Yes, Costco does sell fresh turkey breast in their stores. As one of the largest warehouse retailers in the country, Costco offers a wide selection of fresh and frozen meat products, including whole turkeys and turkey parts like breasts, legs, thighs, and wings.
What types of turkey breast does Costco sell?
Costco sells a few different options for fresh turkey breast:
- Kirkland Signature Fresh Boneless Skinless Turkey Breasts – These come in a 2-pack of breasts that each weigh around 2.5 to 3.5 lbs. They are antibiotic free with no added hormones or steroids.
- Foster Farms Fresh All Natural Boneless Skinless Turkey Breasts – Also sold in a 2-pack, these turkey breasts range from 2 to 3 lbs each. They are minimally processed with no artificial ingredients.
- Fresh Bone-In Turkey Breasts – On occasion, some Costco locations may have fresh whole bone-in turkey breasts available. These usually range from 4 to 8 lbs each.
In the freezer section, Costco also sells large packages of frozen boneless, skinless turkey breasts. However, fresh turkey breast is usually brought into stores around the holidays when demand is highest.
What are the pros of buying fresh turkey at Costco?
There are a few advantages to purchasing fresh turkey breasts from Costco:
- Bulk sizes – The packs contain multiple large breasts, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Savings – Costco’s prices on fresh turkey are very competitively priced compared to traditional grocery stores.
- High quality – Their Kirkland Signature brand of turkey is praised for its juiciness and flavor.
- No hormones or steroids – The turkey has no artificial additives.
- Convenient – You can purchase turkey along with all your other holiday meal shopping in one place.
What should you look for when buying fresh turkey breasts?
To choose the best fresh turkey breast, look for the following qualities:
- Pink or white flesh – Avoid turkey with dark, discolored, or bruised areas.
- Firm and plump – The breast should feel dense, not squishy.
- Intact, clean skin – No tears, punctures, or blemishes in the skin.
- No unpleasant odor
- Sell by date – Pick turkey that will last until the use-by date. Ideally, cook frozen turkey within 1 year.
Also check the packaging date and only purchase fresh poultry 1-2 days before using it. The closer to the use date, the better the quality will be.
How can you tell if Costco turkey breast is bad or spoiled?
Here are signs that fresh or thawed turkey from Costco may be spoiled and should be discarded:
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Grey, green, or dark discoloration
- Strong foul or unpleasant smell
- Mold or slime on the skin
- Discolored bones at the joints
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out” applies here. It’s better to be safe than risk food poisoning.
How should you store fresh turkey breast from Costco?
To maximize freshness and shelf life, store turkey breast properly:
- Refrigerate turkey immediately at 40°F or below.
- Use within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality. Cook within 3 days.
- Keep turkey in original airtight, moisture-proof packaging until ready to cook.
- Place on a tray or plate to catch any leaks.
- Always wash hands, prep tools, sinks after handling raw turkey.
Avoid thawing turkey at room temperature or food poisoning bacteria could grow quickly. Thaw breast in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking.
How long does Costco turkey last in the fridge?
Here are fridge shelf life guidelines for fresh Costco turkey:
| Turkey Type | Refrigerator Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Fresh turkey, raw | 1 to 2 days |
| Fresh turkey, cooked | 3 to 4 days |
| Frozen turkey, raw | 1 year |
| Frozen turkey, cooked | 4 months |
For maximum food safety, fresh raw poultry like turkey breasts from Costco should only be kept 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking or freezing.
Freezer Storage Time
For longer term storage, freeze turkey:
- Wrap breasts tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Place in freezer bags, removing excess air.
- Label package with cut, date, and weight.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
Properly frozen, uncooked turkey will maintain quality for about 1 year. Freeze cooked turkey for 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey breast from Costco?
Here are some estimated thawing times for frozen Costco turkey:
| Turkey Weight | Refrigerator Thaw Time |
|---|---|
| 2 – 3 lb breast | 1 to 2 days |
| 4 – 6 lb breast | 2 to 3 days |
| 8 – 12 lb breast | 3 to 4 days |
To safely thaw turkey breasts:
- Place frozen breast on a plate to catch drips.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Allow about 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
For a faster thaw, place sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Cook immediately; do not refreeze.
Conclusion
Costco is a great place to purchase fresh, high quality turkey breast at competitive prices. Look for plump, firm turkey no more than 1-2 days before cooking or freeze for longer storage. Refrigerate promptly and use proper thawing methods to prevent foodborne illness from contaminated poultry. Follow food safety guidelines and enjoy delicious Costco turkey this holiday season!