How Much Does Pork Tenderloin Really Cost? The Truth Revealed

Pork tenderloin is one of the most delicious, versatile, and easy-to-cook cuts of pork. It’s lean, tender, and flavorful – perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to fancy dinner parties.

But if you’ve shopped for pork tenderloin recently you may have noticed the price seems higher than you remember. So how much does pork tenderloin really cost per pound? And is it still an affordable option for home cooks on a budget?

In this article we’ll break down the true costs of pork tenderloin, look at what impacts the price and share tips for getting the best deal. Let’s dive in!

The Average Price of Pork Tenderloin Per Pound

According to recent data from the Pork Checkoff, the average retail price for a pound of pork tenderloin is $5.47. This can fluctuate week to week, but generally stays within the $5 to $6 per pound range.

Here’s a look at the average price over the past year:

• January 2022: $5.31 per pound
• February 2022: $5.66 per pound
• March 2022: $5.78 per pound
• April 2022: $5.85 per pound
• May 2022: $5.75 per pound
• June 2022: $6.05 per pound
• July 2022: $6.14 per pound
• August 2022: $5.82 per pound
• September 2022: $5.51 per pound
• October 2022: $5.12 per pound
• November 2022: $5.21 per pound

As you can see, prices tend to fluctuate a bit based on supply and demand. Summertime is grilling season, so prices often peak in the warmer months. But overall, pork tenderloin has stayed quite affordable.

Why Pork Tenderloin is More Expensive Than Other Pork Cuts

Compared to other common pork cuts like pork chops or pork loin roasts, tenderloin is on the pricier side. There are a few reasons for this:

• Supply and Demand – Pork tenderloin is a smaller, more delicate cut that accounts for less than 1% of the total weight of a hog. This makes it rarer and drives up the price.

• Versatility – Tenderloin is extremely versatile – you can grill, roast, bread and pan fry, or slice into medallions. This popularity also increases demand.

• Lean and Tender – With barely any fat, pork tenderloin cooks up super lean and tender. People are willing to pay more for this premium cut.

• Quick Cooking – A whole tenderloin only takes about 30 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The convenience adds to the value.

So while pork tenderloin costs more than other cuts, it provides a lot of benefits that make it worth the slightly higher price tag for many shoppers.

How Pork Tenderloin Compares to Other Types of Meat

Pork tenderloin is definitely pricier than chicken breast, which averages just $3.73 per pound. But it’s quite affordable compared to beef tenderloin, which can cost $20 per pound or more!

Here’s a quick look at how pork tenderloin compares per pound against other popular animal proteins:

• Chicken breast: $3.73
• Ground turkey: $4.28
• Pork chops: $4.15
• Pork tenderloin: $5.47
• Sirloin steak: $7.12
• Salmon fillet: $8.99
• Beef tenderloin: $20.89

As you can see, pork tenderloin provides a nice middle ground – more flavor and tenderness than chicken breast, at a much lower cost than premium cuts of beef. For the money, it packs a lot of value!

5 Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Pork Tenderloin

Want to enjoy delicious pork tenderloin without breaking the bank? Here are 5 savvy shopping tips:

1. Check Weekly Sales Flyers – Pork tenderloin often goes on sale, so check your grocery store flyers for deals. Stock up when you see a low price!

2. Buy in Bulk – Many stores sell larger, club-pack portions of pork tenderloin at a lower per-pound cost. Split it into smaller portions and freeze what you don’t need right away.

3. Shop Warehouse Stores – Retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club sell big packs of pork for amazing prices. Just a few dollars more can get you 4-5 pounds of meat.

4. Buy Boneless – You’ll pay less per pound for boneless tenderloin instead of bone-in. It’s easy to remove the silverskin yourself.

5. Consider Alternatives – More affordable pork cuts like sirloin roast or pork cubes can substitute in many recipes calling for tenderloin.

Is Pork Tenderloin Still a Good Value?

With an average per-pound cost around $5.50, pork tenderloin provides fantastic value for home cooks. It’s affordable, versatile, quick-cooking, and packed with flavor.

While the price has increased slightly over the years, pork tenderloin remains an economical choice compared to premium cuts of meat. And using smart shopping strategies, you can often find it on sale for just $4-5 per pound.

So don’t be afraid to pick up a pack of pork tenderloin for your next recipe. With a little clever meal planning, this tasty and tender cut can fit into almost any family’s grocery budget.

Cooking and Serving Tips for Pork Tenderloin

Once you’ve grabbed a good deal on pork tenderloin, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some top tips:

• Don’t Overcook – Cook to 145°F and allow the tenderloin to rest. It will continue cooking to a safe 160°F. Going beyond that results in dry, tough meat.

• Enhance the Flavor – Brining, marinating, or rubbing with spices amps up the flavor. A quick soak in broth, wine, or citrus juice does wonders.

• Sear It – A hot pan, grill, or broiler gives the outside a flavorful, browned crust.

• Slice Medallions – Cut tenderloin crosswise into rounds for quick-cooking medallions. They’re great for sheet pan meals.

• Stuff and Roll – Butterfly the tenderloin, then stuff and roll up with veggies, cheese, or pantry staples like breadcrumbs or nuts.

• Use Leftovers – Shred or slice leftover cooked tenderloin to top salads, fold into omelets, stuff into sandwiches, or layer into casseroles.

With its mild flavor and tender texture, pork tenderloin is delicious and satisfying. We hope these tips help you get the most value from this lean, versatile cut of meat! Let us know your favorite pork tenderloin recipes and serving ideas.