Thanksgiving is coming and that means it’s time to make and turkey.

Now the question is… so you go for the premium turkey or the bargain?

As someone who has cooked dozens of turkey dinners I am pretty confident I can answer that question.  However it’s less of a definite this or that but more of an it depends.  Let’s get into it.

Ease of prep:

If you are looking for an all around easier turkey to prepare the premium is worth the extra cost. Butterball turkeys have a no Scissors needed package… sort of. They still have the netting material and for me that means I need something to cut it.  However even I arthritis and all can open the turkey fairly easily.

It does not ( at least the ones I’ve purchased) have the plastic piece to hold the legs which I appreciate because I kind to take it out and find it a pain and because the less plastic waste the better.

It’s a little neater overall to prepare than it’s bargain counterpart.

Price point:

The bargain is cheaper.  It definitely wins for price. How much cheaper will depend on the store. I live in Northeast Florida. Aldi and Target for example have a cheaper bargain then the premium but the price point isn’t hugely different.  I will buy both to get the limit on each kind because I like to stock up.   If you have freezer space I highly recommend being a few. 

Stores near me like Winn Dixie and Publix are a little different.  So far this year ( 2024)  the Winn Dixie near me is offering a 49 cent per pound turkey when you spend $20 or more ( easy to do) and Butterball turkeys are 99 cents a pound both limit 1.  The 49 cent per pound bird clearly wins for price.  Publix near me is offering their brand turkey for 49 cents a pound limit 2. Their butterball is over  dollar a pound.

Side note the $1.07 is the upper end of what I’m willing to pay.  Assuming a turkey is 99 cents a pound and let’s say 50% is usable meat that still keeps the price of the meat under $2 a pound. For me if I’m going to be paying more for the time and effort involved I’ll go for something easier like chicken breast.

Are you a beginner or experienced?

If you are a beginner I would go with the premium.  They are less fuss and packaged just differently enough to not cause tears while trying to get it ready.

If you are experienced either is a good option.

The bargains are not as nicely trimmed and packaged but for me extra skin equals extra flavor so I’m not put off by less than perfect trimming.

How are you going to serve the turkey?

Is this turkey the star of the show or are you like me and cook one up on a random Tuesday night like a giant chicken?

If it’s going to be the star of the show I would let your confidence in coming the turkey be your guide.  Feeling good? Go for the bargain and use the savings towards some extra yummy dessert.  A little unsure? While it’s not immune to things like forgetting to take it out of the oven,  it is harder to mess up.

Not the star and using for leftovers? Get bargain cook it breast down and call it a day.

Here are my almost no touch instructions.

Almost No Touch Turkey

My personal preference:

For me bargain wins every time..if I have limited space to stock up or a limit on how mnay can be purchased for me the savings wins. If the price point is only a slight difference I may splurge put typically the bargain wins.

Whichever you choose make sure you have those leftovers for a yummy next meal !