Last year turkey prices were way, way up. Here's why 2023 will be different.
Will There Be a Turkey Shortage This Year? Here’s the Verdict
Updated Jun. 03, 2024
For lots of people who celebrate Thanksgiving, the highlight of the holiday is the turkey. Whether you cook your turkey yourself or order a turkey from a pro, it sets the tone for your entire Thanksgiving menu. But there’s always a chance you’ll have to go without turkey or pay a higher price if a turkey shortage strikes, like what happened in 2022.
Last year, the price of most uncooked poultry jumped about 17%, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For turkey specifically, the shortage caused a particularly steep increase, raising the price per pound of a whole frozen turkey from $1.15 to $1.46, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
So, when it comes to turkey supply this year, what can we expect? Will it be another year of pricey turkeys and a noticeable shortage? To find out, we connected with the National Turkey Federation (NTF), a nonprofit that represents the turkey industry. The findings are good news for your Thanksgiving feast!
Is there a turkey shortage this year?
Last year, high rates of the avian flu—which was possibly the worst in history, according to The Washington Post—combined with inflation led to a turkey shortage. For 2023, shoppers can expect a different experience, according to NTF president Joel Brandenberger. “There will be a plentiful supply of turkeys in supermarkets and most stores,” he says.
That’s music to our ears! You’ll be able to find a turkey to enjoy with your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Although there are occasional cases of avian flu, Brandenberger says, turkey losses are significantly lower than in 2022. Unlike last year, avian flu shouldn’t impact turkey availability.
The NTF also estimates that there will even be discounts on frozen turkeys. In other words, despite other food prices rising, “economic factors that apply to most food items throughout the year are less of a factor in turkey pricing.” It’s not out of the question to expect a good price on the mouthwatering turkey for this year’s holiday meal.
When should I buy a Thanksgiving turkey?
When it comes to buying your turkey, Brandenberger has a few suggestions. Frozen turkeys are a safe bet that can significantly cut costs. Turkeys can last up to a year in the freezer without losing quality. Just make sure to allow at least 24 hours of thawing in the fridge for every 4-5 pounds of bird, Brandenberger says. Figuring out how to defrost a turkey in advance means your Thanksgiving dinner will go without a hitch. But in case of emergency, here’s the best way to cook a frozen turkey.
Consumers who want a specific size or type of turkey should contact their store’s meat manager by early November, Brandenberger advises. That way, a preference is secured in time for Turkey Day.
Luckily, when it comes to buying a turkey this year, there will be plenty to go around!
Turkey Recipes for Your Holiday Feast
Herb-Glazed TurkeyHoney and corn syrup blend with savory herbs and seasonings to give my Thanksgiving turkey recipe a slightly sweet flavor. My tried-and-true herb turkey recipe never fails to win compliments. —Charlene Melenka, Vegreville, Alberta
Turkey BrineSay goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey. This turkey brine recipe creates perfectly seasoned turkey with tender, juicy meat.
Classic Stuffed TurkeyFor years, my mother has made this moist stuffed Thanksgiving turkey recipe. Now, I do the same thing. The turkey stuffing nicely compliments the tender, juicy slices of oven-roasted turkey. —Kathi Graham, Naperville, Illinois
Smoked TurkeyOur smoked turkey recipe uses a brine to keep the bird moist, plus a homemade dry rub to add incredible flavor. And it doesn't require a smoker or pellet grill to pull it off! Learn how to smoke a turkey using any type of grill.
Romano Basil Turkey BreastGuests will be impressed when you slice this golden, grilled turkey breast, dressed up with a flavorful layer of basil and cheese under the skin. —Darlene Markham, Rochester, New York
Honey-Glazed TurkeyDiscover a honey-glazed turkey recipe that ensures a mouthwatering bird caramelized to perfection under a rich, sweet honey glaze. Including a side of flavorful stuffing, this recipe is perfect to keep on hand for holidays and special gatherings.
Brined Grilled Turkey BreastYou'll want to give thanks for this mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey recipe! A hint of spice makes this one of our best turkey recipes ever. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
BBQ TurkeyI don't remember where my sister found this BBQ turkey recipe, but it quickly became a family favorite. From the zesty, flavorful sauce and crispy skin to the juicy and tender meat, it's the best Thanksgiving turkey I've ever tried. —Valerie Delano, Cascade, Montana
Turkey and Root Veggie Sheet-Pan DinnerMy family loves turkey tenderloin so I wanted to try using it in a sheet-pan supper. The vegetables were tender and moist and the turkey was juicy. Use any of you favorite vegetables. You can add turnips to the mix for a bit of sweetness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Cheesecloth TurkeyCheesecloth turkey calls for draping the lightweight fabric over your bird, which will help keep the wine and drippings in place on the skin as you baste. The end result is a beautiful, deeply flavored turkey for your holiday table.
Turkey in Cream SauceI've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Grilled Huli Huli Turkey DrumsticksI'm never one to do things traditionally, so when it came time to hosting Thanksgiving, I went in a completely tropical direction. Borrowing my favorite Hawaiian chicken recipe, I used turkey legs instead and never looked back. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
How to Deep-Fry a TurkeyA deep-fried turkey means tender, juicy meat that's ready in a fraction of the time. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to deep-fry a turkey.
Apple & Herb Roasted TurkeyMy daughter loves to help me make this moist apple turkey. Her job is to hand Mommy the ingredients—if she doesn't eat them first! —Kimberly Jackson, Gay, Georgia
Herbed Roast Turkey BreastWhen learning how to cook turkey breast for my first formal dinner party as a newlywed, I came across this particular Thanksgiving turkey recipe. It was such a success that this turkey breast recipe has become a standby on all my entertaining menus. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Slow-Cooker Turkey BreastMake this Thanksgiving dinner the easiest ever with our slow-cooker turkey breast recipe.
Roasted Sage Turkey with Vegetable GravyThere’s no prep like home-style when roasting the big bird. Instead of sage stuffing with turkey, fill this bird with fresh sage and thyme sprigs for the same delicious flavors. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Turkey Cutlets with Pan GravyThese turkey cutlets are full of flavor and very easy to cook. If you've never made gravy before, this is an excellent recipe to try.
Maple-Sage Brined TurkeyWhen the leaves start turning, it’s time for Thanksgiving turkey. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Maple-Glazed TurkeyI prepare turkey with a taste of Canada in mind. The sweet maple flavor comes through even in the breast meat. You may start to notice it's caramelized color after about 2 hours. That's when I cover it loosely with foil while it finishes cooking. The maple-glazed turkey will stay tender and juicy. —Suzanne Anctil, West Vancouver, British Columbia
How to Cook the Juiciest Instant Pot Turkey Breast EverThis step-by-step guide will walk you through how to make Instant Pot turkey breast that's crisp, juicy and tender.
Originally Published: November 04, 2022
