Where to Buy a Smoked Turkey: The Ultimate Guide

A perfectly smoked turkey makes for an amazing centerpiece to any holiday meal or family gathering. With its juicy meat infused with rich smoky flavor, it’s no wonder smoked turkey is a favorite choice. But where can you find high-quality ready-to-eat smoked turkeys to serve your family and guests? This ultimate guide covers the top places to buy smoked turkey, both in stores and online

Buying Smoked Turkey at Your Local Grocery Store

One of the most convenient options for finding smoked turkey is right at your neighborhood supermarket. Many major grocery store chains stock smoked turkey options, usually in the poultry or prepared foods sections. Here are some of the top national and regional grocery retailers to check for whole smoked turkeys and turkey breasts

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

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

• Walmart – Sells Butterball Everyday smoked turkey breasts and Cajun style smoked turkeys.

• Kroger – Stocks private selection smoked self-basting turkeys and smoked turkey breasts.

• Publix – Found in the deli section, Publix smoked or Cajun style whole turkeys and smoked turkey breasts.

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

• Safeway – Signature Select brand hickory smoked whole turkeys and smoked turkey breasts.

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

When buying smoked turkey at the grocery store, check available weights, pricing, and if you need to special order larger sizes.

Find Big Savings at Warehouse Clubs

Bulk shopping clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are excellent sources for full smoked turkey breasts and whole birds anywhere from 6-16 lbs. The advantage here is being able to buy largesizes at wholesale club pricing.

Costco in particular has very competitive prices on their store Kirkland Signature brand smoked turkeys, available to members both in club and online. It’s some of the best smoked turkey quality you can buy.

The warehouse clubs mostly stock their own private label house brand of smoked turkey rather than name brands. So be sure to review details like smoking method, ingredients, and flavor styles.

Ordering Online for Maximum Selection

To access the widest selection of smoked turkey sizes, flavors, premium brands, and custom slicing, shopping online is the way to go. Here are some of the top online retailers offering mail order smoked turkeys:

• Butterball – The turkey experts have frozen Hickory Smoked Whole Turkeys and Smoked Turkey Breasts.

• Cracker Barrel – Choose from Original or Cajun flavors for smoked Whole Turkey, Turkey Breast, Drumsticks, and more.

• Hickory Farms – Known for gift baskets but also sell smoked Whole Turkey, Breast, Drumsticks, and slices.

• HoneyBaked Ham – Famous for ham but also offer Whole and Half Boneless Smoked Turkey.

• D’Artagnan – High-end gourmet D’Artagnan Smoked and Cajun Smoked Organic Whole Turkeys.

• Peacock Foods – Broad selection of smoked turkey in various flavors, sizes, cuts, roasts, and sausage.

• Schwan’s – Stocks Whole Hickory Smoked Self-Basting Hen Turkey Breasts and other cuts.

• Omaha Steaks – Carries smoked turkey breasts, sausage, and gift pack options.

Online shopping for smoked turkey gives you the flexibility to easily compare different brand flavors, prices, weights, and order the exact size you need. Most sites also let you pick a delivery date.

Buying Direct from Smokehouses

Purchasing smoked turkey directly from traditional smokehouses is another good option. Two top mail order smokehouses for authentic smoked turkey include:

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

• Nueske’s – Specialty meats smokehouse with Applewood Smoked Turkey Breasts and other turkey cuts.

The advantage of buying direct is you know you’re getting genuine smoked turkey crafted by true smoking experts. However, some may have minimum orders and shipping costs.

Tips for Picking the Best Smoked Turkey

Follow these helpful tips when shopping for smoked turkey:

• Check the weight to order the right size for your gathering. Estimate 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person.

• Look for turkeys labeled “self-basting” for extra moisture and flavor.

• Select your ideal smoking wood like hickory, applewood, pecan, etc.

• Choose seasoned smoked turkey for Cajun, garlic, honey and other flavor profiles.

• Opt for boneless smoked turkey breast for simpler carving.

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

• Inspect packaging and expiration dates.

What’s the Cost of Smoked Turkey?

Pricing on smoked turkey can vary quite a bit based on brand, size, source, and seasonal demand:

• Whole smoked turkeys range around $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 to over $100 for a whole smoked turkey feeding 8-12 people. Higher end gourmet smoked turkeys cost even more. Buying at wholesale clubs helps lower the cost.

Popular Brands of Smoked Turkey

If you’re new to smoked turkey, sticking with a well-known national brand can provide confidence in consistent quality and flavor. Here are some of the top smoked turkey brands to look for:

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

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

• Kirkland Signature – Costco’s popular house brand smoked turkey at wholesale prices.

• Cargill – A major turkey processor selling Shady Brook and Honeysuckle smoked turkeys.

• 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 groups.

There are also smaller smokehouses with long traditions of excellent smoked turkeys to try.

Should You Buy Fresh or Frozen?

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

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

Order Your Holiday 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 holiday smoked turkey well ahead of time – ideally 4+ weeks before Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Also check your grocer’s policy on special orders.

Ordering online for delivery provides more flexibility than relying solely on your local market. Get your smoked turkey locked in early!

Enjoy the Flavor and Ease of Smoked Turkey

There’s no denying the incredible flavor, texture, and convenience smoked turkey delivers for holiday meals, family gatherings, or anytime you want amazing turkey taste without the work. Now that you know where to source smoked turkey locally and online, the hardest part is deciding which kind to serve!

How Much Turkey Per Person