Oxtail Prices in 2024: What to Expect When Buying

Oxtail is a staple ingredient in meals originating from a variety of different cuisines. Tender, meaty, and easy to prepare, oxtail can be a great addition to any meal. While once an underappreciated cut of meat, in recent years, oxtail has become fairly mainstream. This has resulted in some changes in how the meat is sold, including its price. Below, explore oxtail prices in 2024, plus learn more about this ingredient and where to buy it.

Oxtail Prices in 2024

As with many different types of meat, the exact price of oxtail in 2024 will vary depending on where you purchase it from. However, according to the National Monthly Grass Fed Beef Report authored by the USDA, the average price for oxtail as of February is sitting around $14.55 per pound. While this is the national average, the national range given in this same report includes prices ranging from $10.64 to $18.80.

In many locations, however, oxtail can be found cheaper. This is especially true if choosing a non-grass-fed option. However, even in this case, many retailers still have oxtail priced at around $9 per pound.

Oxtail Prices Trends

As with many different products, oxtail prices have experienced an increase in recent years. This increase, however, originates from several different causes.

Back in 2020, many retailers, from small businesses to big-name grocery stores, sold oxtail for around $5 to $7 per pound. As of 2024, however, many retailers are now selling oxtail for around $9 to $10 per pound. This totals an increase as notable as $5 additional dollars in the span of four years. 

So why are oxtail prices in 2024 experiencing an increase? There are two main reasons.

Supply and Demand

The first reason that oxtail is experiencing an upward trend in pricing is because it is a beef product. At the grocery store, you may have noticed that a variety of cuts and beef products, from ribeyes to ground beef, have increased in price. This is because, in recent years, many farms throughout the United States have been struggling to maintain the same number of cows in the past. Much of this is due to rising prices all around, with cattle feed and care also becoming more expensive. Because each cow can only produce so much meat, there is less oxtail available to be sold. As a result, due to this scarcity, oxtail prices in 2024 have increased.

However, supply is only one fraction in the equation that is price. When considering why something is expensive, it is also important that you consider the demand. In recent years, oxtail, an already well-loved ingredient, has skyrocketed in popularity. This is especially true during the winter months when oxtail can be a staple for stews and slow cooker meals. As a result, because the supply is dropping and the demand is increasing for this ingredient, prices often increase.

What is Oxtail?

Oxtail is a cut of beef, specifically the tail. Originally, oxtail only referred to the tail of an ox. However, today, you can purchase oxtail from most bovine species, with oxtail coming from a meat cow being the most common. It is rich in both fat and collagen, creating a delectable and healthy meal. Since a cut of oxtail will also feature an open bone, cooking it as-is will also provide flavoring from the bone marrow.

The flavor of oxtail is rich. Although it is overall fairly beefy, as it does come from cattle, it has an earthy flavor that may be absent in other popular cuts. Because of the location of the cut, the meat in oxtail is often quite tender. 

For many, oxtail has been described as similar in texture to turkey necks. However, since this is an overall leaner meat from a different species of animal, turkey necks will lack the beefy taste of oxtails. 

Where to Buy Oxtails?

Oxtail can be purchased at many major grocery retailers. However, you can also find it at smaller, family-owned grocery stores that sell meat products. In cities and towns where a local butcher is available, you will often be able to purchase oxtail at these businesses as well. Even if it is not readily available, through a butcher, you can often order a cut of meat such as the oxtail and have it prepared for you.

If you are not sure if a certain business or location has oxtail available, you can typically call or check online to learn more about the meat and beef products that you can purchase at a specific time. 

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