How Much Do Beef Short Ribs Cost Per Pound?

Beef short ribs are a prized cut of meat perfect for slow cooking. The rich, beefy flavor and tender texture make them ideal for braises, stews, and grilling. But short ribs come at a premium price point. So how much do beef short ribs cost per pound?

The price typically ranges from $5 to $12 per pound depending on the cut quality seller, and other factors. Let’s break down what impacts the cost of short ribs.

Short Rib Cuts

There are two main cuts of short ribs

• Bone-in short ribs contain a section of rib bone. The bone adds flavor during cooking but creates more waste.
• Boneless short ribs are cut away from the bone. This makes them easier to portion and cook but they have less flavor.

Bone-in short ribs average $1 to $2 more per pound than boneless The bone-in cut tends to be more desirable

Meat Quality Grades

Like other beef cuts, short ribs are graded for quality:

• Prime graded short ribs have the most marbling and tenderness. Prime rib costs $10 to $12 per pound or more.

• Choice graded short ribs also have good marbling and command $6 to $10 per pound. This is the most common grade.

• Select graded ribs have less fat and looser texture. Select short ribs run $4 to $8 per pound on average.

Higher grades equal a higher price per pound for short ribs. Prime and Choice grades deliver more flavor and tenderness.

Availability and Location

• Short rib prices are lower year-round in beef producing regions like Texas and the Midwest.

• When supply is short, prices can spike above $10+ per pound even for Choice.

• Short ribs are pricier on the East/West coasts due to transportation from major beef suppliers.

Where you live affects short rib costs, along with market availability.

Organic & Grass-Fed Short Ribs

Pasture-raised and organic short ribs demand a premium:

• Organic short ribs range from $8 to $14 per pound, $2 to $4 more than conventional.

• Grass-fed short ribs cost $9 to $16+ per pound for the highest quality.

Paying double conventional prices for organic/grass-fed ribs delivers superior flavor and nutritional value.

Butcher Shops vs. Grocery Stores

Specialty butcher shops sell short ribs for $2+ more per pound than grocery stores on average. You pay extra for premium quality.

Flanken-style Short Ribs

Flanken or Korean-style short ribs are cut across the bones into thin slices. This specialized cut costs $1 to $2 more per pound than standard short ribs.

Buying Direct from Ranches

Sourcing beef short ribs directly from local ranches provides peak freshness and quality. Grass-fed short ribs can cost as little as $6 per pound when purchasing a whole or half cow.

Current Prices at Top Retailers

To give an idea of current short rib prices, here are some examples:

• Walmart: Boneless Beef Short Ribs $7.28/lb
• Safeway: Bone-In Beef Short Ribs $8.99/lb
• Publix: Beef Short Ribs Premium Cut $11.99/lb
• Wegmans: Organic Boneless Beef Short Ribs $13.99/lb
• Whole Foods: 100% Grass Fed Beef Short Ribs $15.99/lb

These show the price variance between stores and rib types.

How to Save on Short Ribs

A few tips to spend less per pound on short ribs:

• Choose Select over Choice or Prime grades
• Buy boneless vs. bone-in style
• Purchase pre-cut family packs instead of butcher counter
• Look for manager markdowns on expiring packages
• Buy from warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club
• Stock up when short ribs go on sale, freezing extra
• Join loyalty programs for special pricing
• Source directly from local ranches and farms

With strategies like these, you can shave $2 to $4 off per pound costs.

Is Short Rib Worth the Price?

At $6 per pound and up, short ribs cost over double ground beef. But the exceptional flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness make them worth the splurge for many beef fans. A little goes a long way, with short ribs requiring slow cooking and extended braising times to fully tenderize.

When buying short ribs, prioritize quality over cost. Prime and Choice grades deliver a superior eating experience. And specialty pasture-raised or organic short ribs offer unmatched nutrition and taste at their premium price point.

While short ribs are definitely a treat, there are ways to buy them more economically. With smart shopping and taking advantage of sales, you can enjoy these beefy delights while sticking to your food budget.