Brisket Prices per Pound: What to Expect When Buying Each Grade in 2024

Fatty, tough brisket used to be fed to livestock. It took a while for people to realize that low-and-slow cooking transforms the chewy meat into something divine. Unfortunately, the secret’s out now — and brisket prices reflect the change.

Read on for a breakdown of 2024 beef brisket prices per pound so you know what to expect at the grocery store.

What Is Brisket?

Brisket is a cut of beef from the cow’s chest. Since cows lack collar bones, their pectoral chest muscles support 60 percent of their weight. This makes brisket meat much tougher than most beef cuts. 

Brisket is split into two muscles: the point, or decal, has the most marbling, while the flat has more muscles. 

Cooking low and slow solves the toughness problem by breaking down the brisket’s connective tissues. The meat becomes deliciously tender and moist. 

Where Can You Buy Brisket? 

Buying brisket is simple; just go to your local grocery store. However, because brisket prices vary significantly, it might help your budget to shop around. Here’s where to look: 

Grocery Store Sales Rack 

Some stores may need to sell food right away, so they put it on sales racks and tables at the back of the store. You might also see discounts directly in the meat aisle. If you can afford it and have the freezer space, stock up on brisket when it goes on sale. 

Membership Warehouse

Membership warehouse stores like Sam’s Club charge a monthly fee, but you get to purchase your meat in bulk, which is almost always cheaper. You can save enough money on brisket and other goods to make the fee worth it. 

Butcher Shops

Buying your brisket at the closest butcher guarantees you high-quality meat. However, it’ll likely cost more than visiting a Sam’s Club or regular grocery store. Talk to the butcher and see if they ever run sales.

What Influences the Brisket Prices?

Search for brisket, and you’ll see a smorgasbord of different prices. Many factors affect brisket costs, including:

• Grade: Higher-grade meat, like USDA Prime, is almost always more expensive than cuts deemed lower quality. 
• Location: Where you live plays a significant role in how much you have to spend on brisket. Someone in Manhattan, NY, might pay 50 percent more than a shopper in Biloxi, MS. 
• Fat: Trimming fat from brisket takes time, and that time translates into higher costs. Untrimmed brisket is cheaper and lets you decide how much fat to keep.
• Market: Market conditions like supply and demand greatly influence brisket prices. Wholesalers also have to account for things like operational costs. For instance, gas becoming more expensive would make distributing brisket via trucks pricier.

How Much Brisket Do You Need?

On average, one person will eat about a half-pound or so of uncooked brisket. Using this guideline, you should use at least two pounds of brisket if you cook dinner for your family of four. A family of eight would need four pounds. 

However, there is some flexibility. 

If you’re preparing a big spread with multiple proteins, your guests might need less brisket. By contrast, it’s a good idea to cook more than a half-pound per person if the meal is brisket and salad.

Brisket Grade and Price  

The USDA meat grading system separates brisket into three classes: Select, Choice, and Prime. 

Select Brisket

Average price: $2 to $2.50 per pound

If you want to save money, buy Select. It’s the lowest quality grade and has less of the fat marbling that makes brisket so juicy. However, you can still create a melt-in-your-mouth meal.

You can buy Select-grade brisket for $2 to $2.50 per pound.

Choice Brisket

Average price: $3 to $4 per pound

A more expensive option is Choice-grade brisket. It’s popular with home cooks because it balances cost with tenderness and flavor. Choice cuts have plenty of fat to keep the meat moist while cooking.

Choice brisket prices evolve constantly, but 2024 shoppers typically pay $3 to $4.

Prime Brisket

Average price: $4 to $5 per pound 

According to the USDA, Prime cuts have the best flavor and marbling. Splurging on Prime brisket is a treat for many foodies. However, it’s not worth the expense for every household.

You should budget $4 to $5 per pound for Prime brisket.

Whole Brisket

Average price: $3.50 to $14 per pound 

Experienced cooks or those with many mouths to feed may prefer working with the whole brisket. Depending on where you buy and the quality of the meat, whole brisket prices may be as low as $3.50 per pound. On the other hand, organic Prime whole brisket might be $13 per pound. 

Restaurant Brisket

Average price: $20 per pound 

Not in the mood to cook? Pick up some brisket at your local BBQ spot. This is by far the most expensive option but also the easiest. The restaurant is less likely to dry out the meat accidentally.

Most diners pay around $20 per pound for BBQ brisket. If you pick a trendy restaurant, your costs may be as high as $40 per pound.