The best turkeys for Christmas 2024

Score: 89/100

A clear favourite with testers, our winning turkey was succulent and juicy, with a sweet and sticky treacle glaze, and nutty stuffing. Testers thought it would make the perfect centrepiece for Christmas 2024, saying they would definitely recommend it to family and friends.

Score: 87/100

Proving value and great flavour can go hand in hand, Lidl’s free-range turkey is a top choice for those on a budget. It stood out due to its rich, natural flavour and crisp, umami skin. Beautifully moist and buttery, this simple crown is the ultimate blank canvas for you to add your own twist.

Score: 86/100

Our winning RSPCA Assured whole turkey is a certifiable bargain and suitable for gatherings upwards of eight people, complete with leftovers. It looks the part, with a natural, sweet flavour from the white meat, and umami depth from the darker legs, with plenty of juice for you to make homemade gravy.

Score: 85/100

Tesco’s easy-carve turkey crown comes with a fruity cranberry stuffing that’s packed with flavour and complements the succulent meat. It’s finished with a maple and stem ginger glaze, and the crisp chestnut-smoked bacon adds a delicious salty note. Overall, it’s very memorable, and will make Christmas dinner feel extra special.

Score: 84/100

If you like the sound of Aldi’s Roly Poly whole turkey (above) but would prefer the ease of a crown, you’ll be pleased to know this format also impressed our panel. Described as “very tasty’” by our testers, this buttery roast turkey is a tasty base for you to add your own rubs or marinade.

Score: 84/100

Iceland’s convenient turkey crown comes frozen, so you can buy ahead and spread the cost of the big day or have it on standby for entertaining family throughout the festive period. It’s well-seasoned and filled our test kitchen with the aroma of rotisserie chicken, with wonderfully crispy skin.

Score: 83/100

Feeding a crowd? Riverford’s supersized organic whole turkey promises to do just that. It smelt incredible, with a delicious caramelised gravy note, and crisp, buttery skin, which was a hit with many of our testers.

Score: 82/100

All of Waitrose’s turkeys are raised to higher-welfare standards, and this one – complete with giblets – is the ideal size for gatherings of around eight people. Our testers described it as “moreish” and found it achieved a unique roasted flavour, not dissimilar to barbequed meat. A worthy centrepiece for your Christmas dinner this year.

Score: 82/100

COOK turkeys are free to roam outdoors 24 hours a day and are raised on a natural diet. In addition to the herby pork, apricot and cranberry stuffing, there’s also a parsley and lemon centre for an added flavour boost.

The whole thing is wrapped in streaky bacon and topped with lemon and bay leaf for good measure — just be sure to factor in defrosting time ahead of cooking.

Score: 82/100

If budget allows, this organic, free-range KellyBronze is raised to the highest welfare standards, and is often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of turkeys. That quality shone through on the plate, with testers repeatedly describing it as incredibly “natural” tasting.

Score: 82/100

This free-range crown is wrapped in crisp, streaky bacon and finished with salted butter, rosemary and bay leaf, leaving you nothing to do but cook and carve. The fruity apricot and cranberry stuffing proved a real highlight, pairing well with the naturally sweet meat.