Where to Buy Fresh, Frozen, and Cooked Thanksgiving Turkeys

While some prefer to buy their Thanksgiving turkey well in advance, others wait until the last minute. If you’re planning to prepare a turkey and need guidance on where to order, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve outlined where to find fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked turkeys, along with meat-free alternatives for vegetarians and vegans.

Where to Buy Fresh or Frozen Turkey

Many consumers opt for fresh turkeys since they eliminate the need for thawing and often result in juicier meat compared to frozen options. However, fresh turkeys can be more expensive than frozen ones.

Aldi

The German supermarket chain, known for its innovative and affordable offerings, provides frozen whole Butterball turkeys (both smoked and unsmoked) as well as boneless turkey breasts for smaller groups. In addition to Butterball, Aldi offers Honeysuckle and Honest Turkey frozen turkeys. These premium birds, ranging from 10 to 32 pounds, are reasonably priced and meet high standards: they are Grade A, raised without hormones or steroids, free of artificial ingredients, and minimally processed.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s offers three varieties of fresh turkeys. Their All Natural Antibiotic Free Brined Fresh Young Turkey is pre-soaked in a flavorful brine and available in two sizes: 12 to 16 pounds and 17 to 22 pounds. Both options may include giblets.

The All Natural Glatt Kosher Fresh Young Turkeys are prepared without giblets and are soaked and salted using kosher-certified methods rather than brining. Additionally, the Organic Young Turkeys are raised humanely with outdoor access and fed a 100% organic vegetarian diet. These turkeys are not brined and do include giblets.

Walmart

Walmart is an excellent destination for frozen turkeys, offering a variety of options. Availability may vary by location and time, but you can typically find brands like Shady Brook Farms and Butterball. Many stores also carry Jennie-O’s oven-ready frozen whole turkey, which comes pre-seasoned and includes a gravy packet for added convenience.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, stocks frozen whole turkeys until supplies last, with weights ranging from 8 to 16 pounds. A helpful tip: fresh turkeys are available for in-store pickup, but sizes, prices, and availability vary by location, so it’s best to call ahead.

Where To Buy Pre-Seasoned or Cooked Turkey

If you’d rather skip the effort of preparing a whole turkey, you’re not alone. Fortunately, many retailers offer pre-seasoned or fully cooked turkeys to save you time in the kitchen. Here’s where you can find them.

Costco

Costco members can order the Fortune Gourmet Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner, a complete meal kit designed to serve eight people for $179.99. The package includes:

• A 5-pound pre-brined turkey breast roast, ready to bake
• 24 ounces of turkey gravy
• 2 pounds of mashed potatoes
• 2 pounds of sweet corn
• 2 pounds of mac and cheese
• 4 pounds of green bean casserole
• 2 pounds of cornbread stuffing
• 20 ounces of cranberry relish
• 12 gourmet dinner rolls
• A pre-baked 2-pound pumpkin pie
• A 2-pound tray of apple cobbler

Goldbelly

This online marketplace delivers a variety of gourmet items, including cakes, crab legs, and even Thanksgiving meals with turkey. A standout option is the Cajun Spicy Deep Fried Turkey from Uncle Ray's Fried Turkeys.

Each turkey is carefully chosen, deep-fried, and seasoned with a flavorful Cajun spice mix. Fully cooked and shipped frozen, these turkeys can serve up to 12 people. Priced at $130, they also come with free shipping.

Whole Foods

Beyond fresh and frozen turkeys, Whole Foods offers fully cooked turkeys, available individually or as part of larger Thanksgiving meal packages. Availability varies by location, but most stores provide a wide selection to suit your needs.

Turkey-only choices include:

• A Classic Roast Turkey available in three sizes
• An Apple-Brined Smoked Whole Turkey, serving up to eight people

Both options are fully cooked but require reheating before serving.

Where To Buy Vegan "Turkey"

For those avoiding meat, finding a plant-based turkey alternative can be challenging. However, with the rise of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets, the meat-free options for Thanksgiving have become far more flavorful and appealing than in the past.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s delivers yet again with its vegan Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast, available in the frozen foods section. This plant-based dish includes vegan gravy and is primarily crafted from wheat gluten. Filled with wild rice, cranberries, celery, and onions, it’s coated in a herb and red pepper flake breading for a satisfyingly crispy finish.

Be sure to grab this dish early, as all Trader Joe’s locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Myrtle Greens

This plant-based brand offers whole vegan "turkeys" made from non-GMO soy protein. Each comes with vegan gravy and stuffing, providing a fully meat-free Thanksgiving meal for $89.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When should I buy my Thanksgiving turkey?

  Fresh turkeys should be cooked within one to two days of purchase, while frozen turkeys can be stored in the freezer for months. If you prefer a fresh turkey, plan to buy it on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It’s a good idea to call your store or butcher ahead of time to reserve your bird. For frozen turkeys, buy them well in advance to avoid holiday crowds.

• At what temperature should I cook my turkey at?

  The ideal cooking temperature for turkey is 325°F. However, the cooking time varies depending on the turkey’s weight and whether it’s stuffed. Consult a turkey cooking chart to determine the appropriate cooking time based on the bird’s weight.

  Learn More: How Long to Cook a Turkey, in One Easy Chart