Beef brisket has become one of the most popular cuts of meat for barbecue and smoking enthusiasts However, with its surge in popularity, brisket prices have also gone up in recent years. So how much does brisket cost per pound these days? Read on as we break down the average price of brisket by the pound from grocery stores to restaurants
Current Average Brisket Prices Per Pound
The average price for beef brisket at grocery stores currently ranges from $3 to $6 per pound depending on factors like grade retailer cut, and location. Here’s a quick look at brisket prices per pound across different quality grades
- USDA Select grade brisket: $2.50 – $4 per pound
- USDA Choice grade brisket: $4 – $6 per pound
- USDA Prime grade brisket: $6 – $9 per pound
- Wagyu brisket: $10 – $15+ per pound
So as you can see, the quality grade significantly impacts cost. Prime brisket can run $2 to $3 more per pound than Select Wagyu is in a price tier of its own due to its intense marbling and rich flavor
Brisket Prices at Popular Grocery Retailers
Prices can also vary between grocery stores for similar brisket cuts. Here’s a sampling of approximate per pound prices:
- Costco: Choice $3-4/lb, Prime $4-6/lb
- Sam’s Club: Choice $3-5/lb, Prime $4-6/lb
- Walmart: Choice $3-4/lb
- H-E-B: Choice $4-6/lb, Prime $5-7/lb
- Publix: Choice $6+/lb, Prime $7+/lb
As you can see, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club tend to have the best values. Prime brisket at Costco is often only $1 more per pound than Choice at regular supermarkets.
Brisket Prices at BBQ Restaurants
At popular barbecue restaurants around the U.S., brisket prices per pound currently range from $25 to $40+ depending on the location. Here’s a sample:
- Franklin BBQ (Austin, TX): $34/lb
- Hometown BBQ (Brooklyn, NY): $40/lb
- Joe’s Kansas City BBQ (Kansas City, KS): $21/lb
- Smitty’s Market (Lockhart, TX): $21/lb
- Cozy Corner BBQ (Memphis, TN): $15/lb
These high restaurant prices reflect labor costs, weight loss during smoking, and overall expenses. But some joints like Cozy Corner show you can still find tasty brisket under $20/lb!
What Impacts the Price of Brisket?
Several key factors influence the retail and wholesale prices of brisket:
- Cut style: Whole packer briskets are cheaper than pre-trimmed flats per pound.
- Quality grade: Prime and Wagyu cost more than Choice or Select.
- Supply & demand: Prices rise when supply drops or demand surges seasonally.
- Location: Prices vary regionally based on local costs and beef availability.
- Livestock issues: Drought and high feed costs limit supply and raise prices.
- Butcher prep: Pre-trimming, portioning, etc. adds labor costs.
- Organic/specialty options: Naturally raised or heritage breed briskets cost more.
How Much Brisket Should You Buy?
When estimating how much brisket to purchase, here are some general guidelines:
- Raw weight: Plan on 0.75-1 lb per person
- Cooked weight: Estimate 0.5 lbs per person after trimming and cooking loss
- Serving style: More sides means less brisket needed per person
- Leftovers: Cook extra if sandwiches or meals with leftovers are desired
For example, a whole 15 lb packer brisket could feed 12-20 people depending on sides and appetites. Remember brisket loses 30%+ of its weight when cooked.
Getting the Best Deal on Brisket
Here are some tips for finding brisket at a reasonable price:
- Check warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club first
- Look for specials during off-peak seasons like winter
- Buy choice grade over prime if cost is a concern
- Purchase whole packers instead of pre-trimmed flats
- Shop multiple stores and compare brisket prices
- Buying in bulk halves or quarters directly from a farm or ranch can offer savings
Even when prices are high, brisket can provide delicious smoked meat for a crowd at a reasonable price per serving. With some smart shopping, you can still find quality brisket worth savoring without breaking the bank. Happy smoking!
Selecting the right grade of beef brisket.
The quality of brisket plays a significant role in its cost. From choice grade to prime grade, and even premium options like American Wagyu, each grade affects the overall price, reflecting differences in marbling and tenderness.
My personal recommendation is to always go for prime grade when you can afford it. Sometimes the difference in price isn’t too much more making it an easy choice to consider. If you want to splurge and really impress your guests, consider buying a wagyu brisket. You will be rewarded with juicy, tender brisket that is next level good.
Where can you buy a brisket?
Briskets are pretty much available at most grocery stores and many speciality stores all across the country. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, make sure you ask the butcher in the meat section as he can point you in the right direction.
Special meat markets may have some unique brisket options and some higher quality grades like waygu to choose from. Also check wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco as they often offer the best prices with a wide selection to choose from.
Many online retailers specialize in delivering fresh or frozen meats directly to your doorstep. This can be convenient, especially if you’re looking for specific cuts or specialty briskets. Local farms or ranches can offer consumers high- quality, locally raised meat.
Brisket 101: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Learn How to Smoke a Brisket Right in Your Backyard!
FAQ
What is a good price for brisket per pound?
Is brisket cheap compared to other cuts of beef? Despite becoming increasingly popular, an entire brisket still remains one of the cheapest cuts of beef to buy. Typically you can buy a whole-packer brisket for $3-6 dollars a pounds on average for choice grade. Prime grade and wagyu will be more expensive.
How many people will 1 lb of brisket?
One pound feeds approximately 2-to-3 people and is served with 2 buns per pound, pickles, and red onions. BBQ Sauce is available at the condiment cart.
Why is beef brisket so expensive?
Brisket tends to be expensive for several reasons: Cut of Meat: Brisket comes from the lower chest of the cow, which is a tougher cut that requires longer cooking times to become tender. The demand for this flavorful cut, especially in barbecue and smoked dishes, has increased its market price.
How much does a beef brisket cost?
A brisket from a grass-fed steer will cost big bucks, and so will one that carries the Prime label. These are the instances in which the price might climb above $20 per pound. Finally, if an area that usually sees a high cattle production rate is experiencing adverse weather, beef prices will go up as a result.
How much does a brisket weigh?
You can also buy the brisket whole. When it’s sold this way, it may be labeled as a “whole packer” brisket. Be forewarned that this is a huge cut—the entire brisket can weigh up to 20 pounds, though cuts in the 10-to-16 pound range are more common. What Determines Brisket Price?
How much does brisket cost at Costco?
Online prices can vary depending on the retailer, the quality of the meat, and the shipping costs. On average, you can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per pound for brisket online. Costco is known for offering high-quality meat at competitive prices, and brisket is no exception. If you are a Costco member, you can buy brisket at a great price.
How much does a pound of brisket cost in Memphis?
Let’s take a look at the current brisket price per pound at some of the country’s most recognized barbecue restaurants: As you’ll see, the cost greatly varies depending on location: Cozy Corner BBQ: The best BBQ Memphis has to offer, the price is the best, too. You’ll spend just $14.50 per pound of sliced beef brisket.
How much brisket should I buy per person?
You should plan on buying about 1 pound of brisket per person to account for shrinkage, especially if you’re hoping to have leftovers. Let’s assume that you’re buying a 10-pound whole packer from an online retailer for $12.50 per pound. The brisket will cost $125, plus tax and shipping.
How much does a pound of brisket cost in Houston?
Gatlin’s BBQ: Arguably the best barbecue in Houston, brisket costs $26.95/lb here right now. Hometown BBQ: Located in Brooklyn, you’re looking at $40 per pound for beef brisket in the big city. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: At Joe’s, you’ll find brisket costing $20.99 per pound.