Where to Buy Peanut Oil for Deep Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Fried turkey has become a favorite way for many families to cook their Thanksgiving bird. Lowering a whole turkey into a vat of hot peanut oil results in an irresistibly juicytender and super crispy feast. But finding a high quality peanut oil that is best suited for deep frying can be a challenge.

In this article, I’ll explain what to look for when buying peanut oil for turkey frying and recommend the best places to get your hands on it. With the right oil, you’ll be on your way to fried turkey perfection!

Why Peanut Oil is Perfect for Frying Turkey

Out of all the oils suitable for deep frying, peanut oil really shines when it comes to cooking turkey Here’s why it’s the top choice of many seasoned fryers

• High smoke point of 450°F is ideal for frying without burning
• Neutral flavor allows the delicious turkey taste to shine
• Generates an ultra crispy skin that people crave
• Imparts a subtle nutty aroma that complements turkey wonderfully
• Budget-friendly price compared to other frying oils
• Reusable oil saves money when filtering and storing properly

Peanut oil’s high heat tolerance, light flavor, and reasonable cost make it the clear winner. Now let’s explore the best places to buy your peanut oil for deep fried turkey.

Grocery Stores

Your local grocery store likely carries peanut oil, often sold in the aisle with other oils and vinegars. Major chains like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, and Winn-Dixie typically stock it. Some things to look out for:

• Buy refined peanut oil for frying. It has a neutral flavor and light color.

• Check the bottle for a smoke point of 450°F or higher.

• Look for pure 100% peanut oil with no other added oils.

• Buy the largest economical size you can, usually 28-35oz or 1 gallon jugs.

• Kirkland and LouAna are quality brands that many grocers carry.

Grocery store peanut oil is convenient and budget-friendly. Just read labels carefully to ensure you get a high heat refined oil best for frying.

Big Box Stores

Large retailers like Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJ’s also offer value-sized jugs of peanut oil perfect for turkey frying. Pricing is very affordable if buying bulk 35oz, 128oz, or gallon containers.

• Great Value (Walmart) and Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club) are quality store brands.

• LouAna and Crisco peanut oils are also widely available.

• Check for a high smoke point and expeller pressed, refined oil.

• Buy early as quantities can be limited close to Thanksgiving.

For those feeding a crowd, hitting up a superstore for gallons of peanut oil is your best bet. You’ll get the most bang for your buck.

Restaurant Supply Stores

Restaurant Depot, GFS, and Smart Foodservice are supply stores open to the public where you can buy large quantities of peanut oil for very reasonable prices.

• Buy in 5 gallon buckets for the biggest volume discount.

• Many brands like Frymax offer high performance frying oils.

• Filtration systems are also available to reuse oil.

• Products are geared towards deep frying so quality is excellent.

• Open to individuals so anyone can shop and save.

Check for a location near you and pick up everything you need for festive turkey frying at a fraction of standard prices.

Online Retailers

You can conveniently order peanut oil online through various websites that deliver right to your door:

• Amazon sells a wide range of brands and sizes, from 16oz up to 35lb tins.

• WebstaurantStore offers Frymax oils in value bulk sizes up to 35lb.

• Walmart and Jet ship LouAna or Great Value peanut oils.

• Factor in any shipping costs when comparing to local store prices.

• Ensure delivery is scheduled well before your fry date.

Purchasing online is quick and easy. Just be mindful of shipping fees and delivery times around the holidays.

Outdoor Sporting Goods Stores

Since frying turkeys is a popular outdoor activity, many sporting goods chains sell specialty peanut oils formulated for frying:

• Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s carry high heat peanut oils.

• Brands like Ozark Trail and Outdoor Gourmet cater to outdoor frying.

• Gallon jugs offer economical sizes for big turkeys.

• Oils are optimized for flavor and performance.

• Often sold alongside turkey fryer kits for a full solution.

Outdoor stores provide a targeted one-stop shop for avid turkey fryers. It’s worth perusing for specialty frying oils not found elsewhere.

Tips for Buying the Best Peanut Oil

To recap, here are a few key tips as you shop for your turkey frying peanut oil:

• Seek out refined high-heat oils with a 450°F+ smoke point.

• Compare prices on larger gallon or 5 gallon sizes.

• Reputable brands include LouAna, Great Value, Kirkland, Frymax.

• Check the harvest/production date and use within a year.

• Make sure peanut is the only oil ingredient listed.

• Buy early as supply can run low close to Thanksgiving.

Investing in a quality peanut oil makes all the difference for turning out an incredible fried turkey. With so many options on where to buy, you can certainly find the perfect oil fit for your needs and budget. Here’s wishing you a very happy and delicious Thanksgiving!