Sourcing an Ethical Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time when friends, family, and loved ones gather. The centerpiece of this celebration is often turkey. But what's the most ethical way to source a turkey for Thanksgiving?

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We've researched some options, ranging from most to least ethical:

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Find Vegetarian and Vegan Substitutes

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Cost: $; Ethical: 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵

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Like the most sustainable way to shop is to not buy anything new, the most ethical way to source a turkey is not to source it at all. Instead, try plant-based alternatives that can help you create a more sustainable, ethical, and memorable Thanksgiving. Check out these 5 Savory, Vegan Mains to Wow Your Thanksgiving Guests that you can make using ingredients such as Tofu, Cauliflower, and Squash. We have also curated a list of 25+ Plant-Based Sides for Thanksgiving‍.

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If you're new to plant-based options but still want to include some turkey dishes, you can do so ethically.

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Buy Locally Raised Turkeys

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Cost: $$$; Ethical: 🔵🔵🔵

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Instead of buying your turkey from a big box retailer, spend some time finding a local farmer who raises turkeys. Your local grocer or the vendors at the farmers' market can help you locate one nearby. You can then talk to these local turkey farmers about their farming practices and how they raise their turkeys. Once you find a farm you trust, you won't have to repeat this process every year — you can get your next Thanksgiving turkey from the same farmer.

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Free-Range Turkeys

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Cost: $$; Ethical: 🔵🔵

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Also known as free-roaming turkeys, these birds have access to the outdoors for at least 51% of their lives. But if their lives are measured in months, this doesn't amount to much time. The Free Range label only requires that the farm have a door leading outside. On the positive side, these turkeys are generally not given antibiotics, harsh chemicals, or hormones. While it's not the most ethical option, it's still preferable to factory-farmed turkeys. To ensure better ethical standards, look for certifications like Certified Humane or Animal Welfare Approved.

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Factory Farmed Turkeys

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Cost: $; Ethical: 🔵

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Most turkeys found at major grocery stores are factory-farmed. These birds are bred, drugged, and genetically manipulated to grow as large as possible in the shortest time. Although turkeys can live up to 10 years, they're sent to slaughter at just 5–6 months old. Their brief lives are spent in inhumane conditions — confined without access to grazing fields. They're typically fed low-quality, medicated feed. While this is the cheapest option, it's also the least ethical.

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Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to minimize food waste on Thanksgiving. Remember, even the most sustainable choices contribute to the climate crisis if they end up in landfills. Check out these 5 Ways to Cut Down on Food Waste This Thanksgiving

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