When it comes to beef, consumers have their own tastes and needs.
Beef prices in the U.S. have risen and become somewhat standard during recent times. Factors like shrinking herd sizes, ongoing droughts, and high demand are all playing into this trend, and it doesn’t look like it’ll change anytime soon.
The current consumer price index lists ground beef at about $6.74 per pound, while all uncooked ground meat averages around $6.90. This marks notable increases of 19.8% and 15.7%, respectively, over the past year.
Even with these higher prices, grocery store demand stays strong.
Common cuts like ground beef, chuck, shoulder steak, brisket, and round cuts tend to be among the least expensive options. Yet, their tough muscle texture means they might not always be in high demand, as they require longer cooking times.
On the flip side, pricier cuts like ribeye, New York strip, Wagyu, and filet mignon are typically more tender and sought after. In the middle range are skirt steak, flank steak, flat iron, and tri-tip—all of which are a bit cheaper but offer better quality.
A practical tip? Opt for tougher cuts and shop at places known for buying in bulk. You can always freeze leftovers and save them for later meals.
To help consumers score the best beef deals, the Post examined prices at six popular stores: Walmart, Aldi, Sam’s Club, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. Note that prices might vary across regions and at the time of reporting.
walmart
Walmart is well-regarded for low prices and a broad selection, offering various ground meat types online. The cheapest apparent option is a one-pound tray of beef shoulder for $7.23. However, the best value is actually a 4.5-pound tray of natural ground meat at a total of $24.84, or $5.52 per pound.
For those interested in brisket, Walmart has a boneless option priced at $4.96 per pound, with typical weights between 12.3 and 22 pounds, averaging around $69.44 overall. If you’re after something premium, ribeye steak goes for $14.87 per pound, while filet mignon is at $26.82 per pound.
Store brand options, like the Marketside New York strip, come in at $11.94 per pound. Interestingly, even Wagyu beef, often considered a luxury, is quite reasonable here at $7.36 per pound.
Comparison price (per pound)
- Ground beef: $5.52
- Ribeye: $14.87
- New York strip: $11.94
aldi
Aldi presents a competitive option alongside Walmart but has a more limited selection. While there are fewer cuts, some of the common types are priced lower than at Walmart. For example, brisket is available for $6.99.
The best deal on ground meat is a 73% lean option at $4.39 per pound. Aldi also features pre-packaged Japanese Wagyu minced beef for $4.99.
Higher-end cuts can be cheaper here too, with ribeye steak priced at $10.99 per pound and New York strip steak at $13.99 per pound.
Comparison price:
- Ground beef: $4.39
- Ribeye: $10.99
- New York strip: $13.99
sam’s club
While shopping at Sam’s Club requires a membership fee, it’s a solid option for finding affordable beef, especially if buying in bulk. High-quality cuts may cost a bit more, yet bulk pricing helps save on tougher cuts.
The lowest cost for beef at Sam’s Club is $4.98 per pound for brisket, typically requiring a purchase of about 15 pounds, which averages around $76.39. Ground beef lists at $5.52 per pound, with average packs costing about $17.66.
There are also deals on New York strip at $13.48 per pound and ribeye at $15.97 per pound. If you’re considering filet mignon, it’s priced at $22.97 per pound. However, it may be wise to skip Wagyu beef, priced around $100 per steak.
Comparison price:
- Ground beef: $5.52
- Ribeye: $15.97
- New York strip: $13.48
costco
Costco has faced criticism for rising prices, and while it’s frustrating when expectations for lower prices aren’t met, it can still be a good option for bulk meat purchases.
At Costco, Kirkland ground beef is priced at $6.80 per pound, with packages averaging about 5.65 pounds, totaling around $38.42. A whole roast averages $41.24 per package, costing about $7.93 per pound.
For premium selections, New York strip is $17.01 per pound with an average package total of $68.04, while ribeye comes to $20.42 per pound, averaging around $77.39 per package.
Comparison price:
- Ground beef: $6.80
- Ribeye: $20.42
- New York strip: $17.01
trader joe’s
Despite its discount reputation, Trader Joe’s has become one of the pricier places for beef. It offers limited beef options, typically just a few types of ground beef and one or two choices for other cuts.
Its 80% lean ground beef sells for $6.49 per pound, while the popular boneless chuck roast is available for $8.99 per pound. Skirt steak and New York strip are both priced at $15.99 per pound, while ribeye is slightly higher at $17.99 per pound. If you want to go all out, filet mignon is $24.99.
Comparison price:
- Ground beef: $6.49
- Ribeye: $17.99
- New York strip: $15.99
whole foods
Whole Foods is generally seen as one of the costliest options for beef, which aligns with its high sourcing standards.
Their ground beef, sourced from various suppliers, retails for around $8.99 per pound, while their pre-packaged 365 brand is available for $7.99—still among the highest prices.
Other cuts like chuck roast, brisket, and skirt steak are priced at $12.99, $15.99, and $19.99 per pound, respectively, but options can climb above $30 for premium selections. Some shoppers might justify the cost due to the store’s sourcing standards.
Amazon Prime members can benefit from discounted prices on selected products and occasional sales on premium cuts.
Main comparison
- Ground beef: $7.99
- Ribeye: $30
- New York strip: $30
