Fresh vs. Frozen Turkey: Which to Buy and How to Thaw Safely

Fresh vs. Frozen Turkey: Which to Buy and How to Thaw Safely

Karen Anderson, Public Affairs Specialist, FSIS-USDA

Planning your Thanksgiving meal starts long before the oven turns on. One of the most common sources of confusion is how to buy and thaw a turkey. Each year, FSIS food safety specialists answer thousands of questions on the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, many of them about planning ahead. To help clear things up, here are some common myths and the facts you need for a safe holiday.

Myth: Fresh turkey is always better than frozen

Fact: Both are good choices, and it depends on your timing. Buy a frozen turkey if you are shopping weeks in advance, and allow enough days to thaw it safely. Choose a fresh turkey only if you are shopping one to two days before cooking.

Myth: Thawing a turkey on the counter is fine.

Fact: Thawing on the counter is not safe because harmful bacteria can multiply quickly at room temperature. Instead, use one of these safe methods:

• Refrigerator method: This is the safest way but takes longer.
• Cold water method: This is the faster option but needs to be cooked immediately.

Myth: A turkey thaws in just a few hours.

Fact: A turkey can take several days to thaw safely.

In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 16-pound bird, for example, takes about four days.

For the cold-water method, keep the turkey in its original wrapper or a leakproof bag, submerge in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes per pound and cook the turkey immediately after thawing. A 16-pound bird, for example, would take about 8 hours. Thawing in water is safe if done correctly.

Quick Takeaway

Your Thanksgiving timeline starts with the turkey. Plan your shopping and thawing days carefully to avoid last-minute stress.

Get More Help

Want exact thawing times for your turkey? Use USDA's turkey thawing calculator and explore more resources on Your Safe Thanksgiving Guide, a one-stop guide to cooking, serving, and storing a safe holiday meal.

For food safety questions, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email [email protected] from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The Meat and Poultry Hotline is also open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.