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Deal.ai › Compare

Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey vs Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey

Buy the Jennie-O for a small household or a first turkey: 12–14 lb is easy to thaw, fit in the oven and finish evenly, and its leaner, lower-sodium profile suits people watching salt. Buy the Butterball for a crowd or for a cook who wants a safety net: 20–24 lb feeds a big table with leftovers, it comes pre-brined for juicier meat, and the Talk-Line plus printed instructions help beginners. Both are frozen whole birds with bone in; Butterball is the better-documented, more forgiving bird, Jennie-O the more manageable size.

  • Choose the Jennie-O if you are cooking for a small group, have a standard oven, or want a leaner bird with less sodium.
  • Choose the Butterball if you are feeding a large gathering, want pre-brined meat, or want step-by-step help and a phone line on the day.

Prices

  • Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey: $1.99 at Hy-Vee (last seen Nov 9)
  • Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey: $2.19 at Food Depot (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey is $0.20 cheaper than the Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Jennie-O
Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey

Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey

$1.99at Hy-VeeChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Hy-Vee
Pros
  • Small size thaws faster and fits smaller ovens
  • Leaner per serving with more protein
  • Lower calorie count per serving
  • Simple, no-fuss bird for a first roast
Cons
  • Not pre-brined, so it can dry out if overcooked
  • Higher sodium per serving
  • No cooking hotline or detailed instructions
  • Too small for a large gathering
Butterball
Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey

Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey

$2.19at Food DepotChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Food Depot
Pros
  • Pre-brined for moist meat with little prep
  • Large size feeds a crowd with leftovers
  • Clear roast times and easy-open bag
  • Talk-Line and website support for beginners
  • Labeled gluten-free
Cons
  • Needs about five to six days to thaw in the fridge
  • Bigger bird takes more oven space and careful timing
  • Higher total fat per bird given the size

What separates them

Jennie-O Whole Frozen TurkeyButterball Whole Frozen Turkey
Size12–14 lb, one modest bird20–24 lb, roughly double the meat
BriningNot pre-brined; season or brine yourselfIndividually pre-brined for juicier meat
Sodium per serving460 mg210 mg
Calories and protein per serving140 cal, 20 g protein120 cal, 18 g protein
Thaw timeAbout 3 days in the fridge at this weightAbout 5–6 days in the fridge at this weight
Roasting guidanceBasic; you time it yourself325°F for 3¾–4½ hours, with printed instructions
SupportNone beyond the labelButterball Turkey Talk-Line and website help
Gluten-free labelingNot statedLabeled gluten-free

Price history

$2.45$1.99
Nov 9Nov 11
  • Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey: lowest $1.99 on Nov 9 at Hy-Vee; $2.25 on Nov 11.
  • Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey: lowest $2.19 on Nov 9 at Food Depot; $2.45 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey

  • Hy-VeeNew

    In stock

    $1.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Hy-Vee

Also available at

  • Sage and PlowCheck price at Sage and Plow
Prices and history →

Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey

  • Food DepotNew

    In stock

    $2.19Checked Nov 9
    Visit Food Depot
  • Hy-VeeNew

    In stock

    $2.99Checked Nov 9
    Visit Hy-Vee
  • Giant FoodNew

    Out of stock

    $19.92Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Giant Food
  • Stop & ShopNew

    Out of stock

    $23.92Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Stop & Shop

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • DoorDashCheck price at DoorDash
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJennie-O Whole Frozen TurkeyButterball Whole Frozen Turkey
Weight range12-14 lb20 – 24 lbs
Calories140120
Sodium460mg210 mg
Protein20g18 g
StorageKeep frozen—
BrandJennie-O—
Serving size113g—
Total fat6g—
Saturated fat2g—
Cholesterol60mg—
Total carbs1g—
Calcium20mg—
Show all 21 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJennie-O Whole Frozen TurkeyButterball Whole Frozen Turkey
Gluten-Free—Yes
Bone-In—Yes
Average weight—Avg. 22.25 lbs
Oven-roasting time—3-¾ - 4-½ hours
Oven temperature—325°F
Freezer storage—up to 2 years
Leftover refrigeration—within 2 hours of eating
Leftover consumption—within 3 days
Fat—6 g

What reviewers say

Jennie-O Whole Frozen Turkey

Owners describe it as a dependable, moist holiday turkey that roasts evenly and is easy to find. Most complaints center on the long thaw time and the added sodium from basting.

What people mention
  • MoistnessPraisedOwners say the pre-basted meat stays moist and tender through roasting.
  • ThawingCriticisedReviewers note it needs several days in the fridge to thaw safely.
  • SodiumMixedSome find the basting makes it saltier than they prefer.
  • SizePraisedThe 12–14 lb range fits most ovens and feeds a crowd with leftovers.

Butterball Whole Frozen Turkey

Owners consistently describe Butterball turkeys as juicy and reliable, with the pre-brining credited for flavor and forgiveness. Complaints tend to center on saltiness and on thawing logistics for the big sizes.

What people mention
  • MoistnessPraisedOwners say the meat comes out juicy and tender, even when slightly overcooked.
  • BriningMixedThe pre-brining is credited for flavor, but some find the bird saltier than they like.
  • ThawingCriticisedA bird this size needs close to a week in the fridge, which takes planning and space.
  • Ease of prepPraisedThe easy-open bag and included instructions make it simple to get into the oven.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a first-time turkey cook?
The Butterball. It comes pre-brined, prints roast times, and the Talk-Line can walk you through thawing and carving. The Jennie-O is simpler only because a 12–14 lb bird is easier to handle.
Which one is juicier?
Butterball, because it is pre-brined before freezing. A Jennie-O bird can be just as moist if you brine or salt it yourself and pull it at the right temperature.
How long does each take to thaw?
Plan about one day per four pounds in the fridge. That is roughly three days for the 12–14 lb Jennie-O and five to six days for the 20–24 lb Butterball.
Is the Butterball worth stepping up to?
Yes for a crowd or a nervous cook. You get pre-brining, clear instructions and a hotline. For two to four people, the Jennie-O size is the more practical choice.
Which has less sodium?
Butterball, at 210 mg per serving against 460 mg for Jennie-O. The gap comes from Butterball's brine, which adds moisture and salt.
Can I cook either from frozen?
Both are sold frozen and should be thawed in the fridge first for even cooking. Never thaw at room temperature.

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