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Food and Wine / Organic Prarie
Holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas call for a centerpiece main dish, whether roast beef, brisket, turkey, or Tofurky. While every holiday hosting comes with its fair share of stressors, turkeys can make even the most seasoned turkey experts nervous.
First, you have to pick a good turkey, then figure out how many people you can feed. Cooking your first bird can also be intimidating if you are a novice — it is the centerpiece of the meal. But our turkey recipe guides are the next best thing to having us in your kitchen for moral support.
We enlisted our team to roast and evaluate 11 mail-order turkeys to find the bird that rose above the rest. Whether you want a pasture-raised, free-range, or organic turkey for your holiday table, we reviewed them all. These are the six best mail-order turkeys we tested and tasted on the market.
Best Overall
Grassland Beef Pasture-Raised Turkey
The turkey arrived quickly, 24-48 hours after placing the order. We found the turkey’s flavor to be pleasant and the quality of the bird impressive.
We found no cooking or thawing instructions in the packaging.
Gunthorp Family Farms' Pasture-Raised Turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, offering exceptional quality and ethical sourcing. Delivered frozen in an insulated box with dry ice, it arrives within 24-48 hours of ordering fully frozen.
The giblets are included for your gravy or stuffing needs but are not stored in a bag, so we had to fish them out with tongs. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any directions. This turkey boasts a mild yet pleasantly gamey flavor, and its iconic appearance when roasted is impressive. We found the flavor and results top-notch. It is also a large bird, so it will serve a sizable Thanksgiving crowd. It has large breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. You can tell the bird was raised well, which confirms the Gunthorp family's dedication to sustainable agriculture and organic standards.
Currently out of stock, but keep an eye out for a restock.
Price at time of publish: $190
- Size: 15.5-18 pounds
- Shipping: Free shipping on orders of 15 pounds and up
Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm
Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm
Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm
Best Overall, Runner-up
Porter Road Whole Turkey
The turkey comes with the neck and giblets ( the heart and liver) if you want to use them in cooking.
Shipping could be a better process since the turkey was partially thawed upon arrival
The Porter Road Whole Turkey was one of our favorites during testing for many reasons. We thought this turkey was a nice size even though it cooked a bit faster than anticipated. It was very white meat-heavy with larger breasts and smaller thighs. There was little dark meat in general, so this is good for white-meat turkey lovers. Since the breasts were so much bigger, they didn't dry out as readily, resulting in picture-perfect slices of turkey breast screaming for gravy. Although shipping could be improved, we still love the quality of this turkey. We also love the company's commitment to turkeys without added antibiotics or hormones.
Price at time of publish: $156-173
- Size: 13-15.5 pounds
- Shipping: Flat Rate Shipping on Orders $125
Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm
Food & Wine / Riddley Schirm
You're 100% covered. If your order doesn't arrive frozen, they will send you a replacement or refund.
The turkey was smaller, so it is best for two to three people.
If you're the designated Thanksgiving chef or the host of this grand feast, you'll appreciate the convenience and quality of this organic whole turkey. The delivery process is seamless, arriving frozen solid, surrounded by dry ice, and including giblets neatly tucked in a bag within the cavity. With a weight of about 13 pounds and priced reasonably, this organic bird offers excellent value for smaller dinner parties.
It's not just about the price; the turkey is juicy, and we loved the irresistible crispy skin we achieved while roasting. Its organic pedigree, animal welfare standards, and the fact that it's free of additives and antibiotics make it an excellent choice for conscientious consumers.
Price at time of publish: Starts at $66
- Size: 8-12 pounds
- Serves: Free shipping on orders of $125 or more
Food & Wine / Brittany McCoy
Food & Wine / Brittany McCoy
Food & Wine / Brittany McCoy
Best Organic
Organic Prairie Organic Whole Turkey
We appreciate that it came with the neck, heart, and giblets so that you could make a delicious gravy with it.
It is a smaller turkey adequate for a smaller family.
This organic whole turkey is an exceptional choice for those who take pride in hosting Thanksgiving and crafting the perfect feast. The seamless delivery process ensures it arrives frozen solid, surrounded by dry ice, and with giblets conveniently placed in a bag within the cavity. Weighing around 13 pounds and priced reasonably at $84, it's a fantastic value for an organic bird. Its juicy, flavorful meat and irresistibly crispy skin make it a standout. The fact that it's organic and adheres to animal welfare standards underscores its quality.
Whether hosting a smaller family gathering or a larger party, this turkey, air-dried and dry-brined for extra flavor, will make a stunning centerpiece. The included giblets allow you to create a sensational gravy, adding to the overall dining experience. With its commitment to quality, ethics, and impeccable flavor, this organic whole turkey is a top recommendation for a memorable Thanksgiving meal.
Price at time of publish: Starts at $126
- Size: 11-15 pounds
- Shipping: Free shipping over $200
Food & Wine / Cecily McAndrews
Food & Wine / Cecily McAndrews
Food & Wine / Cecily McAndrews
Best Free-Range
D’Artagnan Green Circle Turkey
The flavor of this bird is incredible and in keeping with the brand’s name.
The turkey arrived slightly banged up, and the box was damaged.
Despite some packaging issues, the Green Circle turkey from D'Artagnan offers a flavorful and convenient option for special occasions. While the delivery process had room for improvement, the turkey arrived fresh and partially frozen. Its manageable size made it easy to carve, and it cooked faster than expected. The result was juicy and delicious meat with a mix of light and dark portions.
The turkey's taste makes it a step above typical grocery store options and suitable for special gatherings. D'Artagnan's Green Circle turkey program, certified by Humane Farm Animal Care, reflects ethical and sustainable practices.
Currently out of stock, but keep an eye out for a restock.
Price at time of publish: $93
- Size: 12-22 pounds
- Shipping: Dependent on the size of the order; your order will ship via FedEx overnight delivery and arrive properly chilled on your selected delivery date
Food & Wine / Katy Stovall
Food & Wine / Katy Stovall
Food & Wine / Katy Stovall
The turkey is one of the only fresh birds on our list.
You need to cook it soon after you receive it since you don't need to account for thawing.
We often turn to Willie Birds for our Thanksgiving needs because the turkey actually tastes like turkey. It's not too gamey and has that true blue turkey flavor you want as the base for your gravy. You can opt to get the fresh turkey brined or unbrined based on your preferences. The turkeys have origins in the Benedetti family of Sonoma and are raised free-range and fed natural grains and vegetable proteins. They don't use added antibiotics or hormones.
We also love the shipping. Williams Sonoma has the exclusive for the birds, and they offer guaranteed shipping by Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can also get the bird shipped beforehand if you prefer to freeze it ahead. We also love that you can use coupons or wait for sale events to score a bird if the price is too high. No matter what you choose, this turkey is a guaranteed hit.
Price at time of publish: $130-230
- Size: 10-22 pounds
- Shipping: $15 or free with reserve shipping
Our Favorite
The Grassland Pasture-raised Turkey was one of our favorite turkeys among all the birds we tested. In fact, we found it to be one of the best turkeys we’ve ever roasted, with ample breast, thigh, and drumstick meat. It is a sure bet for your holiday table that’s bound to impress even the pickiest in-laws.
Factors to Consider
Size
Experts recommend buying two pounds of turkey per adult and one pound per child, so take how many people you are serving and multiply by two. If you have a lot of people to serve, consider buying two smaller birds so they roast faster.
Fresh versus frozen
Fresh turkeys tend to taste better but have a shorter shelf life. Frozen turkeys are more versatile since they can be stored for months before cooking. However, thawing is a consideration, and some people claim the quality of the meat is changed once it is frozen and defrosted.
How the turkey is processed and any certifications
It is also essential to research any potential allergens at the packaging facility if you have food allergies or intolerances. Producers specialize in Kosher, Non-GMO, USDA Organic, sustainable, or animal welfare certifications, so check the label.
Shipping and packaging
Many sellers offer free shipping and guarantee it in time for major holidays. Check the fine print to see if your order is timely. One of the criteria we evaluate in our test is how the turkey is shipped and the shape it arrives in. You don't want a half-frozen turkey with little ice that's been banged up.
How We Tested Turkeys
We bought all the best turkeys on the market and roasted them at home for our families using our Simplest Roast Turkey recipe. Many of us roasted multiple birds, so we had a point of comparison for flavor, texture, and how long they took to defrost. For more experienced testers, we ranked them against others we’ve made in the past. We also rated the companies on shipping and packaging to ensure the turkeys arrived in good condition and the actual condition of the turkeys.
How it ships is a big part of where turkeys rank on our list because a defrosted, late, or beaten-up bird can certainly ruin the event. Since this is a convenience and luxury item, the process should be seamless, and we expect great results, given the price point. We wanted to evaluate if these birds were flavorful enough to stand up to the ease of buying a supermarket bird.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between pasture-raised, free-range, and organic turkeys?
They all are methods of farming turkeys. Pasture-raised means the birds can access outdoor space and are encouraged to roam and forage for food. Free-range means they have some access to the outdoors but also live indoors. Both styles vary across farms, however. Organic means the turkeys are raised under strict standards with feed and additives. Since they need to be certified organic, living conditions are regulated.
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What is a heritage turkey?
Heritage refers to the breed of turkey. They are usually descendants of heirloom breeds raised with a focus on sustainability. They are often more strong or gamy in flavor and have less breast meat than conventional birds.
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How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
The rule of thumb is that it takes 24 hours per four pounds of turkey, so larger birds will need a few days. Avoid making any of these common mistakes while thawing your turkey.
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How long does it take to cook a turkey?
That depends on the size of the bird, but the formula is about 15-20 minutes per pound of unstuffed turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure you have a good thermometer, like one of our favorites from testing, to take the internet temperature, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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When should I order Thanksgiving turkey?
Many purveyors only offer turkeys seasonally. If you have a chest freezer, you can order it as soon as it becomes available, many beginning in September. Otherwise, many sellers guarantee turkeys arrive in time for specific holiday dates like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you don’t have to stress. Check with each seller to see their timing since they differ by site.
Other Turkeys We Tested
Strong Contenders
Perdue Premium Holiday Turkey ($115 at Perdue)
This turkey arrived on time, thawed out nicely, and was fresh. We loved how juicy this turkey was and found it appropriate for a smaller family.
D'Artagnan Organic Turkey ($88 at D'Artagnan Organic Turkey)
The turkey was very tasty, but the Green Circle surpassed it. It arrived a little banged up, but it was otherwise easy to roast, and the quality of the meat was exceptional.
What Didn't Make The List
We tested quite a few that didn't make the list. We didn't like the Fossil Farms Turkey Whole Bird ($73 at Fossil Farms), which was not our favorite due to the underwhelming taste. We didn’t find the price worth it and think other turkeys you can find locally are much better. If you do order one, you need to take extra care not to overcook it because it tends to dry out. The Crowd Cow Ferndale Market Whole Turkey was another turkey we found too dry. We were frustrated during the delivery process since the markings for “perishable” were too light, and it was hard to track down where the turkey was in the process in order to expect it. The overall turkey was bland, with a tougher texture and less forgiving than others we roasted. Another turkey we tested and loved the Allen Bros. Black Heritage Turkey, it was no longer available at the time of publish.
Our Expertise
Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a recovering restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, Local Palate, National Geographic, Southern Living, and Thrillist.