Costco has long been a favorite for shoppers seeking a balance of quality and value, and their ground turkey is no exception. Versatile, lean, and affordable, Costco ground turkey is a dependable option for home cooks who want a healthy protein without breaking the bank.
Available in more than one variety, Costco’s ground turkey consistently delivers on the retailer’s reputation for offering high-quality products at competitive prices. Whether you prefer organic options or trusted national brands, Costco provides choices that suit different budgets and dietary preferences.
This article examines Costco ground turkey in detail — its varieties, pricing, nutrition, storage tips, and cooking advice — to help you decide which option fits your kitchen routine. Read on to learn why so many households keep Costco ground turkey on their shopping list.
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Does Costco Sell Ground Turkey
Yes. Costco typically stocks two main options: Plainville Farms Organic Ground Turkey and Butterball All Natural Ground Turkey. Both are found in the refrigerated meat section and are labeled 93% lean, 7% fat.
Plainville Farms is USDA-certified organic and generally carries a higher price because of that certification. Costco has been known to sell two 1.5-pound containers of the organic option and multi-pouch packages of the Butterball product.
How Much Is Costco Ground Turkey
Prices at Costco vary by product and market, but ground turkey typically ranges from the high-teens to the mid-twenties per pack. The organic Plainville Farms product is priced higher than the Butterball option, while Butterball often offers better per-pound value through multi-pouch packaging.
Because Costco buys in bulk, the cost per pound can be substantially lower than grocery-store alternatives. That makes these products an economical choice whether you use ground turkey regularly or buy in larger quantities to freeze.
How Many Pounds Is Costco Ground Turkey
Common package sizes at Costco include pouches and plastic-tray containers that range between about 1.5 and 1.7 pounds per unit. Some packages are sold as multi-packs, which increases the total pounds per purchase. These weights refer to raw meat; expect roughly a 20–25% shrinkage after cooking.
For metric conversions, multi-pouch Butterball packs contain portions around the 100–700 gram range per pouch, depending on format. Most recipes use one pound of ground turkey, except for items like turkey burgers (about one-third pound each) and meatloaf (often two pounds).
Costco Ground Turkey Nutrition
Both commonly sold Costco varieties are labeled 93% lean and 7% fat, which makes them a lean protein choice. Nutrition profiles are similar: about 150 calories per 4-ounce serving, with roughly 21–22 grams of protein per serving depending on the brand.
Because lean meats contain less fat, they are healthier in some diets but can dry out more easily during cooking. Adjust cooking methods to preserve moisture and flavor.
Costco Ground Turkey Storage
Follow recommended refrigeration and freezing guidelines to keep ground turkey safe and fresh. Use fresh ground turkey within 1–2 days of purchase if stored in the refrigerator. If you can’t cook it within that window, freeze it right away. Frozen ground turkey retains good quality for several months when properly wrapped.
Cooked ground turkey is typically safe for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to limit bacterial growth. If you defrost in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze, though repeated freezing and thawing can affect texture.
To thaw quickly and safely, place sealed packages in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 10–20 minutes until thawed. Overnight thawing in the refrigerator is the gentlest method and preserves texture best.
Costco Ground Turkey FAQ
How Do I Stop Ground Turkey From Drying Out
Lean ground turkey can dry out quickly; use these practical tips to keep it moist:
- Avoid overhandling the meat. Excessive squeezing, patting, or mixing can force out juices.
- When cooking, don’t press down on patties or meat while they cook; that squeezes out moisture.
- Add a small amount of oil (olive or avocado oil work well) when sautéing or forming patties to boost juiciness and flavor.
- Cook to a safe internal temperature (165°F / 74°C) but remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Incorporate moist ingredients like diced onions, grated vegetables, or a splash of broth into recipes such as meatloaf or turkey burgers.
Costco Ground Turkey Serving Size
The USDA serving size for ground turkey is four ounces cooked per serving. Typical Costco package sizes equate to multiple servings per container — for example, the organic packages and multi-pouch Butterball packs each contain several four-ounce servings, varying slightly by pack weight.
Many recipes call for one pound of ground turkey (about four four-ounce servings). Adjust quantities for burgers, meatloaf, or family-size meals as needed.
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