How Much Do Pork Chops Cost?

As a beloved staple dinner protein, pork chops offer tasty value for family meals But with rising food costs, many home cooks wonder – what’s the going rate for pork chops these days?

While prices fluctuate, we can pin down a general range of what to expect to pay per pound for different types of pork chops. Understanding the factors that impact chop costs helps find savings. Let’s break down the average price of pork chops and what makes it rise or fall.

Average Price per Pound of Pork Chops

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for all pork chops in U.S. retail stores was $4.24 per pound as of April 2022. This includes bone-in, boneless, center cut, and other chop varieties.

Over the past 5 years national pork chop prices have ranged from $3.50 to $4.50 per pound on average. Prices have trended up recently due to inflation and supply chain issues. But expect to find most pork chops within this range at major grocery chains.

Types of Chops and Price Differences

Many characteristics of pork chops impact the cost per pound:

• Boneless chops – More expensive, up to $1 higher per pound than bone-in. Easier to cook uniformly.

• Center cut – Demand a premium for their leanness, $1 to $2 more than sirloin chops.

• Enhanced or marinated – Pre-injected or marinated chops add $1+ per pound.

• Thick-cut – Thicker chops for grilling cost more per pound than thin.

• Organic – Pasture-raised organic chops range from $6 to $9 per pound.

• Premium/heritage breeds – Boutique heritage breed pork can cost $2 to $3 more per pound.

Understanding Pork Grades

The USDA grade impacts price based on quality:

• Prime – Most marbling and flavor, costs $$
• Choice – Good marbling, standard for chops, $$
• Select – Less marbling, more variation, $
• Standard – Least marbling, least cost

Higher grades mean higher prices per pound. Choice satisfies most cooks.

Where to Buy Affects Price

• Butcher shops – Highest prices, premium quality
• Grocery stores – Vary by retailer, lower than butchers
• Warehouse clubs – Best bulk savings
• Direct from farms – Most affordable for pastured pork

Shopping around finds the best chop values.

Current Pork Chop Prices at Retailers

To give an idea of real-world pricing, here are some current costs per pound:

• Walmart – $3.28/lb boneless, $2.98/lb bone-in
• Kroger – $3.49/lb boneless on sale, $4.79/lb full price
• Safeway – $4.49/lb boneless center cut, $7.99/lb stuffed chops
• Publix – $4.49/lb boneless sirloin, $2.99/lb bone-in smoked
• Wegmans – $5.99/lb boneless center cut

As shown, boneless, thick, center cut, and enhanced chops fetch higher pricing.

Saving on Pork Chops

For those looking to spend less per pound on chops, consider these tips:

• Choose bone-in over boneless
• Buy thin, uniform chops rather than thick
• Pick sirloin over center cut chops
• Purchase family pack trays for bulk savings
• Look for markdowns on expiring packages
• Take advantage of weekly sales and promotions
• Buy direct from local farms and ranches

With smart shopping, you can find high-quality pork chops for under $4 per pound.

Are Higher Prices Worth It?

While inflation has driven up the average cost of pork chops, many home cooks feel the added expense delivers worthwhile benefits. When cooked properly, chops offer elite flavor and juiciness. The moderate fat content reduces drying out. Chops provide satisfying protein for all ages.

Their thickness enables diverse cooking methods from pan searing to grilling to baking. Chops can be dressed up or kept simple. With the right recipe, pork chops become a crave-worthy family meal.

While chop costs have risen lately, savvy shopping and cooking can still make this popular cut budget-friendly. Prioritizing quality over price will reward you with the best eating experience. Know where to find the tastiest chops for less using the tips above.