Where to Buy Turkey Burgers: A Complete Guide

Turkey burgers are a delicious, lean, and versatile alternative to traditional beef burgers As turkey burgers grow in popularity, more grocery stores, specialty shops, and online retailers are offering a wide selection of turkey burger options This guide will outline the best places to buy fresh and frozen turkey burgers, key factors to consider when purchasing, and provide tips for storing and cooking turkey burgers at home.

Places to Buy Turkey Burgers

Grocery Stores

National supermarket chains are reliable spots to find turkey burgers. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Albertsons, and Stop & Shop have extensive frozen food aisles where you can find name brand frozen turkey burger patties from companies like Butterball, Jennie-O, and Shady Brook Farms year-round. The frozen section will offer the most convenience and value for buying in bulk.

Many grocers also carry fresh turkey burger patties in the refrigerated meat department. These are convenient for grabbing a pack or two for grilling on the same day. However, fresh turkey burgers have a shorter shelf life of just a few days. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and local co-ops also offer housemade fresh turkey burger patties with unique flavor combinations and ingredients.

Specialty Meat Shops and Butcher Counters

Local butcher shops and meat markets provide fresh customized options for turkey burgers. Choose ground turkey meat and have them shape patties to your preferred thickness and size. Ask for turkey leg, thigh or a blend for the most juicy and flavorful burgers. Spice blends, cheeses, herbs, and other mix-ins can also be added to create specialty blends. Buying local supports small businesses and allowsyou to know exactly where your meat is coming from.

Big Box Discount Retailers

For discounted prices on bulk frozen turkey burger patties, check Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Aldi. Options will be mostly large packs of frozen premade patties, but the per patty cost will be lower than grocery stores. Choose name brands like Jennie-O or store brands for extra savings. These stores also sell big packages of ground turkey meat if you want to form your own patties.

Online Stores and Meal Kit Services

Online grocery delivery services like Instacart allow you to order turkey burgers alongside the rest of your groceries from local supermarkets. Specialty online butcher shops like Porter Road and Crowd Cow offer high-end ground turkey options to be shipped frozen directly to your door.

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and Home Chef also include turkey burgers in certain weekly recipes, pre-portioned with the exact amount needed for their recipes. The patties arrive chilled and require cooking within a few days.

Direct from Turkey Farms and Brands

Some turkey brands like Butterball, Shady Brook Farms, and Plainville Farms allow you to order turkey burgers and other products directly through their websites. This can ensure you’re getting the freshest options straight from the source. Check the brand’s store locator to find retailers if you want to inspect the product in person before purchasing. Direct ordering offers more options for buying in bulk for the best value.

Farmers Markets and Farm Stands

Visit local farmers markets and farm stands to discover small turkey farms selling ground turkey, custom blended patties, and even vegetarian or vegan-friendly alternative burgers made from things like chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, and mushrooms. Buying directly from the farm supports local agriculture and allows you to get to know exactly how your meat was raised and processed.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Turkey Burgers

Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh turkey burgers need to be cooked within 1-3 days for food safety and maximum freshness. Frozen premade patties have a far longer freezer shelf life of 3-6 months. Consider how soon you plan to eat the patties when deciding between fresh or frozen.

Ground Turkey vs. Preformed Patties

Pre-shaped patties offer the most convenience but ground turkey allows you to customize size and thickness. Premade patties also sometimes contain binders, fillers, and extra seasonings. Check the ingredient list if you want just pure ground turkey.

Flavors and Ingredients

Turkey burgers today have far more options than just plain and basic seasoning. Look for fun flavor varieties like jalapeño pepper jack, sun-dried tomato basil, or feta and spinach. Seek out burgers made with 100% turkey breast meat or added vegetables for extra nutrition.

Antibiotic-Free and Organic

Choose turkey burgers labeled organic, antibiotic-free, vegetarian fed, or non-GMO for the healthiest and most responsibly raised options. Be willing to pay a bit more for quality.

Value Packs vs. Single Patties

Buying larger bulk packs can save money but may lead to waste if you don’t eat the patties in time. Get just what you need with smaller 4 or 6 count packs for less waste.

Tips for Cooking and Storing Turkey Burgers

• Cook frozen patties from frozen, without thawing first, over medium heat on the stovetop, grill, or in the oven. This prevents ground turkey from becoming mushy.

• Brush turkey burger patties with oil and cook 4-5 minutes per side for a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Turkey cooks faster than beef so be careful not to overcook.

• For the juiciest results, refrain from pressing down on patties as they cook. Let them cook undisturbed.

• Thaw fresh turkey burger patties overnight in the fridge before cooking for food safety. Discard any leftovers after 3-4 days.

• Place unused frozen patties in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate to prevent sticking before returning to a freezer bag.

• Wrap and store any cooked leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Turkey burgers can also be frozen for 1-2 months in an airtight container.

• Get creative with toppings and try turkey burgers on salad, in subs instead of deli meat, crumbled into pasta sauce, or stuffed into peppers or zucchini boats.