How Much Does Pork Butt Cost Per Pound?

Pork butt, also known as Boston butt or pork shoulder, is one of the most popular cuts of pork for pulled pork, roasting, and smoking. This well-marbled cut is full of flavor and becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. But how much does pork butt cost at the grocery store? Read on for average pork butt prices per pound and tips for getting the best deal.

What is Pork Butt?

Before diving into pork butt prices, let’s clarify exactly what this cut refers to.

• Pork butt is from the upper shoulder/front leg of the pig

• It contains parts of the shoulder blade and neck vertebrae bone

• It is well-marbled with fat which keeps it moist during cooking.

• It can weigh 5-10+ lbs untrimmed based on the size of the pig.

• Other names include Boston butt, Boston-style shoulder, and pork shoulder roast.

• It’s the most common cut used for pulled pork thanks to its great flavor and shred-ability.

Average Cost of Pork Butt Per Pound

The average price for pork butt per pound ranges from:

• $$1.99 – $3.99 per lb

This can vary somewhat based on the specific store, region, and weight of the cut. Here are some more specifics:

• Grocery store prices tend to range from $2.49 – $3.79 per lb.

• Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer prices closer to $1.99 – $2.99 per lb for bulk packaged pork butts.

• On sale, pork butt can cost as low as $1.49 per lb occasionally.

• Smaller 2-3 lb cuts sometimes cost $.50 – $1.00 more per lb than a full 8 lb pork butt.

• Organic or heritage breed pork may be $1-2 higher per lb than regular commodity pork.

So while prices fluctuate, you can typically find pork butt for around $2.49 – $3.49 per pound at most grocery retailers.

Price Per Pound vs. Total Package Price

Note that the price per pound is not always the same as the total package price. A 5 lb pork butt may cost $12.49 total. But the actual per pound price is $2.49/lb based on the weight.

Always check both the total price and the per pound price when buying pork butt to understand the true cost. Buying a larger 8-10 lb butt generally provides the best value per pound.

Factors Affecting Pork Butt Prices

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

• Weight – Smaller roasts under 5 lbs cost more per lb

• Store type – Warehouse clubs offer lower prices than neighborhood grocers

• Sale prices – Stock up when pork butt goes on sale for $1.99/lb or less

• Season – Prices peak around major holidays with high demand

• Supply chain – Droughts, disease, and other factors influencing supply

Watch for sales, stock up at warehouse clubs, and buy larger roasts to get the best pork butt pricing.

How Much Pork Butt to Buy

Pork butt is sold anywhere from 2 lb up to 10+ lb roasts. Here are some guidelines on how much to purchase:

• For pulled pork for 2-4 people – get a 2-3 lb pork butt
• For pulled pork for 6-8 people – choose a 5-6 lb pork butt
• For pulled pork for a crowd/large batch – buy an 8-10 lb pork butt
• For smoking 2 pork butts – buy two 6-8 lb roasts

Plan for about 1/2 lb finished pulled pork per person. Raw weight is higher since the pork reduces during smoking.

Is Pork Butt a Good Value?

Compared to other popular pork cuts, pork butt provides excellent value:

• Pork loin – $3.99 to $7.99 per lb

• Pork chops – $3.49 to $5.49 per lb

• Baby back ribs – $4.99 to $7.99 per lb

• Pork tenderloin – $5.99 to $9.99 per lb

For a flavorful, versatile cut, pork butt gives you a lot of delicious pork for the price. Buying on sale makes it an even better bargain.

Ways to Cook Pork Butt

There are several fantastic ways to cook this budget-friendly cut:

• Pulled pork – The number one use, pork butt shreds into tender pulled pork after 8-12 hours smoking low and slow or cooking in a slow cooker.

• Carnitas – Similar technique to pulled pork, cook low until shreddable then crisp the bits in the oven or pan for Mexican carnitas.

• Roast – Roast seasoned pork butt in a 300°F oven until fall-apart tender.

• Soup – Use diced pork butt for hearty bean or vegetable soups.

No matter how you cook it, pork butt infuses meals with juicy, bold pork flavor at an affordable price point.

Is Pork Butt Worth the Cost?

For most home cooks, pork butt provides exceptional value and is worth the cost. When buying from warehouse clubs or on sale, you can get high quality pork butt for as low as $1.49 per pound. At higher grocery store pricing around $3.49/lb, it may not be the most budget option for daily meals. But it still delivers excellent flavor for the money compared to other pork cuts. Watch for sales and buy in bulk quantities for maximum savings.

Finding the Best Pork Butt Deals

Here are some tips for scoring stellar deals on pork butt:

• Check weekly ads and stock up when pork butt goes on sale

• Buy discounted bulk packages at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club

• Purchase larger 8-10 lb roasts vs. smaller cuts for better per pound pricing

• Look for markdowns on pork roasts nearing their sell-by date

• Ask your butcher about specials or bulk discounted packs

With the right sale or bulk deal, you can stock your freezer with pork butt at $1.99 per pound or less.

Is Pork Butt Worth Buying at Sam’s Club?

Specifically at Sam’s Club, pork butt is absolutely worth buying for amazing quality at bulk pricing. A typical option is:

• Member’s Mark Fresh Bone-In Boston Butt
• 2 roasts at 8.5 – 9.5 lbs each
• Comes to ~$1.89/lb based on typical weight and price

This Member’s Mark pork scores top marks for flavor, juiciness and tenderness. At under $2 per pound, it’s a steal for premium pork butt. Load up on your next visit to Sam’s Club for the best pork for pulled pork, roasting, smoking and more.

The Verdict on Pork Butt Pricing

When shopping for pork butt, prices typically range from $1.99 to $3.99 per pound for this flavorful, well-marbled shoulder cut. Opt for warehouse club deals or sales at your grocery store. And purchase larger 8-10 lb roasts when possible to maximize value. With the right sale or bulk pricing, pork butt delivers outstanding taste and versatility at an affordable price point for home cooks.