How Much Does a Ham Cost Per Pound in 2023?

Ham is a popular centerpiece for festive meals and holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But with inflation driving up food prices, many shoppers are wondering – how much does a ham cost per pound in 2023?

The price of ham has steadily increased over the past few decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for boneless ham per pound in U.S. cities was $5.63 in August 2022. This represents a nearly 13 cent increase from 2021 when ham cost $5.50 per pound on average.

Ham Prices Have Risen Significantly Since 1995

Back in 1995 ham was much more affordable at only $2.57 per pound on average. But prices have climbed upward over the years, breaching the $5 mark for the first time in 2022.

Rising production costs, increasing demand around the holidays, and inflation are the primary drivers behind the upward trend in ham prices over the past 25+ years. While ham is more expensive today, it still remains an affordable centerpiece option compared to alternatives like beef tenderloin or rack of lamb.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Ham

Several key factors impact the retail price per pound shoppers pay for ham:

• Type of Ham: Fresh hams cost more than cured or smoked hams. And specialty hams like prosciutto can be significantly pricier. Boneless hams are generally more expensive than bone-in.

• Brand: Premium brand hams from companies like HoneyBaked Ham Co. carry a higher price tag than basic store brand hams.

• Bone-In vs Spiral-Sliced Boneless spiral-sliced hams are the most expensive variety. They offer convenience but less meat per pound

• Time of Year: Ham prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. Prices are lowest in the summer and spike around the winter holidays.

• Grocery Store: Warehouse clubs like Costco offer lower ham prices for bulk buying. Prices at discount grocers like Aldi are also very competitive.

• Geographic Region: The cost of living and average wages impact local food prices, so ham may cost slightly more in some metro areas.

Average Ham Prices at Popular Grocery Stores

To find the best deals, shoppers should compare ham prices across local grocery store chains. Here are the average per pound prices for ham at popular national supermarket chains:

• Aldi – $1.49 per lb for Appleton Farms spiral-sliced half ham
• Walmart – $2.48 per lb for Sam’s Choice bone-in spiral-cut ham
• Costco – $2.39 per lb for Kirkland Signature spiral sliced ham
• Kroger – $1.47 per lb for Kroger brand portion ham with loyalty card
• Safeway – $2.99 per lb for Signature Select spiral sliced ham for loyalty members
• Publix – $1.65 per lb for Premium semi-boneless half ham
• Target – $0.99 per lb for hickory smoked spiral-cut bone-in ham

Based on these leading grocery chains, the average price for ham ranges from $1.49 to $2.99 per pound. However, prices often drop lower temporarily during holiday sales events.

Buying a Whole Ham Is Cheapest Per Pound

Because ham is priced per pound, buying a larger whole ham generally provides the best value. A 10 lb. whole ham often costs the same or less overall than a 5 lb. half ham.

Portioned hams like ham steaks are the most expensive per pound but offer convenience. They are a smart choice for smaller households.

Buying a full uncooked ham and roasting it yourself yields the most affordable ham. Pre-cooked hams cost a little more for the convenience factor.

Tips for Saving on Ham

Here are some tips to get the best deal on your holiday ham:

• Shop sales & check ads: Look for weekly specials and clip coupons when ham costs drop. Holiday hams often go on sale right after the holiday.

• Buy large: Larger hams cost less per pound. Buy the biggest your family can eat or split with others.

• Check freezer aisles: A frozen ham can be stored for months and may be marked down significantly.

• Ask for a rain check: If the ham is sold out at its sale price, ask for a rain check to still get the deal later.

• Consider a fresh ham: Fresh hams aren’t cured or smoked and are generally cheaper. You’ll need to cook it fully yourself.

• Buy portions: Buying just a ham slice or two is priciest but gives you only what you need.

• Skip the extras: Opt for an unglazed or unsliced ham and do it yourself to save dollars.

Estimated Ham Cost for Holiday Meals

To estimate the total cost for your holiday ham dinner, plan for 1/3 to 1⁄2 pound of ham per person. A 10-12 lb. ham feeds a crowd of 15-20, while a 4-5 lb. half ham serves 4-6 people.

Here are some examples of ham meal costs based on $1.99 per pound for ham:

• 5 lb. ham for 4 people = $9.95 total or $2.49 per serving
• 10 lb. ham for 12 people = $19.90 total or $1.66 per serving
• 15 lb. ham for 18 people = $29.85 total or $1.66 per serving

Keep in mind these costs are for the ham alone – side dishes and other menu items will increase your total meal costs. But selecting ham as your main protein keeps overall food budgets under control.

Is Ham Worth the Price in 2023?

Ham has grown increasingly expensive over the past 30 years, with prices breaching $5 per pound for the first time in 2022. However, it remains an affordable centerpiece protein compared to beef, lamb, and seafood.

For shoppers watching their food budgets, ham is definitely still worth the price – especially if you opt for boneless hams, buy whole, and shop sales. Selecting ham over pricier proteins like beef tenderloin helps limit the impact of food inflation.

Strategic holiday ham shopping, buying large quantities, and cooking at home can allow you to serve a delicious and memorable ham dinner without breaking the bank, even in 2023 and beyond.