12 Groceries You Should Never Buy at the Last Minute

(Especially Right Before Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Whole turkeys require a significant amount of time to thaw safely. Buying one at the last minute means you likely won't have enough time for it to properly defrost — increasing the chances of bacterial growth or cross-contamination, according to the USDA, that could get you and your loved ones sick. Moreover, stores often run out of the most popular sizes close to the holiday, or jack up prices to meet soaring demand.

Our advice? Purchase it in advance and move it from the freezer to the fridge a day or two before cooking. This will ensure safe defrosting and give you plenty of time to prepare your marinade and other ingredients.