Aldi and Iceland have beaten upmarket rivals including Waitrose and M&S in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s 2021 turkey taste test.
The GHI tried 23 crowns and whole birds in a quest to find the most delicious variety of Christmas turkey for the big day – hoping to find a bird that’s moist, and has a mix of white and brown meat.
The brand provided instructions for cooking the birds and then served them blind to 10 tasters.
The top gong went to upmarket butcher Pipers Farm, who were praised for their ‘incredibly moist, rich, flavoursome’ centrepiece which cost £78.95 for 4.5kg.
Aldi and Iceland, both budget supermarkets, also managed to get prices that were lower than I.celand Luxury Extra Tasty Turkey Crown (2.2kg, £16) praised for being ‘succulent and firm’ while, Aldi’s Specially Selected Roast in the Bag Free Range Stuffed Roly Poly Bronze Turkey Crown (£15.99/kg) was lauded for it’s ‘sweet, salty skin’.
FEMAIL lists the best turkeys in 2021.
BEST WHOLE TURKEY
Pipers Farm Free Range Bronze Turkey 4.5-12.5kg, from £78.95
Score: 81/100
Serves: 5-6
WHAT IS IT: The best turkey award went to the family-run Pipers Farm in Dorset and Somerset. This whole turkey is suitable for large gatherings up to 25 persons.
What is it? The top award for best turkey went to Family-run Pipers Farm. They have just a few small farms of 40 acres in Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
The whole turkey can be used for up to 25 guests. It is an old slow-growing species that thrives in the outdoors and has a natural diet.
JUDGES SAID: Judges praised the delicious bird for being stuffed with sage and rosemary and described it as ‘incredibly moist with a rich, flavoursome skin. One commented, “A great centerpiece to your Christmas dinner celebration this year.”
RUNNER-UP
Tesco Finest British Free Range Heritage Naarragansett Whole Turf 5.26kg-6.51kg £65.10
Score: 79/100
Serves: 13-15
WHAT IS IT: Tesco Finest Narragansett Turkeys are raised in East Anglia, using traditional farming methods. Their environment, varied and nutritious diet and an extensive range of flavours make the meat rich and succulent.
What is it? Tesco Finest Narragansett Turkeys are raised in East Anglia using traditional farming techniques. The meat is full-flavored and naturally self-basting so that it remains succulent while cooking.
JUDGES SAID: It was deemed the best Boxing Day sandwich by our panel, thanks to its combination of salty and sweet flavors.
“The meat was tender and the skin was soft. However, some thought it was chewy.”
BEST TURKEY BROWN
Pipers Farm Properly Free Turkey Crown 3-4kg, £58.50-£78
Score: 76/100
Serves between 5-8
WHAT IS IT: These Piper’s Farm chickens are for those who cater to a small group, have limited space in their ovens, or prefer the white meat. The Piper’s Farm bird is grown by a select few 40-acre farmers in Devon, Dorset Somerset, Cornwall and Somerset.
What is it? Aimed at those catering for a smaller crowd, needing space in the oven, or simply prefer the white meat of the bird, these Pipers Farm birds are grown who have a handful of small-scale 40-acre farms in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall.
JUDGES SAIDThe animals have a natural diet and are dried-plucked by hand before being hung for at most 12 days. This is what the end result looks like The result? A succulent, perfectly crisped and golden-colored meat.
“One of our testers said the caramelized exterior tasted like pork crackling.
“Despite the fact that the crown is a brand, it also includes the giblets and wings, in case you’d like to make gravy.
JOINT BEST ORNANIC WHOLE TURKEY
Daylesford Organic Turkey Boned, Rolled & Stuffed 6kg, £175
Score: 75/100
Serves: 10-12
WHAT IS IT: Daylesford’s butchers have removed the whole Daylesford Turkey from its carcass, left only the drumsticks and wings. Then they stuff it with delicious organic turkey sausagemeat stuffing. Finally they tie it up using butchers’ string for a spectacular centerpiece on your Christmas table.
What is it? Daylesford’s butchers have deboned a whole organic Daylesford Turkey (wings and drumsticks left intact), stuffed it with flavourful organic cranberry and thyme turkey sausagemeat stuffing before tying it back up with butchers’ string to create a showstopping centrepiece for your festive table.
JUDGES SAID“Daylesford”‘s bird has been deboned, stuffed with sweet and thyme sausagemeat and ready to go in the oven. This makes it much easier to carve.
“It was the skin, which caramelized beautifully and crisped well that caught the eye of our tester. The tender, gamey brown meat reminded us of slow-cooked Brisket.
JOINT BEST ORNANIC WHOLE TURKEY
Eversfield Norfolk Black Organic Turkey 6.5-7kg, £19.95/kg
Score: 75/100
Serves 15
WHAT IS IT: The Norfolk Black turkey is a unique breed. Eversfield’s Norfolk Black Turkey, which is fed organic cereals, is allowed to roam the pasture-rich meadows.
What is it? ‘The Norfolk Black turkey is one of the original breeds, and Eversfield’s is the picture-perfect centrepiece made at Dartmoor National Park, fed organic cereals and allowed to graze the pasture rich meadows.
JUDGES SAID: ‘One tester described the skin as unlike any they’d tried before — crisp, salty and moreish — and it was perfectly seasoned, encasing moist meat within.
For smaller gatherings, JOINT BEST TTURKEY CROWN
Iceland Luxury Extra Tasty Turkey Crown 2.2kg, £16
Score: 75/100
Serves: 6-8
WHAT IS IT? Frozen, boneless turkey crown skin with water added. Finished with a marinade of sunflower oil, herbs and spices
What is it? Frosted boneless turkey crown skin with water added. Served with a marinade of sunflower oil, herbs and spices.
JUDGES SAID“Iceland’s oven ready bird comes wrapped in baking parchment, to preserve its moistness during cooking.
“The directions recommend opening the paper 10 min before the final to let the skin crispen, but our panel observed uneven browning.
“Despite these issues, the meat tasted tender and firm. The turkey stock added a natural flavor that enhanced the flavour.
For smaller gatherings, JOINT BEST TTURKEY CROWN
Tesco Finest British Free Range Bronze Stuffed Crown with Tender Cooked Stuffed Thigh 2.1kg, £35
Score: 75/100
Servings for 6-10
WHAT IS IT? A crown includes crispy streaky bacon, generously-seasoned gluten-free pork, onion and sage stuffing balls.
What is it? A crown is finished with crisp streaky bacon and includes a generously seasoned gluten-free pork, sage and onion stuffing ball.
JUDGES SAIDBoth cuts proved moist and soft, according to testers. However, skin, bacon, and stuffing balls were well-browned, while the thighs did not have the same caramelization.
For smaller gatherings, JOINT BEST TTURKEY CROWN
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Bronze Turkey Crown with Sage & Onion Stuffing 2-2.49kg, £44-54.78
Score: 75/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT? A free-range, fresh turkey gives the animal a longer life and makes a great Christmas Day product. It’s a true Christmas treat to enjoy this oven-ready turkey crown. The crown is filled with pork, onion and sage stuffing. It then gets topped off with oak-smoked streaky bacon lattice. To add succulence you can cook it in a bag.
What is IT?Free-range turkeys are slow-raised, which means a longer life span for the animals and delicious products on Christmas Day. It’s a true Christmas treat to enjoy this oven-ready turkey crown. This turkey crown comes with Pork, Sausage and Onion stuffing. The bacon lattice is oak-smoked streaky. To add succulence you can cook it in a bag.
JUDGES SAIDPanel: While the turkey was a little dry, they loved the taste boost that the crispy, streaky-smoked bacon and sweet, salty, herb stuffing gave to the dish.
BEST FOR DARK AND WHITER MEAT
Farmison Dorset Bronze Whole Turkey 5kg, £88
Score: 73/100
Serves 6.
WHAT IS IT: Farmison’s shiny, plump birds promise Farmison the richness and succulence needed for a timeless and unforgettable centrepiece.
What is it? Farmison’s plump, glossy bird promise the succulence and rich character required for a classic and memorable centrepiece/
The farm uses heritage breed Devon Bronze turkeys for the ample quantities of both breast and dark meat, and we include the giblets for making a traditional gravy perfect for the Christmas table
JUDGES SAY: Our testers enjoyed the fresh grassy notes and simple salt and pepper seasoning, too.
ORGANIC TURKEY BEST BUDGET
Co-op Irresistible Organic Pembrokeshire Turkey 4-5.5kg, £45, in store only
Score: 73/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT? A large, organic turkey that has been slow-raised in Wales. It is available at Co-op.
What is it? A large organic turkey is slow-reared in Wales and available from Co-op.
JUDGES SAID: It had an enjoyable rich and gamey flavour, however was slightly let down by the texture of the white meat, which was a bit dry in places.
It is worth noting, however, that experts found the brand’s cooking instructions slightly off the mark. We recommend turning it off 45 minutes ahead of its expected completion time in order to prevent it burning.
BEST FOR POP-UP TIMER
Copas Whole Free Range Bronze Turkey 4kg, £77
Score: 70/100
Serves 6.
WHAT IS IT: Copas’ free-range, game-hung birds for up to two weeks are hand-picked and game-hung. The Copas boxes come with giblets and fresh rosemary as well as a recipe booklet and handy pop-up times.
What is IT?Copas boxed birds are free range and hand-picked. They also come with fresh rosemary and giblets for gravy.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAYIt was considered a beautiful centrepiece and had a wonderful salty smell. The flavour was not as strong for everyone. Some also found that the meat was too dry and the flesh was too tender.
BEST KELLY BRONZE TURKEY
Kelly Bronze Organic Turkey 6-7kg, £105
Score: 70/100
Servings from 8-9
WHAT IS IT? Organic Kelly Bronze is often referred as the Rolls Royce turkeys. They are handled with extreme care and respect before they go to slaughter.
What is it? The organic Kelly Bronze is often referred to as the Rolls Royce of turkeys, as they’re treated with the utmost care prior to slaughter/
JUDGES SAID“Our testers felt that the skin could be crispier, but they still enjoyed the meaty and slightly oily inside.
BEST FOR CARAMELISED SKIIN
Aldi Specially Selected Free Range Organic Pembrokeshire Bronze Turkey 4-6kg, £9.99/kilo, in store only
Score: 70/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT: A slow-raised, organic and high-quality turkey for a small budget. An Aldi Turkey is shown here
What is it? Slow-reared and organic, a high-quality turkey on a budget.
JUDGES SAID“It had a remarkable caramelized skin. However, some people found it chewy and there were nice gamey flavors. But the meat was lacking in flavour.
GAMEY FLAVOURS, BEST TURKEY TO RICH
Waitrose & Partners Free Range Bronze Feathered Whole Turkey with Giblets 4-6kg, from £49
Score: 70/100
Serves 8
WHAT IS IT: The tender and flavorful bronze feathered turkey is a well-known breed. This turkey is perfect for small groups at Christmas. It grows slowly for more flavour and can forage in open pastures for their full flavor.
What is IT?The tender and richly flavoured meat of bronze feathered turkeys is well-known. These turkeys can be used to feed a smaller crowd during Christmas. They are slower-growing and have a richer flavor.
JUDGES SAIDThe beautiful looking bird has shiny skin, rich meat and a gorgeous appearance. Our testers loved the rich, gamey dark meat. They thought it was more delicious and would have enjoyed a little bit more seasoning.
BEST SMOKED BACON WRAPPED TURKEY CROWN
M&S The Perfect Turkey Crown 2.9kg, £55
Score: 70/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT? This crown is made with goose-fat butter and has a bouquet of garni, pork, chestnut and sloe-gin stuffing. It’s also wrapped in apple wood-cured bacon. You will also receive a roast-chicken stock pouch for your gravy.
What is it? This crown has goose-fat butter, a bouquet garni and a pork, chestnut, cranberry and sloe gin stuffing, and it’s wrapped in apple wood-cured bacon. You will also receive a roast-chicken stock pouch for your gravy.
JUDGES SAY:The sweet, rich, and hearty combination of chestnut, sweet, and thyme filling was a hit with the test subjects. Flakey, crispy bacon gives it a salty taste with lots of herbs at the center.
JOINT BEST ROASTIN THE BAG TURKEY ROWN
Morrisons The Best Stuffed Turkey Crown 1.8-2.2kg, from £30.60
Score: 70/100
Serves 4 to 6
WHAT IS IT: This Morrisons The Best Stuffed British Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown comes in a bag. The contents include our The Best Pork & Honey Glazed Chestnut Stuffings, as well as a lattice made of The Best Smoked Bacon. This turkey crown serves approximately 5-6 people
What is IT?: Roast in the bag for the ultimate convenience and succulence, our Morrisons The Best Stuffed British Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown includes our The Best Pork and Honey Glazed Chestnut Stuffing, and is topped with a lattice of The Best Smoked Bacon. The turkey crown can be served to approximately five to six people.
JUDGES SAY: Morrisons’ fresh crown is a doddle to cook, coming in an oven-proof bag to lock in moisture. The turkey meat was great, but it wasn’t the main attraction for our panel. It was the stuffing, which featured bold uses of black pepper, nutsmeg, and sage.
JOINT BEST ROAST ON THE BAG TURKEY ROWN
ASDA Extra Special Free Range & Corn Fed Stuffed Turkey Crown 2.2-2.8kg, £28
Score: 70/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT: A fresh class Free range, corn-fed bronze turkey with a pork- and chestnut stuffing, dry-cured oak-smoked streaky Bacon lattice, and butter and herb garnish
What is it? Fresh class A free range corn-fed bronze turkey crown with a pork and chestnut stuffing, a dry cured oak-smoked streaky bacon lattice and a butter and herb garnish
JUDGES SAID: Achieving moist meat and crisp bacon is no mean feat, but something ASDA has managed with ease, thanks to an oven-proof bag that locks in the juices. It is tasteful with bay leaf, rosemary and cracked black pepper and has a surprising sweet filling.
BOINT BEST ROASTIN’ IN THE BAGG TURKEY CROWN
Aldi Specially Selected Roast in the Bag Free Range Stuffed Roly Poly Bronze Turkey Crown 1.5-2.3kg, £15.99/kg, in store only
Score: 70/100
Servings for 6-8
WHAT IS IT? : Aldi’s Roly Poly Turkey, free range and oat-fed with RSPCA assurance, is raised in East Anglia, in an environment that mimics the wild. It produces a delicious, plump and moist turkey. To make the best gravy, you can use giblets with this bird.
What is IT?: Free range, oat-fed, and RSPCA-assured, Aldi’s Roly Poly Turkey is reared in East Anglia in a habitat which simulates their original, wild environment. It produces a delicious, plump and moist turkey. To make the best gravy, you can use giblets with this bird.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAY: Aldi’s fresh, free-range turkey reminded some testers of a roast chicken, with moist breast meat and sweet, salty skin. The centerpiece’s special qualities include the bacon lattice top, streaky bacon and thyme as well as cranberry and cranberry stuffing.
BEST LUXURY TURKEY CROWN
Mortons Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown 2.2-2.8kg, £84.12-£101.36
Score: 70/100
Serves 9-11
WHAT IS IT: This crown has just the legs removed and features the Norfolk Bronze award winning turkey. The traditional Christmas turkey’s shape and structure will still be preserved. It tastes great roasted on the bones. This is the ideal centerpiece for Christmas. It’s moist and succulent with lots of flavor.
What is it? Featuring the same award-winning Norfolk Bronze turkey as our whole birds, this crown simply has the legs trimmed off. The traditional Christmas turkey’s shape and structure will still be preserved. It tastes great roasted on the bones. This is the ideal centerpiece for Christmas. It’s moist and succulent with lots of flavor.
JUDGES SAIDThis Morton large crown is complete with wings, and it follows the high welfare standards of our award-winning turkey. Although it had a shiny, thick skin with bronzed color, the panel noted that it took a little longer to cook properly. It is delicious and tender, just as one would expect from an excellent free-range bird.