Foodie News
The Great Turkey Debate: Butterball vs Jennie-O, and the Cook Who Makes It Matter
A personal look at the Butterball vs Jennie-O turkey debate, reflecting on family traditions, taste, and the idea that the cook—not the brand—makes the holiday meal special.
Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Roasted turkey with stuffing served on holiday table
The Great Turkey Debate: Butterball vs Jennie-O, and the Cook Who Makes It Matter
If you ask ten families which turkey brand is best, you’ll probably get ten different answers. Turkey loyalties run deep—almost as deep as the traditions we build around our holiday tables. So when someone recently asked me which is better, Jennie-O or Butterball, it made me think back to my own family’s experiences and the memories tied to those meals.
Growing up, my mother preferred Butterball. That was her go-to bird every Thanksgiving and Christmas. She trusted the brand, trusted the consistency, and trusted that no matter what else went wrong in the kitchen—and something always did—the Butterball turkey would come out juicy and reliable. She wasn’t a chef, but she cooked like someone who knew exactly what made a dish comforting: familiarity, patience, and a lot of heart.
But here’s the thing—my mom wasn’t a “Butterball or nothing” person. We had plenty of years where she used Jennie-O or whatever brand was the most accessible or affordable at the time. And you know what? The meal was still delicious. Not because of the label on the turkey, but because of who prepared it.
That’s the part people often forget:
The taste of a turkey depends just as much on the cook as on the brand.
Butterball vs. Jennie-O: What I’ve Learned
After many holiday dinners and a few turkeys I attempted on my own, here’s what I can say from experience:
🦃 Butterball
Usually comes pre-brined, which made things easier for my mom. Juicy and flavorful even if you’re not a professional cook. Great choice when you don’t want to worry about perfect seasoning.
🦃 Jennie-O
A bit milder in flavor, which is perfect if you enjoy seasoning your own bird. Leaner in many cases, especially their turkey products. Great for cooks who enjoy experimenting or customizing their flavors.
I’ve had memorable meals with both brands, but the memories weren’t shaped by the turkey itself—they were shaped by the moment. It wasn’t about whether the turkey was Jennie-O or Butterball. It was about family sitting together, laughing, arguing, telling stories, and passing dishes around the table like they were rare treasure.
And in those moments, the turkey—no matter the brand—always tasted amazing.
It’s the Cook, Not Just the Brand
Over the years I’ve learned that you can hand the exact same turkey to two different cooks—a seasoned pro and a nervous first-timer—and end up with two completely different results.
Why?
Because cooking a holiday meal isn’t just a recipe.
It’s technique, patience, and yes—love.
Experienced cooks know exactly when to baste, when to tent the foil, and when to leave the oven alone. Novices bring curiosity and determination that often leads to surprisingly great results. And family recipes passed down (or improvised on the fly) add flavors no brand can package.
In our home, the cook determined the meal, and my mother always managed to turn whatever turkey she had—Butterball, Jennie-O, or anything in between—into something special. Our immediate family always enjoyed a delicious holiday dinner, not because of the brand, but because of her hands and her heart.
So Which Is Better?
Honestly? Whichever one you cook best.
Butterball might give you a little extra cushion with moisture.
Jennie-O might give you more freedom with flavor.
But the magic doesn’t come from the wrapper—it comes from the person preparing the meal.
If you’re cooking the turkey this year, don’t stress about the brand.
Focus on the experience. Enjoy the process. Season it the way you like.
Because long after the leftovers are gone, it’s the memories around the table that stay with us.
Footnote
Growing up, my parents sometimes switched up our holiday dinners because Thanksgiving and Christmas were so close together. Instead of another large turkey, my mom began serving individual Cornish gaming hens for Thanksgiving—two small birds for each of us. Christmas stayed turkey, but the change helped cut down on the mountain of leftovers that came with cooking two big birds only weeks apart. I didn’t mind at all; I absolutely loved Cornish hens. My mom prepared them just like she did her holiday turkey, complete with stuffing and all the traditional sides. It tasted every bit as special, and those meals became some of my favorite holiday memories.
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Foodie News
Taco Bell Turns Back the Clock With Four Fan-Favorite Menu Items
Taco Bell is bringing back four customer favorites with its 2016-inspired Decades Menu: the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada. Here is what to know about prices, availability and special rewards offers.
Taco Bell is serving up a taste of 2016 with the nationwide return of four nostalgic favorites, including the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada.
The limited-time lineup, officially called the Decades #TBTB Menu, arrived at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide on August 20. It marks the third installment of the chain’s Decades Menu campaign, which brings discontinued and memorable items back for another run.
Four familiar favorites return
Leading the 2016-inspired menu is the Naked Chicken Chalupa. Instead of a traditional tortilla, the item uses a crispy, seasoned all-white-meat chicken shell filled with cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and Avocado Ranch Sauce.
The Naked Chicken Chalupa is priced at a suggested $5.99. It is also included in a $9 Discovery Luxe Box with a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, Crunchy Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink.
Also returning is the Beefy Crunch Burrito, a longtime fan favorite filled with seasoned beef, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce and Flamin’ Hot Fritos. The burrito carries a suggested price of $2.79.
The Meximelt is back as well, combining seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted three-cheese blend inside a soft flour tortilla. Its suggested price is $2.99.
For dessert, Taco Bell has revived the Caramel Apple Empanada. The crispy pastry features warm apple pieces and caramel filling and is available for a suggested $2.99.
More than a menu revival
Taco Bell is leaning heavily into mid-2010s nostalgia beyond the food. The company is partnering with Anti Social Social Club, screen-free digital camera company Camp Snap and Divine, a six-second looping video platform inspired by the spirit of Vine.
On August 25, Taco Bell Rewards members will have an opportunity to enter a limited-time Tuesday Drop sweepstakes featuring 500 “2016 Starter Packs.” Each package includes a flannel shirt, cap and Camp Snap point-and-shoot digital camera.
Rewards members can also participate in an in-app scavenger hunt offering exclusive deals over three weeks, with a new offer scheduled each week between August 25 and September 14.
“For decades, Taco Bell has been woven into the lives of our fans, and there’s something special about revisiting the moments and experiences that made 2016 distinctly memorable,” Taco Bell North America Chief Marketing Officer Luis Restrepo said in the company’s announcement.
Available for a limited time
The four returning items are available at participating U.S. Taco Bell restaurants for a limited time and while supplies last. Prices and participation may vary by location, and delivery orders may cost more.
For longtime customers, the promotion offers another opportunity to revisit some familiar flavors. For younger diners, it is a chance to discover why items such as the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Caramel Apple Empanada developed such loyal followings.
Which returning Taco Bell favorite would you order first? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more food, restaurant and consumer news.
Source: Taco Bell Corp. press release, August 18, 2026.
Taco Bell Newsroom: Taco Bell Brings the 2016 Vibes Back to Fans Nationwide With Decades #TBTB Menu
Related links
- Taco Bell Official Website
- Taco Bell Rewards Program
- Taco Bell Mobile App
- Taco Bell Rewards Drops
- Divine Announces Public Launch and Taco Bell Collaboration
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Recipe of the Week
Jumpstart Busy School Mornings with Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
(Feature Impact) Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
Eggs, cheese and black beans supply protein to fuel kids for gym class or sports, while vegetables, beans and whole-grain tortillas add complex carbohydrates and fiber to stave off hunger until lunch. Breakfast burritos also make for a hearty, grab-and-go option for adults heading off to work.
One of the best things about homemade breakfast burritos is how easily they can be customized to fit each family member’s unique nutritional needs and preferences. If you’re making a batch for the whole family, prepare a basic filling and let everyone choose their own combination of ingredients. Spice fiends might want to add jalapenos or hot sauce, while vegetable lovers can pack in sauteed broccoli or diced roasted sweet potatoes. Just remember to label the different varieties separately before storing, e.g. “Mild” and “Spicy.”
Although it’s best to avoid mixing in ingredients that don’t freeze well – like avocado or fresh tomatoes – you can always serve the reheated burritos with a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for even more flavor and nutrition.
Find more school-year meal prep inspiration at Culinary.net.
Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk
- 4 large whole-grain tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in cooked black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salsa and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.
- Whisk eggs with milk or water. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, scramble until just set; avoid overcooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Lay tortillas flat. Divide eggs, veggie-bean mixture and cheese across each. Roll into burritos then toast, seam side down, in dry skillet to seal.
- Remove from pan and let cool. Wrap in parchment then foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
- To reheat, remove foil and parchment. In microwave or oven, heat until warmed through.
Notes: To prevent tortillas from becoming soggy, let filling cool to room temperature before assembling burritos.
Burritos can be warmed from frozen or, for best results, thawed overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
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recipes
Celebrate Summer with Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.
(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.
Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.
The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.
Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
Peach Ice Cream
Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
- In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
- Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
- Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
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