How Much Does a Ham Cost Per Pound in 2023?

Ham is a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Whether you prefer a classic honey-glazed ham or a savory cured country ham ham is a tasty and convenient centerpiece for gatherings big and small. But how much should you expect to pay for ham per pound? The price of ham tends to fluctuate year to year, but here is a breakdown of the average cost of different types of ham by the pound.

Factors That Impact Ham Prices

Several key factors impact the retail price of ham in grocery stores and supermarkets. Some of the main considerations include

• Increased demand – Holidays like Easter and Christmas drive up demand and prices. Ham is a staple main dish for these occasions. More people shopping for ham creates supply and demand imbalances.

• Input costs – The cost of feeding, housing, and processing pigs prior to butchering impacts pork producers’ expenses. These costs eventually influence consumer prices.

• Weather and disease – Extreme weather and widespread illnesses like PEDV (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus) can diminish pork supplies leading to higher ham costs.

• Weight and quality – Heavier, high-quality hams demand a higher per-pound price than lighter or non-premium hams.

• Added value – Hams with unique flavors, artisanal processes, or premium certifications like no added hormones can retail for more per pound.

Average Per Pound Ham Prices in 2023

Here are some 2023 price ranges for common ham varieties sold per pound at U.S. grocery retailers:

• Whole bone-in ham – $1.99 to $5.99 per pound

  • Smoked or fresh, sold whole with the bone still in. This is the most budget-friendly option.

• Whole spiral-cut ham – $3.99 to $7.99 per pound

  • Smoked and sliced vertically in a spiral cut pattern. Easier to carve and serve.

• Boneless smoked ham – $4.99 to $9.99 per pound

  • Fully cooked without the bone. May be sold in halves or slices.

• Prosciutto ham – $12.99 to $16.99 per pound

  • Dry-cured Italian specialty ham made from pig’s hind leg. Intensely flavored.

• Jamon Serrano ham – $14.99 to $29.99 per pound

  • Spanish-style cured ham made from white pig breeds. Costs more for longer curing time.

• Black Forest ham – $10.99 to $18.99 per pound

  • Smoked ham seasoned with herbs and spices. Slightly firmer texture.

• Country ham – $12.99 to $25.99 per pound

  • Southern-style heavily salted and aged 6+ months for bold flavor.

The per-pound price can vary greatly based on many attributes like brand, weight, bone-in or boneless, spiral slicing, smoke flavor, and artisanal curing methods. Always compare unit prices when shopping to find the best value.

Estimating Your Total Ham Cost

Figuring out the total cost for a holiday ham starts with knowing:

• The style of ham you want (bone-in, boneless, etc.)
• The per-pound price range
• The weight of the ham you need to feed your guests

Here is an example price estimate for a 10-pound bone-in whole smoked ham:

• Price per pound range: $3.99 to $5.99
• Ham weight: 10 pounds
• Price per pound midpoint: $4.99
• Estimated total cost: 10 pounds x $4.99 per pound = $49.90

Buying a ham in the 10 to 15-pound range provides enough generous portions for 10 to 15 people with leftovers. Estimate 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person. Your total cost scales up or down depending on the weight.

Spiral sliced hams cost slightly more overall since you pay for the added spiral cutting labor and the loss of weight from discarding the end pieces.

How to Get the Best Deal on Ham

Looking to maximize savings on your holiday ham purchase? Here are some savvy shopping tips:

• Check ads and buy on sale – Watch for ham sale prices in grocers’ weekly circulars and ads. Time your purchase around peak holiday sales.

• Shop warehouse clubs – Bulk discount warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club often offer lower ham unit prices. Split a large ham with friends or family.

• Buy a half ham – Halves typically cost less overall than a whole ham. A 5-pound half ham serves 8 to 10 people.

• Consider lower-cost ham styles – Opt for a basic bone-in ham versus pricier spiral cut or artisan smoked varieties.

• Compare brands – Don’t assume name brands equal better quality. Weigh options across high and low-cost brands.

• Check unit prices – Confirm the total per-pound price including weight and carving waste. Don’t just look at the sticker price.

• Use coupons and rewards – Take advantage of paper or digital coupons, loyalty card deals, and earned rebates to reduce ham costs.

Average Ham Cost Per Pound History

Over the past decade, the average price of ham per pound in the U.S. has steadily climbed overall:

Year – Average Cost Per Pound

• 2012 – $3.07
• 2013 – $3.19
• 2014 – $3.26
• 2015 – $3.29
• 2016 – $3.36
• 2017 – $3.50
• 2018 – $3.58
• 2019 – $3.63
• 2020 – $3.89
• 2021 – $4.63
• 2022 – $5.42

As you can see, ham prices at retail have increased nearly every year, especially in more recent years. In 2021, ham costs jumped 24% year-over-year approaching $5 per pound for the first time. Prices moderated briefly in early 2022 before resuming the upward trend throughout the year.

Higher costs for producers to raise and process pigs are flowing through to consumers. Holiday demand also puts seasonal pressure on ham prices. Expect to pay around 5% to 10% more compared to the previous holiday season.

Is Paying More for Ham Worth It?

What makes one ham better or more valuable than another? Here are some potential benefits of paying a premium price for ham:

• Greater flavor intensity – Longer cured and smoked hams develop richer, nuanced taste.

• Better texture – Artisanal hams may offer a more delicate mouthfeel. Mass-produced hams sometimes have a rubbery texture.

• No hormones or chemicals – Some pricier hams are certified hormone and antibiotic-free.

• Supports local producers – Boutique ham producers rely on customer support to compete against factory farm hams.

• Humanely raised pork – Niche pork producers give pigs better living conditions compared to confined factory farm environments.

• Consignment hams – Specialty hams like Jamon Iberico imported from Spain.

• Sustainable practices – Small pig farms may use more eco-friendly farming methods.

• Rarity – Truffle-infused, wagyu, or heritage breed hams offer uniqueness.

While premium hams truly shine in terms of eating quality, inexpensive mass-market hams still offer convenience, versatility, and balanced flavor for most family holiday meals. The extra cost may not be worthwhile if it strains your grocery budget.

Outlook for 2023 Ham Prices

Projecting retail ham prices is tricky, but expect continuing inflationary pressure through 2023. The USDA Economic Research Service forecasts pork prices to rise 3-4% in 2023 as production lags behind robust demand. Any new disease outbreaks or climate events could also decrease pork availability and drive prices upward.

Holiday demand spikes may further add seasonal price increases on top of baseline inflation. While ham will likely remain affordable for most households, shoppers should prepare for per-pound costs 5-10% higher compared to 2022. Savvy sale shopping will be key to controlling ham budgets next holiday season.

Bottom Line on Ham Prices Per Pound

From Virginia-style Smithfield hams to Italian prosciutto, ham’s per pound price varies hugely based on origin, brand, quality, bone-in or boneless, and preparation method. On average though, expect to spend around $3.99 to $5.99 per pound for a basic whole bone-in ham, and $4.99 to $9.99 per pound for boneless ham in 2023. Compare different hams’ attributes and unit prices to get the features you want at a fair cost. With some smart shopping strategies, you can still serve a beautiful glazed holiday ham without breaking the bank!