How Much is Brisket Per Pound?

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With the holiday season fast approaching, you may already be planning on making the best Thanksgiving dinner, and what better way to do that than with a good cut of brisket? Whether you’re an expert pitmaster or using a smoker for the first time, it’s important to know about brisket cost so you can get the best product for your meal. In this article, we answer the question, “How much is brisket per pound?” so you can get the best value for your money with this barbecue staple.

Factors that Influence Brisket Prices

Much like any commodity, how much brisket costs will depend on a wide variety of factors. This includes the location of the butcher or store, the time of year, and even if there’s a high demand for this product. However, the important thing to remember is that higher-quality cuts will often come with higher costs.

In many parts of the country, briskets are always in demand as home cooks and barbecue joints alike chase after a perfectly smoky, tender brisket which has increased more in recent years. This is especially true for higher grades of beef such as USDA Prime briskets; many experts find that this cut of beef provides more wiggle room for potential cooking hurdles. Whether your smoker gets too cold, too hot, or you run out of pellets, the extra fat that these cuts have provides a better buffer compared to a Choice cut.

Different Cuts of Brisket

The whole brisket can be split between the point cut, which comes with the fat cap and more connective tissue, as well as the flat cut brisket which is leaner. While both cuts have merit, the best cut for everyone won’t be the same since this will depend on cooking time and personal preference. However, if you plan on smoking a brisket, it’s best to work with a whole packer.

The average price range for raw brisket is around $3 to $6 per lb brisket of Select grade, which is the lowest grade in a local grocery store. On the other hand, the Prime and Choice briskets will cost more at $5 to $10 per lb, thanks to their better quality and higher amount of marbling.

Brisket Prices in Weight

Generally, an estimated ½ pound of cooked brisket is eaten by every person during a meal. But keep in mind that a significant amount of this initial weight will be eliminated during the cooking process as a result of moisture loss and fat rendering. On average, cooks can expect a 50% yield from raw meat to cooked meat; this means that a 13 lb brisket will result in 6.5 lbs of cooked brisket, which should be enough to feed 13 people.

For example, a 13 lb whole packer brisket which costs $4.29 per pound will have a total cost of $55.77 but when you factor in the yield after cooking, the cost will go up to $8.58 per diner. The total pounds of the precooked meat equates to how many people can be served. However, this price is for the meat itself only and doesn’t factor in additional ingredients used for preparation, sides, and pellets for cooking.

Freezing Your Brisket for Later Use

A great way to manage the cost of brisket is by taking advantage of stock availability and sales. Because the price of beef can fluctuate as a result of different factors including demand, seasonality, and market conditions, it can be hard to decide whether now is the right time to make a purchase. When you see good prices on the market, purchasing your brisket and freezing it for later can be worth the splurge.

This strategy also works on other cuts of meat, and it won’t significantly change the taste or quality of the meat, making it a good option for anyone who wants to make the most of their whole-packer brisket. When stored at the right temperatures and vacuum-sealed properly, frozen brisket can last inside the freezer for months. Once you’re ready to use your brisket, be sure to thaw it out completely before cooking it at home so you can enjoy a rewarding experience; the end result can also rival restaurant-quality meals.