The GrillingDad Answer: Brisket varies widely in price from state to state depending on where you intend to buy yours. In general, you should expect to pay $5-$15 per pound of brisket. The more expensive briskets (but also higher quality) can be found at your local butchers, while Costco and Walmart have cheaper options.
Here at TheGrillingDad.com we talk a lot about brisket. But when you are looking to make your first brisket, how much should you expect to pay? Read on to find out!
Jump to Section
What is Brisket?
As meat lovers, we know that brisket is a popular cut of beef that is often used in barbecuing and smoking. But what exactly is brisket? Brisket is a cut of meat that comes from the breast or lower chest of the cow.
It is a heavily exercised muscle, which makes it full of connective tissue, and therefore, it requires a slow and low cooking process to break down the collagen and make it tender.
There are two main parts of a cut of brisket: the point and the flat. The point is the thicker, fattier part of the brisket, while the flat is the leaner, more muscular part.
The point has more marbling and a fat cap on top, which makes it more flavorful and juicy when cooked. The flat, on the other hand, is leaner and requires more attention to prevent it from drying out.
In terms of beef grades, brisket can come in USDA Prime, Choice, or Select grades. USDA Prime brisket is the highest quality and has the most marbling, while Select grade brisket has less marbling and can be tougher. Wagyu beef, which is known for its high marbling, can also be used for brisket, but it can be expensive.
Brisket Prices
When someone is considering buying a brisket, pricing is a major consideration. The cost of brisket can vary depending on where you buy it, the time of year, and the quality of the meat.
Grocery Store Prices
One of the most common places to buy brisket is at your local grocery store. The price of brisket at the store can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the meat, the time of year, and the store’s location. On average, you can expect to pay between $5 and $7 per pound for brisket at the store.
Be aware, however, that you may need to order a cut of brisket in advance to get the exact size you want. Either way, you’ll likely need to speak to the grocery store butcher counter as cuts of brisket aren’t usually sitting out on the shelf.
Online Prices
If you are looking to buy brisket online, there are a number of online retailers that offer brisket for sale. Our favorites are Snake River Farms and Crowd Cow.
Online prices can vary depending on the retailer, the quality of the meat, and the shipping costs. On average, you can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per pound for brisket online.
Costco Prices
Costco is known for offering high-quality meat at competitive prices, and brisket is no exception. If you are a Costco member, you can buy brisket at a great price. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $4 per pound for brisket at Costco.
Just know that the quality at Costco isn’t always guaranteed. If you for sure want a high-quality cut shipped to your door, go with Snake River Farms.
Walmart Prices
Walmart is another popular place to buy brisket. The price of brisket at Walmart can vary depending on the quality of the meat and the time of year. On average, you can expect to pay between $4 and $6 per pound for brisket at Walmart.
It is important to note that brisket prices can be affected by limited supply and high demand. During peak grilling season, for example, brisket prices may be higher due to increased demand. Additionally, some stores may offer specials and discounts on brisket to drum up business.
In general, we always buy out beef from a butcher, whether online, or the one down the road from you.
Is Brisket an Expensive Cut of Meat?
Brisket, while not cheap, isn’t an expensive cut of meat either. Honestly, per pound, it’s on the cheaper side when compared to more premium cuts of meat.
The thing with brisket is, you have to get a large one, sometimes even the whole brisket, which costs a lot of money–but it will feed you for quite a few meals, so it’s a decent trade-off!
How Much Brisket Do You Need?
Before you start shelling out the Benjamin’s, it’s important to know just how much brisket you need to buy. Sometimes, you may be able to buy a smaller one simply because you aren’t feeding as many people. Other times, you may need to buy two briskets.
Portion Size
The portion size for brisket can vary depending on the event and the other dishes being served. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend planning for about 1/2 pound of cooked brisket per person. This takes into account the shrinkage that occurs during cooking.
If you are serving a larger meal with several side dishes, you may be able to get away with less brisket per person. On the other hand, if brisket is the main event and there are no other significant dishes being served, you may want to plan for a pound per person instead of just a half.
Brisket Slice Size
When it comes to serving brisket, it is essential to slice it correctly to ensure that everyone gets a good portion. We recommend slicing brisket against the grain to make it more tender and easier to chew.
Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure that everyone gets enough meat without feeling overwhelmed by a massive slice.
Brisket Per Person Calculator
If you are unsure how much brisket to buy for your event, you can use a brisket per person calculator to help you out. These calculators take into account the number of guests you are serving, the portion size, and the percentage yield after trimming and cooking.
Most calculators will give you a range of how much brisket to buy, so you can adjust accordingly based on your specific needs. Keep in mind that it is always better to have a bit too much brisket than not enough, as leftovers can be used in a variety of ways.
For more information, you can also look at our article How Many Pounds of Brisket Per Person.
