How Much Does Pork Butt Cost Per Pound?

Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, is one of the most popular cuts of pork for pulled pork, roasting, and slow cooking. Its rich marbling makes it flavorful and tender. When buying a pork butt, one of the first questions is often “how much does pork butt cost per pound?” Knowing the average price per pound helps determine the best value for your budget.

What is Pork Butt?

Pork butt is cut from the upper shoulder of the hog, It contains parts of the shoulder blade bone as well as rich intermuscular fat, This gives pork butt excellent moisture and flavor when cooked low and slow Pork butt is sold bone-in or boneless,

It’s called a “butt” because this pork shoulder was traditionally stored in barrels called “butts.” The odd name stuck even after the pork cut was no longer stored that way. Don’t confuse it with the pig’s rump – pork butt comes from the front shoulder.

Pork butt is ideal for pulled pork, carnitas, roasting, smoking, braising, and stewing. It’s very versatille for many cooking methods. The mix of fat and collagen breaks down into succulent pulled meat after hours of low, moist heat.

Average Supermarket Price per Pound

The average price for pork butt per pound at supermarkets and grocery stores is typically $199 to $299 per pound. This can fluctuate based on the specific store, location, quality, promotions, and seasonal demand.

Here is a breakdown of approximate per-pound costs for pork butt:

• Basic store brand – $1.99 to $2.49 per lb
• National brand (Hormel, Smithfield) – $2.49 to $2.99 per lb
• Natural or organic – $2.99 to $3.99 per lb
• Prime, heritage, or boutique pork – $3.99 to $4.99 per lb

At regular grocery stores, pork butt costs about $1 less per pound compared to premium butcher shops. Expect to pay around $3.99 to $5.99 per pound at specialty meat markets.

Boneless cuts are sometimes $0.50 to $1 more per pound compared to bone-in. Bone-in varieties range from 6 to 9 pounds while boneless average 3 to 5 pounds. Pork butts with the blade bone removed cost more than those with the full bone.

Buying Pork Butt in Bulk

For even more savings, purchase a full pork butt in the 6-9 lb range. Buying the whole cut saves $1 or more per pound compared to smaller chunks.

You can also find great bulk pricing at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club. They sell packs of two 5 lb bone-in or boneless pork butts for around $2.99 to $3.49 per pound. Breaking down half or whole hog prices from local farms or butchers provides the lowest per-pound price.

A full bone-in pork butt between 7 and 9 lbs typically costs $20 to $30 total. A 5 lb boneless pork butt ranges from $15 to $25. Compare options to find the best bulk pork butt price per pound based on your cooking needs.

Cost Factors

Several factors impact the retail price per pound for pork butt:

Quality and source – Heritage breed, organic, locally farmed, and humanely raised pork commands higher prices due to smaller production, higher feed costs and living standards. Commercial pork is the most affordable.

Supply and demand – Seasonal availability and pork industry economics influence costs. Prices trend lower in late fall after peak summer demand.

Bone in vs boneless – Boneless cuts cost more per pound since you’re only paying for meat. But bone-in pork butt yields more cooked meat for the money.

Blade bone – Pork butts with the shoulder blade bone intact are cheaper than ones with the bone removed.

Trim – Well trimmed pork butts with less surface fat run slightly higher than untrimmed options with more waste.

Store type – Specialty butcher shops charge higher premiums than basic supermarkets. Warehouse clubs offer the best bulk rate.

Estimating Quantity Needed

To estimate how much pork butt you need, plan for around 1/3 pound of finished pulled pork per adult. For pork butt, expect around 50% waste from moisture loss and trimming.

So for 10 people, you need about 5 lbs of finished pulled pork. After 50% shrinkage, get a 10 lb raw pork butt. Add 2-3 lbs if you want ample leftovers. Or use our handy pulled pork calculator.

For roast pork, allow 1/4 to 1/3 lb per person. Pork butt roasts shrink less at around 30% during roasting.

Buying and Storing Tips

Follow these tips when purchasing pork butt:

• Inspect for bright pink meat with creamy white fat marbling. Avoid large dark blood spots.

• Estimate 1 lb raw meat per person, factoring 50% cook loss. Add extra for leftovers.

• For maximum freshness, cook within 4 days of purchase or freeze extra.

• Place in a zip top bag and remove air before freezing. Keeps 6 months frozen.

• Thaw frozen pork butt for 2-3 days in the refrigerator before cooking.

• After cooking, store pulled pork in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

Is Pork Butt a Good Value?

Pork butt provides excellent value for cost compared to other pork cuts like loin or tenderloin. The tasty mix of fat and connective tissue leaves you with moist, succulent pulled pork or roast pork after low, slow cooking.

The $2-3 per pound price point makes it one of the most budget-friendly options. Look for sales, bulk pricing, and store promotions to maximize savings. With some simple prep and cooking know-how, pork butt delivers delicious, crowd-pleasing pulled pork at home.

Cooking Times for Different Weights

To estimate cooking times, plan for 1 – 1 1/2 hours per pound at 225°F – 250°F. Pork butts plateau around 160°F internal temp then the collagen converts to gelatin to finish. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.

Here are some general timelines:

• 5 lb pork butt = 8 – 10 hours
• 7 lb pork butt = 10 – 12 hours
• 9 lb pork butt = 12 – 15 hours

The bone conducts heat slower so bone-in pork butt can take a bit longer than boneless. Allow more time for a whole untrimmed butt.

Let pork rest 30 minutes after cooking before pulling for maximum juiciness. Always rely on temperature over time as an exact guide.

Best Recipes and Uses

Pork butt is extremely versatile for various cooking methods and recipes:

• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Tacos al pastor
• Carnitas
• Chili
• Soups – ramen, posole, split pea
• Roasted pork with vegetables
• Enchiladas, burritos, tamales
• Pork and beans
• Open faced hot pork sandwiches with gravy
• BBQ nachos

Pork butt pairs well with sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor profiles. It shreds easily for salads, omelets, pasta, rice bowls and buddha bowls too. Use leftovers to make hearty breakfast hashes or stir fry.

Buying Bone-In vs Boneless

Bone-in pork butt often costs $1 less per pound compared to boneless. The bone adds moisture and flavor during cooking. Removing the bone yourself yields more pulled meat.

However, boneless cuts weigh less total. They cook faster by 1-2 hours with more even heat penetration. Boneless but