Quick Answers
Both Butterball and JENNIE-O are well-known and popular turkey brands in the US. When comparing the two, here are some quick answers:
- Butterball is the largest producer of turkey in the US and has been around since the 1930s. JENNIE-O is also a large turkey producer but is younger, being founded in the 1940s.
- Both brands offer high-quality fresh and frozen whole turkeys as well as other turkey products and parts.
- Butterball offers a slightly larger selection of products including seasoned, organic, and kosher options. JENNIE-O focuses more on traditional whole turkeys.
- For whole turkeys, Butterball is known for more tender and juicy meat while JENNIE-O tends to have a bit more flavor.
- Butterball turkeys tend to be a bit more expensive than comparable JENNIE-O turkeys.
- Both brands have received high customer satisfaction scores in reviews and surveys.
Overall, both Butterball and JENNIE-O produce high-quality turkeys using industry-leading practices. The choice often comes down to personal preference on flavor, texture, and budget. Read on for a more detailed comparison of these two popular turkey brands.
Company History and Overview
To understand how Butterball and JENNIE-O turkey brands stack up, it helps to first look at the history and current operations of the companies behind them.
Butterball
Butterball is a division of Seaboard Foods, which is the largest pork producer in the United States. Butterball got its start in the 1930s and became an early leader in commercial turkey production. The company is now headquartered in Garner, NC and operates six processing plants located in North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Some key facts about Butterball:
- Produces over 1 billion pounds of turkey per year – over 20% of US production.
- Sells a range of over 2,500 products including fresh and frozen whole turkeys, breasts, roasts, ground turkey, sausages, deli meats, and more.
- Employs over 7,000 people.
- Operates a Turkey Talk Line every November to answer turkey cooking questions from consumers.
JENNIE-O
JENNIE-O is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, a Fortune 500 company focused on packaged meat products. JENNIE-O was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Willmar, MN. Key facts about JENNIE-O include:
- Produces over 300 million pounds of turkey per year.
- Operates 5 processing plants located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Utah.
- Offers frozen whole turkeys, turkey breasts and roasts, ground turkey, turkey sausages, deli meat, and heat-and-serve entrees.
- Employs over 7,000 people.
- Has a Turkey Expert Line available every November to answer turkey cooking questions.
While Butterball is slightly bigger in terms of production and product range, both companies are major players in the turkey market in the United States.
Product Range Comparison
When purchasing a turkey, one of the first differences you’ll notice between Butterball and JENNIE-O is the range of products available. Here is an overview of the types of turkeys and turkey products offered by each brand:
Butterball Product Range
- Fresh and frozen whole turkeys
- Frozen turkey breasts and roasts
- Seasoned whole turkeys and turkey breasts
- Organic and antibiotic-free whole turkeys
- Kosher whole turkeys and turkey breasts
- Ground turkey, sausage, and burgers
- Lunch meats, frankfurters, bacon
- Marinated and ready-to-cook turkey tips, tenderloins, and wings
- Heat-and-serve turkey entrees and sides
JENNIE-O Product Range
- Fresh and frozen whole turkeys
- Frozen turkey breasts and roasts
- Ground turkey and turkey burgers
- Turkey sausages and kielbasa
- Lunch meats
- Heat-and-serve entrees and side dishes
While both brands cover the basics like whole turkeys and breasts, Butterball has a noticeably wider selection including more options for seasoned, organic, and kosher turkeys. JENNIE-O focuses primarily on traditional whole turkey products.
Whole Turkey Comparison
For most people, a whole roasted turkey is the centerpiece of a holiday meal or special dinner. Here is how Butterball and JENNIE-O whole turkey offerings compare:
| Turkey Features | Butterball | JENNIE-O |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes available | 10 – 24 lbs fresh 10 – 30 lbs frozen |
10 – 24 lbs fresh 10 – 26 lbs frozen |
| Breeds | White Holland Standard Broad |
Standard Broad White Holland |
| Turkey types | Fresh, frozen, kosher, organic, antibiotic-free | Fresh, frozen, heirloom |
| Flavors | Traditional, seasoned | Traditional |
| Price per lb | $1.29 – $1.99 | $1.19 – $1.79 |
The size ranges, breeds, and basic fresh vs frozen options are very similar between the brands. The main differences are that Butterball offers more variety in terms of kosher, organic, seasoned options, while JENNIE-O has a very simple traditional turkey offering. JENNIE-O’s prices also tend to be slightly lower per pound.
Meat Quality
Beyond just what turkey products are available, a major consideration is the meat quality and eating experience of Butterball vs JENNIE-O turkeys.
Butterball Meat Quality
Butterball turkeys are known for:
- Very tender, juicy meat
- Mild flavor, not too salty or seasoned
- Moist breast meat that is difficult to overcook
- Excellent for roasting, slicing, and leftovers
The Butterball turkey breast in particular is prized for its moisture and tenderness. The mild flavor also makes it very versatile for pairing with different seasonings and side dishes.
JENNIE-O Meat Quality
JENNIE-O turkeys stand out for:
- Good natural turkey flavor with a hint of saltiness
- Lean, firm texture in the breast meat
- Leg meat and wings have robust turkey flavor
- Holds up well when roasted or smoked
JENNIE-O turkeys are known for having breast meat with a bit more bite and flavor compared to the very mild Butterball meat. The dark meat and wings are also full of flavor. Overall it has a more classic “turkey” taste.
Cooking and Prep
Ease of preparation and cooking is another point of comparison between Butterball and JENNIE-O turkeys. Some key factors:
Defrosting
Both brands recommend thawing frozen turkeys in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. JENNIE-O states its turkeys may take slightly less time overall to thaw compared to average turkeys. Butterball offers more thawing options like in cold water and in the microwave.
Seasoning and Flavoring
Butterball turkeys come plain so you can season them yourself. They offer recipes for seasoning blends. JENNIE-O turkeys also arrive unseasoned but have a slightly stronger natural turkey flavor.
Roasting
Roasting times are very similar, with both brands recommending 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. JENNIE-O states their turkeys may cook slightly faster than average. Butterball has detailed roasting directions and tips.
Results
Both turkeys produce juicy, moist meat when roasted correctly. Butterball is known for exceptionally tender and foolproof breast meat. JENNIE-O has good moisture while still having a bit of texture and bite.
Overall, there are no major differences in cooking and prep. Both brands provide plenty of guidance to roast the turkey perfectly.
Health and Diet
Turkey is cherished for being a healthy and protein-packed meat option. Here is how Butterball and JENNIE-O turkeys compare in terms of health factors:
Hormones and Steroids
Neither turkey brand uses added hormones or steroids in their turkeys. Federal regulations prohibit their use in poultry.
Antibiotics
Butterball offers specific antibiotic-free turkey varieties. Their standard turkeys follow federal guidelines on antibiotic use. JENNIE-O does not offer antibiotic-free turkeys but states they avoid using antibiotics when possible.
Feed and Care
Both brands state their turkeys are fed a diet of corn, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals. Neither uses animal by-products. They focus on quality care and housing.
Nutrition
| Turkey Meat (3 oz) | Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterball (roasted breast) | 140 | 3g | 25g |
| JENNIE-O (roasted breast) | 140 | 3g | 25g |
Nutritionally, Butterball and JENNIE-O turkeys are very similar. Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein and low fat.
Cost Comparison
The final consideration for many shoppers is how Butterball and JENNIE-O turkeys compare in terms of pricing. Based on retail prices at popular grocery chains, on average:
- Butterball frozen turkeys range from $1.29 to $1.99 per lb
- JENNIE-O frozen turkeys range from $1.19 to $1.79 per lb
There is significant overlap in pricing, however Butterball turkeys tend to cost slightly more per pound compared to JENNIE-O. Even when the same size turkey is offered by both brands, Butterball is usually around $0.10 to $0.20 more expensive per pound.
Promotional pricing during holidays like Thanksgiving can also affect the cost difference. But in general, JENNIE-O whole turkeys have a lower retail price point than similar Butterball products.
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
Looking at what actual customers have to say about these brands offers great insight into satisfaction with Butterball and JENNIE-O turkeys.
Butterball Reviews
- Earns 4 out of 5 stars on consumer sites like BestReviews and Influenster.
- 92% of customers on Butterball’s website would recommend their turkey.
- Those who rate it highly praise the juicy meat, especially the breast.
- Some feel it lacks flavor compared to other brands.
JENNIE-O Reviews
- Also earns mostly 4 out of 5 stars from online reviews.
- Around 90% of customers are likely to recommend JENNIE-O turkeys.
- Fans say their turkeys have great classic turkey flavor.
- Some think the breast meat can be slightly dry if overcooked.
Both brands receive strong satisfaction scores from four out of five people on average. Butterball gets rave reviews for moistness while JENNIE-O wins on flavor.
Conclusion
Butterball and JENNIE-O are both leading turkey brands with high-quality offerings. Choosing between them comes down to preferences:
- Butterball is the better choice if you want very tender, juicy breast meat and enjoy milder flavor to season yourself.
- JENNIE-O is ideal if you prefer classic turkey flavor and don’t mind firmer texture in the breast meat.
- Butterball has more diversity in turkey options while JENNIE-O focuses on traditional products.
- Butterball costs a bit more per pound but fans feel it’s worth it for the moisture and texture.
- Both brands use responsible practices and produce nutritious, protein-packed turkey.
Turkey lovers can feel confident purchasing either brand this holiday season. Look for the right balance of price, flavor, and texture for an enjoyable feast.