How Much Do Beef Short Ribs Cost Per Pound?

Beef short ribs are a prized cut of meat known for their succulent, flavorful meat that falls off the bone when slowly cooked. Their popularity has been rising, with more home cooks and restaurants featuring these ribs in stews, barbecues, and braised dishes

But short ribs don’t come cheap. If you’re wondering what to budget when buying short ribs, here’s a detailed look at beef short rib prices per pound and what impacts costs.

Average Cost of Beef Short Ribs per Pound

On average, expect to spend $6 to $12 per pound for beef short ribs at most grocery stores and butcher shops. Prices can go below or above this range based on the quality, seller, and other factors

Here’s a price breakdown of what you’ll typically find:

• Regular grocery stores: $4.99 to $7.99 per pound
• Wholesale clubs: $5.49 to $6.99 per pound
• Specialty butcher shops: $6.99 to $9.99 per pound
• High-end grocery stores: $10.99 to $12.99 per pound
• Direct from ranches: $6 to $8 per pound

To get a better sense, here are some real-world price examples:

• Safeway – Boneless beef short ribs, $7.99/lb
• Costco – Bone-in beef short ribs, $5.49/lb
• Whole Foods – Certified organic grass-fed short ribs, $12.99/lb
• Local butcher – Dry aged short ribs, $9.99/lb

So you can see there’s quite a range based on the specific retailer, quality, and other attributes.

What Impacts the Cost of Short Ribs?

Several factors influence the per pound price of beef short ribs:

1. Cut Style

• Bone-in short ribs are often cheaper at $5 to $9 per pound since you’re paying for bone weight.
• Boneless short rib prices run $7 to $12 per pound for more pure meat.

2. Quality Grade

• Prime graded short ribs from young, well-marbled cattle cost $$10-15 per pound.
• Choice graded ribs from mature beef run $$8-12 per pound.
• Select graded ribs are $$6-9 per pound.

3. Diet

• Grass-fed short ribs range from $9-15 per pound for superior flavor from pasture grazing.
• Grain-fed ribs cost $5-9 per pound depending on meat marbling.

4. Aging

• Dry-aged short ribs cost $$12-16 per pound for intense flavor from controlled aging.
• Wet-aged ribs are $6-10 per pound for milder taste from vacuum sealed aging.

5. Organic & Hormone-Free

Pay $1-3 more per pound for short ribs certified organic or hormone-free.

6. Location & Season

• Prices rise $1-2 per pound at peak demand times like summer grilling season.
• Urban areas like San Francisco and New York City have higher pricing.

Buying Short Ribs on a Budget

Here are some tips for getting the best deal on beef short ribs:

• Buy bone-in style for cheaper per pound costs
• Look for sales, bulk deals, and price drops on chuck short ribs
• Check for clearance packages nearing expiration dates
• Purchase bigger packs and portion out ribs for freezing
• Shop at warehouse stores like Costco for lower prices

Cost per Serving & Meal Planning

To determine the true cost per serving, remember that short ribs shrink substantially when cooking.

• Plan for 10-16 ounces raw weight per person to yield a 6-8 ounce cooked serving.
• Braise inexpensive chuck short ribs into stews to stretch them further.
• Balance the higher cost of short ribs by serving with inexpensive sides and salads.

With some planning, you can enjoy these special ribs without overspending. Searing then slowly braising short ribs transforms them into a melt-in-your-mouth dinner treat that justifies the higher price tag.

Typical Questions around Pricing of Short Ribs

Here are answers to some common questions about the cost of short ribs:

Are beef short ribs expensive?

Relative to other beef cuts like ground chuck or round roasts, short ribs are one of the more expensive choices per pound. Their rich taste and tender texture when braised do make them a premium meat worth the higher price for occasional cooking.

Which is cheaper – bone-in or boneless short ribs?

Bone-in short ribs are almost always a few dollars cheaper per pound compared to boneless. You’re paying for extra bone weight, but get the bonus of more flavor. Opt for bone-in for budget savings.

Why are short ribs so expensive at restaurants?

It’s common to see short ribs dishes priced over $25 at high-end steakhouses and gastropubs. They can charge a premium because short rib preparation is labor intensive and the dish sounds upscale. But prices around $10-15 per serving are more reasonable.

Are grass-fed short ribs worth the cost?

Grass-fed short ribs deliver a bolder, beefier flavor that many find worth spending $2-3 more per pound. Try them side-by-side with grain-fed and decide if the upgraded taste justifies the grass-fed premium for you.

The Bottom Line

Expect to spend an average of $6 to $12 per pound when buying beef short ribs. Exact pricing depends on many factors like quality grade, diet, cut style, and seller. With flexible meal planning, short ribs can be an occasional affordable splurge. Their succulent texture and concentrated flavor make beef short ribs a truly special meal.