Are you planning a holiday feast and wondering how much a ham will cost per pound?
With prices fluctuating throughout the year and varying by region, it can be difficult to know what to expect.
But fear not, we’ve done the research for you!
In this article, we’ll explore the average cost of ham per pound, when to find the best deals, and tips for saving money on your holiday meal.
So grab a cup of cocoa and let’s dive in!
How Much Does A Ham Cost Per Pound?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for ham in 2022 was $5.37 per pound, which is a 54 cent increase from the previous year. However, prices can vary depending on the cut of ham and the time of year.
Typically, the best prices for ham can be found during Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. During these holidays, grocery stores often have surplus hams that they will mark down immediately following the holiday. You may even find deals such as a free ham with the purchase of a turkey around Thanksgiving.
When comparing prices, keep in mind that there are different cuts of ham available. Spiral sliced hams tend to be more expensive than bone-in or boneless hams. On average, you can expect to pay around $1-$1.25 per pound for ham during holiday sales.
It’s worth noting that the price of ham has been steadily increasing since 1995, with 2022 being the first year that the price rose above $5 per pound. The consumer price index (CPI) has been tracking the inflation of ham since 1978, and it shows that the price of ham has increased by 180.17% since then.
The Average Cost Of Ham Per Pound
As of 2023, the average price for ham in the United States is $5.48 per pound, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, prices can vary from region to region and can also depend on the type of ham and the time of year.
During holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, you may be able to find better deals on ham. Grocery stores often offer discounts and promotions during these times, and you may even find surplus hams marked down immediately following the holiday.
When it comes to different cuts of ham, boneless hams tend to be more expensive than bone-in hams. Spiral sliced hams are also typically more expensive than other cuts. On average, you can expect to pay around $1-$1.25 per pound for ham during holiday sales.
It’s important to note that the price of ham has been steadily increasing since 1995, with 2022 being the first year that the price rose above $5 per pound. However, when adjusted for inflation, the average price of ham in 2021 comes out to $5.27 per pound.
When To Find The Best Deals On Ham
If you’re looking to save money on your holiday ham, it’s best to start shopping early. Don’t wait until the week before the holiday to buy your ham, as prices may go up as the holiday approaches. Instead, look for sales at your local grocery store just after Thanksgiving.
Grocery stores typically over-order what they need for Thanksgiving sales, and a surplus at the meat displays is not good for the store. As a result, they will discount hams, turkeys, pork loins, beef roasts, and other meats in the days just past Thanksgiving to move product and make room for incoming shipments.
Prices for hams and other meats in the days leading up to Christmas will go up, as stores will manipulate procrastination. So take advantage of sales at your favorite local store, but exercise a little patience. Most stores will typically reduce prices by 10-25% in the first few days after Thanksgiving. But that won’t eliminate all the Thanksgiving surplus meats. Stores will then reduce prices even further, 40%, 50% off, perhaps even more going into the first 10 days or so of December.
If you don’t take advantage of these sales, watch as the prices for those main course meats start to go back up in price for Christmas and New Years! Don’t procrastinate; save yourself a few bucks and get your holiday ham on sale after Thanksgiving.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Holiday Meal
If you’re looking to save money on your holiday meal this year, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider purchasing a ham during holiday sales such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. During these times, grocery stores often have surplus hams that they will mark down immediately following the holiday. You may even find deals such as a free ham with the purchase of a turkey around Thanksgiving.
When comparing prices, keep in mind that there are different cuts of ham available. Spiral sliced hams tend to be more expensive than bone-in or boneless hams. On average, you can expect to pay around $1-$1.25 per pound for ham during holiday sales.
Another way to save money is by purchasing store brands instead of name brands. While the taste may not be exactly the same, you can often save a significant amount of money by choosing store brand products.
Consider making your own sides and desserts rather than purchasing pre-made trays from the grocery store. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and allows you to customize the dishes to your liking.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish or dessert to share. This not only saves you money but also adds variety to the meal and allows guests to contribute to the festivities.