Preparing for Thanksgiving: Comparing Turkey Prices in Canadian Stores

As Thanksgiving approaches, families across Canada are gearing up for a feast, with turkey as the star of the show. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly frozen bird or a fresh, premium option, knowing where to find the best deals is essential. We’ve gathered turkey prices from various Canadian stores to help you prepare for this year’s holiday dinner. Here's a breakdown of frozen and fresh turkey options to consider for your Thanksgiving celebration.

1. Food Basics

• Frozen Whole Turkey:
  • Price: $4.14/kg ($1.88/lb)
  • Brand: Butterball, 3-5 kg
  • Details: An affordable frozen turkey option, ideal for those seeking a reliable bird at a reasonable price.

2. Walmart

• Young Turkey, Seasoned, Uncooked, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $22 (Flamingo)
  • Butterball Seasoned Frozen Young Turkey, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $48.09
  • Details: Walmart offers both Flamingo and Butterball turkeys, with a noticeable price difference. Flamingo is more affordable, while Butterball is a pricier seasoned option for those seeking a premium bird.

3. Real Canadian Superstore

• Butterball Fresh Turkey, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $46.45 ($8.36/kg or $3.79/lb)
  • Grade A Fresh Turkey, 5 kg:
  • Price: $34.61 (estimated) ($7.69/kg or $3.49/lb)
  • Details: Offering both Butterball and Grade A fresh turkeys, Superstore provides a middle-range option for those looking for fresh, quality meat. The Grade A turkey is slightly more affordable.

4. Farm Boy

• Butterball Frozen Young Turkey with Giblets, Seasoned, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $50
  • Details: This Butterball turkey comes seasoned and ready to cook, perfect for a hassle-free Thanksgiving dinner. Farm Boy's option is on the higher end of the price spectrum for frozen turkeys.

5. FreshCo

• Butterball Raised Without Antibiotics Frozen Turkey, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $30
  • Details: For those looking for an antibiotic-free option, FreshCo provides a reasonably priced Butterball turkey with no added antibiotics, making it a great option for health-conscious consumers.

6. Loblaws

• Grade A Fresh Turkey, 11 kg and up:
  • Price: $71.80 (estimated) ($8.80/kg or $3.99/lb)
• Frozen Grade A Turkey, 7-9 kg:
  • Price: $70.40 (estimated) ($8.80/kg or $3.99/lb)
• Butterball Naturally Inspired Frozen Turkey, 5-7 kg:
  • Price: $48.86 (estimated) ($8.80/kg or $3.99/lb)
• Flamingo Young Turkey, Frozen, Seasoned:
  • Price: $36.98 (estimated) ($5.49/kg)
• Free Range Fresh Turkey, 7-9 kg:
  • Price: $78.74 (estimated) ($9.90/kg or $4.49/lb)
  • Details: Loblaws offers a wide variety of turkeys, from standard Grade A options to premium free-range turkeys. While prices here are generally higher, the selection caters to a range of preferences, including free-range and antibiotic-free options.

Key Takeaways

• Budget-Friendly Options: If you're looking to save, Food Basics and FreshCo offer some of the most affordable choices for frozen turkeys, with prices as low as $1.88/lb.
• Mid-Range Selections: Walmart and Real Canadian Superstore provide both affordable and premium turkeys, making them solid choices for finding a turkey that suits your budget and taste.
• Premium Choices: For a high-quality, fresh turkey, Loblaws and Farm Boy offer premium options like free-range or antibiotic-free turkeys, albeit at higher prices.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, be sure to consider your turkey needs early, as prices and availability can vary, especially closer to the holiday. Whether you're going for a fresh, free-range turkey or a budget-friendly frozen option, this comparison should help you make the best choice for your festive meal.