How Much Does Pork Cost Per Pound? A Detailed Look at Pork Prices

Pork is one of the most widely consumed meats in the world. In the United States alone, pork consumption averages out to about 50 pounds per person per year. With pork being such a staple protein source for many households, most buyers want to get the best deal when purchasing pork products. But pork prices can vary widely depending on the specific cut, quality, whether it is sold wholesale or retail, and other factors. This article will take an in-depth look at current pork prices per pound from different sellers and provide tips on getting the best deal when buying pork.

Breaking Down Pork Price By Cut

Like other types of meat, different cuts of pork demand different prices per pound. The most tender cuts with the most usable meat command the highest prices while tough, bony, or fatty cuts are cheaper. Here are average per pound prices for common pork cuts:

• Pork chops – $3.50-$5.50/lb
• Pork loin roast – $3.50-$5.50/lb
• Pork tenderloin – $5.00-$7.50/lb
• Pork ribs – $2.50-$3.50/lb
• Pork shoulder/butt roast – $2.00-$3.00/lb
• Pork belly – $2.50-$3.50/lb
• Pork sausage – $3.00-$4.50/lb
• Bacon – $4.00-$6.00/lb
• Ham (whole) – $2.00-$3.00/lb
• Spare ribs – $1.50-$2.50/lb

As you can see, the prime center-of-plate cuts like chops loin roasts and tenderloins fetch the highest prices while secondary cuts like shoulder roast, ribs, and ham are cheaper. These are national averages, so actual retail prices in your area may be a bit higher or lower.

Comparing Retail vs. Wholesale Pork Prices

For individual shoppers purchasing a few packages of pork at the grocery store retail prices are what matters. But foodservice operations, meat markets and large families buying in bulk get access to wholesale pork pricing. On average, wholesale pork costs 20-30% less than retail prices per pound.

Here are some estimated per pound prices for pork bought at wholesale versus retail:

• Pork chops:
  • Retail – $4.50/lb
  • Wholesale – $3.25/lb
• Pork shoulder roast:
  • Retail – $2.75/lb
  • Wholesale – $2.00/lb
• Bacon:
  • Retail – $5.50/lb
  • Wholesale – $4.00/lb

Buying wholesale can clearly save a lot of money for bulk pork purchases. But some grocery stores also offer discounts on larger quantities of pork, so it pays to comparison shop.

Factors Impacting Pork Prices

Many factors influence the current retail and wholesale prices for pork in any given region:

• Supply and demand – When pork supply is low and demand high, prices increase. High supply and low demand brings lower prices.
• Feed costs – Since feed is the biggest cost input for pork producers, high grain prices drive pork prices up.
• Wholesaler vs retailer – Selling pork directly to consumers costs retailers more so they charge higher prices per pound compared to wholesalers focused on volume sales.
• Import/export activity – High pork exports or lower imports can reduce domestic supply, raising pork prices in the U.S. market.
• Weight and quality – Heavier hogs and higher quality grade pork commands better per pound pricing.
• Cuts – As shown earlier, loin, chops and other premium cuts sell for higher prices than lower-value cuts.
• Organic/natural pork – Pork raised without antibiotics or hormones or organic feeds can retail for 15-30% higher than conventional pork.

Understanding these market dynamics helps explain fluctuations in pork prices over time and differences in pricing between regions or sellers.

Getting the Best Deal on Pork

Now that you know more about what impacts pork costs per pound here are some tips for getting the best deal when purchasing pork

• Buy in bulk quantities – Buying pork roasts, ribs, chops, etc. in bulk packs saves money over purchasing individual portions. Ask the butcher for bulk discounts.

• Purchase whole or half hogs – Go directly to a farm or processor to buy an entire or half pig for significant savings on cost per pound. Average price is $1.50-$2.00/lb for a whole hog.

• Look for sales, coupons, loyalty card deals – Grocery stores regularly discount certain pork cuts, offer buy one get one free deals, and give loyalty card member discounts.

• Shop warehouse stores – Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s sell pork at wholesale club pricing without requiring a membership.

• Compare prices between stores – Check flyers and compare per pound pork prices between grocers, warehouse stores, meat markets, and butchers.

• Consider lower-cost cuts – Shoulder roasts, spare ribs, ham, and sausage cost less than premium chops and tenderloins.

• ** Freeze what you don’t use** – It’s cheaper to stock up on pork when sales run deep than pay full price later.

Following these tips can help you save 20%, sometimes much more, on pork purchases for your family. Take the time to price compare and buy in quantity when excellent pork discount opportunities arise.

Current Average Pork Prices

According to the National Pork Board, the average retail price for All Fresh Pork in February 2023 was $3.78 per pound. This is up 3.5% from one year ago.

Here is a look at current national average retail prices for selected pork cuts:

• Boneless loin roast – $4.78/lb
• Bone-in ham – $3.40/lb
• Boneless center cut chops – $4.56/lb
• Sirloin roast – $3.73/lb
• Spareribs – $2.94/lb
• Sausage (links and patties) – $4.29/lb

Of course, local pork prices where you live may be a bit higher or lower than these national averages. Regularly checking prices and watching for sales will help you determine the best times to stock up on budget-friendly pork for your family.

Freezing Pork to Save Money

Because pork prices fluctuate throughout the year, one money-saving strategy is to stock up and freeze pork when you find excellent discounts. With proper freezer storage, pork retains its quality and freshness for 4-6 months in the freezer.

Here are some tips for freezing pork:

• Double wrap chops, roasts, and other cuts in plastic wrap or freezer paper. This prevents freezer burn.

• Use moisture-proof, freezer-safe plastic bags, plastic containers, or aluminum foil to package pork for the freezer. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label packages with cut, quantity, and freeze date so you know what’s in there and use oldest items first.

• Freeze pork within 1-2 days of purchasing for best quality.

• Defrost pork overnight in the fridge, never at room temperature.

Follow these guidelines and you can essentially “buy low, eat later” when it comes to scoring bargains on pork for the freezer.

Pork is a dietary staple around the world thanks to its culinary versatility and budget-friendly pricing. While pork costs can fluctuate and vary between cuts, following the advice in this article will help you get the best deal. Compare prices between stores, look for sales and bulk discounts, buy larger quantities when pork costs drop, and freeze extras to save money and eat well throughout the year!