Plus, does turkey really make you tired? And what you should not do when preparing it.
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Gertrude Stein wrote that “a rose is a rose is a rose. We were intrigued by her observation and concerned about the hefty price tag of the customary Thanksgiving main course these days, so we set out to see if the same could be said for turkeys.
Fans of the popular Thanksgiving bird have probably heard people call their expensive heritage turkeys “life-altering” for years. However, heritage birds require investment as they can cost up to $11 per pound, while bargain birds only cost less than $2. Furthermore, since it will be served with Brussels sprouts, yams, and pumpkin, how could anyone distinguish it from a typical grocery store bird if it is brined and covered in gravy?
Several colleagues went to the Consumer Reports labs to roast five birds and conduct a blind taste test in order to determine whether heritage birds are worth the money and how much difference there is between several popular grocery store brand turkeys.
If you rub in enough butter, herbs, and other seasonings into the meat of the turkey before cooking it, and then cover it with a flavorful gravy afterwards, you can turn even the most bland turkey into something at least somewhat edible. However, our objective was to assess the meat’s flavor so that home cooks could begin with the best-tasting bird at the most affordable price. So we took a minimal approach in our preparation: no added fat, herbs, or seasoning, other than 2. Paul Hope, a classically trained chef and writer about appliances at CR, approved of the simplest recipe we could find, which called for applying five teaspoons of kosher salt both inside and on top of the skin.
Below is a list of all the turkeys we tested, along with their prices as of November 2022 and our opinions regarding the moisture, flavor, and texture of each cooked turkey.
The second-most costly turkey we tested was the 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Turkey, which shot to the top of most reviewers’ lists. Its benefits extended beyond just its taste and organic certification, as social media editor Alexis Priester declared it to be the most beautiful turkey—a crucial aspect for creating the ideal Instagram moment. “White meat is generally the most appealing meat to look at (but least appealing in terms of flavor) . and this white meat was that turkey,” she said. Some tasters thought it was a little bland, but those who liked it really enjoyed it. Production Coordinator Aileen McCluskey thought both the “white and dark meat were moist . and had a really good, mild taste. ”.
Another evaluator thought this turkey was the most moist. At $2. 99 a pound, it was the second-most expensive turkey.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the turkey. But with so many brands and varieties available, choosing the best turkey can feel overwhelming. Fear not, fellow foodies! We’ve done the hard work for you, analyzing two top sources to bring you the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey showdown.
Round 1: Consumer Reports vs. Food & Wine
In the blue corner, we have Consumer Reports, the champion of unbiased product reviews. In the red corner, Food & Wine, the culinary connoisseur with a discerning palate Both have put various turkeys to the test, and we’ll dissect their findings to help you crown the champion
Consumer Reports: The Science of the Bird
Consumer Reports takes a data-driven approach, evaluating turkeys based on objective criteria like tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Their top picks include:
- Jennie-O Young Turkey: This budget-friendly option scored high marks for tenderness and juiciness.
- Butterball Fresh Turkey: This crowd-pleaser boasts a classic flavor profile and consistent quality.
- Honeysuckle White Turkey: This versatile bird is perfect for both roasting and deep-frying.
Food & Wine: The Art of the Feast
Food & Wine focuses on the culinary experience, seeking turkeys that deliver both flavor and elegance. Their top picks include:
- Grassland Beef Pasture-Raised Turkey: This premium bird impressed with its exceptional flavor and ethical sourcing.
- Porter Road Whole Turkey: This white-meat-heavy option is perfect for those who prefer a lighter Thanksgiving feast.
- Farm Foods Market Jaindl Grand Champion Turkey: This organic turkey offers excellent value and a juicy, flavorful experience.
Round 2: The Battle of the Birds
So, which brand reigns supreme? The answer, like most things in life, depends on your priorities.
For the budget-conscious: Consumer Reports’ Jennie-O Young Turkey is a solid choice.
For the classic Thanksgiving experience: Food & Wine’s Butterball Fresh Turkey is a reliable crowd-pleaser.
For the health-conscious: Consumer Reports’ Honeysuckle White Turkey is a versatile option that can be cooked in various ways.
For the discerning palate: Food & Wine’s Grassland Beef Pasture-Raised Turkey offers an unparalleled flavor experience.
For the white-meat lover: Food & Wine’s Porter Road Whole Turkey is a perfect choice.
For the value seeker: Consumer Reports’ Farm Foods Market Jaindl Grand Champion Turkey delivers both quality and affordability.
The Final Verdict: A Turkey for Every Table
Ultimately, the best turkey for your Thanksgiving table is the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize flavor, budget, or ethical sourcing, there’s a perfect bird out there waiting to be devoured. So, grab your shopping list, arm yourself with this guide, and get ready to conquer Thanksgiving with the most delicious turkey ever.
Bonus Round: Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Turkeys tend to sell out quickly, so plan ahead and place your order early.
- Consider the size of your gathering. A good rule of thumb is to buy 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person.
- Thaw your turkey safely. The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
- Brine your turkey for extra flavor and moisture. There are countless brining recipes available online.
- Don’t overcook your turkey! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let your turkey rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
- Don’t forget the gravy! Turkey drippings make the most delicious gravy.
With these tips and our expert recommendations, you’re well on your way to hosting a Thanksgiving feast that will have your guests gobbling up every last morsel. Happy Thanksgiving!
Best Value Bird: Aldi Never Any! Young Turkey
Price per pound, at the time of publish: $1.89
Graphic: Alisa OConnor/Consumer Reports Graphic: Alisa OConnor/Consumer Reports
Although the Aldi Never Any! turkey wasn’t the cheapest bird we tried (see Member’s Mark, below), it’s still a great deal at less than $2 per pound, and many of our evaluators thought it was flavorful. It also received two votes for the best-tasting bird. The Aldi bird was deemed gamey by multiple evaluators (one even surmised that it was a heritage bird). For those who prefer their turkey gamey, this is a good option; for others, it is a bad one. Althea Chang-Cook, an associate director of content, said it was “definitely more flavorful . and more tender, too. ” It was her favorite. Priester agreed that it tasted gamey, but he also noted that it would be excellent with a “nice wet brine.” ”.
15 Ways to Save Money on Your Feast
Check out our Thanksgiving food shopping tips.
The Best Store Bought Turkeys
Where can I buy a fresh turkey?
You can buy a fresh turkey at some large grocery chains, like Whole Foods, some local grocery stores, local co-ops or farms and even some online retailers, like D’Artagnan and Williams-Sonoma. Fresh turkeys tend to be a bit more expensive than frozen, and can range anywhere from $3-$10+ per pound. Whichever purchase option you go with, plan ahead!
Which Turkey should I buy for Thanksgiving?
To help you decide which turkey to buy for this Thanksgiving, we bought, roasted, and tasted five brand-name frozen turkeys from the supermarket. We had taste testers judge the birds based on tenderness, texture, and flavor to determine a winner. (Also, don’t miss We Taste-Tasted 5 Stuffing Mixes & This Is the Best .)
Are turkeys a good choice?
Despite the low price point, the turkeys are still reared in good conditions, on a vegetarian diet, and without any antibiotics or added hormones. Taste-wise, these turkeys are a winner too. While they can be slightly gamier than other brands, they have a great overall flavor and remain juicy.
Are store-brand turkeys good for Thanksgiving?
Flavor: Really nice flavor for a store-brand bird, with a nice, round saltiness and sweeter notes than the other turkeys. Verdict: A great choice and certain Thanksgiving-crowd pleaser as long as you (and your guests) don’t mind the addition of sodium phosphate. RELATED: This Popular Thanksgiving Food Has Skyrocketed in Price