includes the tenderloin still attached for extra moisture.
Turkey breast can be purchased
- Bone-in or boneless
- Fresh (refrigerated) or frozen
- Raw or cooked
Fresh turkey breast has a creamy white skin and flesh that is firm to the touch. Make sure it has no tears or blemishes. Cook within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture. Frozen, pre-cooked turkey breast can last 6-9 months in the freezer.
Where to Buy Fresh and Frozen Turkey Breast
Here are the best places to buy fresh and frozen turkey breast:
Grocery Stores
Major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. typically stock turkey breast in the fresh poultry section. Both bone-in and boneless options are available, sometimes enhanced with a salt solution. Prices range from $2.99-$4.99 per pound.
The convenience of grocery stores makes them my go-to for picking up basic turkey breast. Just watch out for freezer burn on frozen varieties.
Warehouse Clubs
For bulk buying, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club often carry fresh and frozen turkey breast at competitive prices. Expect large pack sizes so only buy what you’ll use. I’ve found bone-in turkey breast for as low as $1.99/lb at my local Costco.
Butcher Shops
Visiting a local butcher shop provides high-quality turkey breast sourced from known farms and ranches. They may carry heritage breed turkey. Prices are higher than grocery stores but the quality is also superior, ranging from $6.99-$8.99 per pound.
My favorite butcher shops break down whole turkeys so I know the breast is fresh. Custom orders available too.
Specialty Online Retailers
Ordering online provides access to premium turkey breast from small family farms across the country. Brands like D’Artagnan offer heritage breeds, organic, free-range, and humanely raised turkey.
Expect to pay more for niche turkey breast from online retailers. Shipping costs are also a factor for online ordering.
Direct from a Local Farm
Searching for “turkey farms near me” and visiting one directly allows you to purchase just-slaughtered turkey breast at peak freshness. This is a great option if you live within driving distance of a turkey farm. Prices typically range from $3-$5 per pound.
Grocery Stores: 3
Butcher Shops: 2
Warehouse Clubs: 1
Specialty Online Retailers: 1
Direct from a Local Farm: 1
Factors to Consider When Buying Turkey Breast
Keep these factors in mind when purchasing turkey breast:
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Bone-in vs. Boneless – Bone-in is often cheaper and more flavorful. Boneless cooks more evenly. Choose based on your cooking method.
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Skin-on vs. Skinless – Skin-on helps keep turkey breast juicy but contains more fat. Go skinless to trim calories.
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Enhanced vs. Non-Enhanced – Enhanced turkey breast contains injected saline solution or broth. Check the label.
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Frozen vs. Fresh – Frozen turkey breast needs thawing but can be stored longer. Fresh tastes best.
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Raw vs. Cooked – Raw requires cooking. Cooked just needs reheating. Both have pros and cons.
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Organic & Natural – Look for certified organic, free-range, and humanely raised labels for healthier turkeys.
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Price – Budget between $2-$9 per pound based on the quality you desire. Store brands are most affordable.
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Brand – Popular brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Cargill, and Norbest offer predictable quality.
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Expert Tip: Inspect all turkey breast packaging for an airtight seal and no leaking juice. Check the sell-by date or freeze before the date for storage.
When to Buy Turkey Breast
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Fresh turkey breast – Purchase 1-2 days before cooking. Cook within 1-2 days of buying.
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Frozen turkey breast – Buy anytime and store in freezer up to 1 year. Defrost in fridge 1-2 days before needed.
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Pre-cooked turkey – Buy anytime as it lasts longer refrigerated. Reheat within 3-4 days of cooking for optimal freshness.
Get your turkey breast 1 week to 1 month before a holiday meal. Buying too far in advance risks spoilage before use.
How Much Turkey Breast to Buy
When estimating how much turkey breast to buy for your meal, plan for approximately 1/2 pound of boneless turkey breast per person. For a group of 4, aim for 2 pounds of boneless turkey breast. Adjust amounts based on the number of guests, their appetites, and if you’ll have leftovers.
For whole bone-in turkey breast, choose a 4-7 lb breast for 4-6 people. Scale up to a 10-15 lb turkey breast to serve 10-12 hungry guests.
Getting Creative with Turkey Breast
Beyond roasting whole, here are delicious ways to cook and serve turkey breast:
- Grill thick turkey breast steaks or fillets
- Make turkey breast roulade stuffed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese
- Fry or bake boneless, skinless turkey breast cutlets
- Use thin sliced turkey breast for sandwiches, wraps, and pitas
- Dice or shred turkey breast meat for salads, soups, and casseroles
- Make turkey breast sausage or turkey burgers for a leaner option
With proper handling and storage, fresh and frozen turkey breast lasts for multiple meals. Get creative with leftovers!
Be Sure to Safely Handle Turkey Breast
Follow these food safety guidelines when handling raw turkey breast:
- Store at 40°F or below and use within 1-2 days of purchasing
- Defrost frozen breast slowly in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw turkey
- Wash hands, sinks, and surfaces with hot soapy water after handling
- Cook to an internal temp of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer
Enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey breast this holiday season! Reach out if you have any other turkey breast related questions.
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The Best Store Bought Turkeys
FAQ
Can you buy a turkey breast only?
Yes you can buy just a Turkey breast and different stores have different prices for the breast.
When should I buy fresh turkey breast?
Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer’s tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates …Nov 9, 2023
How much is a breast of turkey?
At those prices, 6 lb whole breast is $21, while a 16 lb whole turkey will run you $4. Seems like an easy choice. With the extra meat and bones you can make turkey stock for gravy, dressing or soup.
How many people will a 7 pound turkey breast feed?
- A whole turkey breast that weighs six to seven lbs is made up of two breasts that are still connected at the breast bone.
- If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can try a bone-in turkey breast that weighs five to seven lbs.
- If you’re cooking for a big crowd, you can cook two smaller turkeys instead of one large one. Smaller turkeys cook more evenly and produce juicier meat.
- If your guests include a lot of kids, you can consider getting a smaller turkey. If your guests are big eaters, you can consider getting a larger turkey.