Popeyes Turkey vs. HoneyBaked Turkey: Differences & Which Is Better 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably already thinking about what kind of turkey you’ll serve. While there are plenty of options out there, two of the most popular choices are Popeyes and HoneyBaked. Since I’ve used both of them, I thought of comparing the two so you could choose which one suits your needs the best. So, what’s the difference between Popeyes and HoneyBaked whole turkey?

Generally, HoneyBaked turkey comes unbrined, while Popeyes turkey is typically brined. Additionally, HoneyBaked’s turkey tends to be slightly larger than Popeyes’. The two also differ in taste, as well as in their year-round availability.

Now, you might be thinking that all turkeys are created equal, but that’s not necessarily true. Some key differences between these two options might sway your decision one way or the other. In this article, I’ll dive into the differences in detail, but I’ve also prepared a table that sums it all up in the end. So, let’s start, shall we?

Differences in Preparation

When it comes to Popeyes Turkey and HoneyBaked Turkey, the biggest difference in preparation is that the former is brined while the latter is unbrined. To explain, when a turkey is brined, it’s been soaked in a mixture of salt and water for 8-24 hours before being cooked. 

The salt helps keep the turkey juicy and tender, preventing water within the meat from escaping during cooking. On the other hand, unbrined turkey has not been soaked in this saline solution, which makes it more likely to dry out during cooking.

Popeyes Turkey is always brined, meaning you’ll get a juicier bird with every order. HoneyBaked Turkey is either brined or not, depending on what store you get it from, so make sure to ask your local store first if you want a guarantee that your turkey will be brined. 

Of course, depending on your preference, both turkeys should be marinated with various seasonings, including red peppers, onion, garlic, and paprika.

If you decide to buy a pre-cooked Popeyes Cajun-Style Turkey, you will only have to thaw it, heat it, serve it, and enjoy it! The same goes for HoneyBaked Turkey!

Differences in Taste

As a lover of both spicy and classic flavors, I was excited to compare the taste differences between Popeyes turkey and HoneyBaked turkey. The Popeyes Turkey boasts their signature spicy Cajun seasoning, which adds a kick of heat to the bird. On the other hand, HoneyBaked Turkey is seasoned with a classic blend of herbs, and it comes in three versions — Cajun, roasted, or smoked.

The Popeyes one definitely packs a punch in terms of flavor, with the spices permeating every bite. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat in their food. However, the HoneyBaked version may be more up your alley if you prefer more sweet and salty flavors. 

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when it comes to taste. If you want something different and bold, go for Popeyes. But if you want something familiar and comforting, opt for HoneyBaked Turkey’s classic herbs seasoning.

Differences in Appearance and Size

As someone who has tried both, I can tell you that there are quite a few differences in appearance and size. When it comes to size, the HoneyBaked one tends to be slightly larger, on average, with sizes ranging from 11-13 lbs (around 5 kg). On the other hand, Popeyes Turkey tends to be on the smaller side, with options ranging from 9-13 pounds. 

In terms of appearance, HoneyBaked Turkey typically has a traditional look with browned skin and a golden glaze. As the name suggests, they use a honey glaze which adds a sweet touch to the flavor. 

Popeyes Turkey takes on a slightly different appearance with their Cajun seasoning, giving it a more orange-brown color than the traditional turkey. Some people might find the unusual appearance off-putting but trust me; it tastes delicious.

Differences in Availability, Ordering & Shipping

Regarding availability, there’s a clear winner between these two turkey brands. Popeyes turkey is a limited-time offer that’s only available during the holiday season, whereas HoneyBaked turkey is available year-round and can be shipped nationwide.

You can enjoy their delicious Cajun-Style Turkey if you’re lucky enough to live near a Popeyes location during the holiday season. However, if you don’t live near, or if it’s not the holiday season, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, you can order a HoneyBaked Turkey online and have it shipped to your doorstep any time of the year. This is great news for those who love its taste and want to enjoy it outside of the holiday season.

Not only is HoneyBaked more widely available, but they also offer a variety of sizes to choose from. You can order a whole turkey, a half turkey, or even just a turkey breast, depending on your needs. This level of customization is not something you can get with Popeyes Turkey, which only comes in one size.

When it comes to ordering and shipping, there’s a big difference between the two. While both offer delicious options for your holiday feast, the two brands have different approaches to how customers can get their hands on their turkeys.

Popeyes Turkey is available for in-store pickup, so you’ll need to visit a Popeyes location to place your order and pick up your turkey, while the online order option is limited. The shop is open to residents in the USA except Hawaii and Alaska. This option is great if you have Popeyes nearby and prefer to handle your turkey purchase in person.

However, if you live far from Popeyes or prefer to have your turkey delivered, this may not be your best option.

On the other hand, HoneyBaked offers nationwide shipping for their turkeys. This means you can order online and have it delivered straight to your door, no matter where you live in the United States. This is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of going to a store and prefer the convenience of having your turkey delivered.

HoneyBaked has over 400 locations throughout the US, making it easy to find and order online or in-store. Popeyes, while also widely available, may not have as many locations or the same level of online ordering options.

Which Is Better, Popeyes Turkey or HoneyBaked Turkey?

So, which one should you choose? It really comes down to what’s more important to you: flavor and convenience or tradition and quality.

Let’s start with flavor and convenience. Popeyes Turkey is pre-cooked and can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave, making it a quick and easy option. The Cajun seasoning gives it a unique and delicious flavor that’s sure to please those who love a bit of spice. 

On the other hand, HoneyBaked Turkey is known for its sweet and savory glaze, which gives it a more traditional flavor. It’s also fully cooked, but you may need to heat it in the oven for a bit longer to get that perfect crispiness.

Regarding tradition and quality, HoneyBaked is the clear winner. They’ve been around for over 60 years and have built a reputation for using high-quality, natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Each turkey is hand-glazed and slow-roasted to perfection, giving it a tender and juicy texture that’s hard to beat.

Popeyes, while still a reputable brand, may not have the same level of tradition and quality as HoneyBaked.