Meat prices dip — but not all cuts are cheaper

11 October 2026

The average price for meat items dropped from $6.74 to $5.98 between October 6 and October 11, 2026, according to price data collected from store ads. That’s a $0.76 decrease across the category, which may mean some savings for shoppers. But not every cut followed that trend — and some actually rose in price.

This shift is based on data from the team’s price harvest across multiple grocery chains. The drop in the average price reflects changes in how stores are pricing meat this week. But it doesn’t mean every item is cheaper. In fact, several popular cuts went up.

Ground beef, a staple for many families, rose from $5.99 to $6.49 per pound. That’s a $0.50 increase — not a saving, but a cost that adds up fast if you buy more than a few pounds.

Beef ribeye steak, a favorite for grilling, rose from $12.99 to $13.49 per pound. That’s a $0.50 increase, which may affect weekend meals for families who like to treat themselves.

Pork loin chops went up from $8.79 to $9.29 per pound, also a $0.50 rise. Chicken breast, often used for quick weeknight dinners, jumped from $6.49 to $6.79 per pound — a $0.30 increase.

These price changes are not random. They reflect real pressures in the meat supply chain. In Texas, some barbecue restaurants have removed brisket from their menus because of rising beef costs. Andrew Soto, owner of Butter’s BBQ in Sinton, said he had to pull brisket because the price kept rising — and it became too risky to keep it on the menu. Fox News

Another Texas restaurant owner, David Page of Hoegemeyer’s Barbeque Barn, said beef prices have gone up about 40% over two years. He said many restaurants are cutting menu items because the cost is too high to keep them.

Even large chains are feeling the pinch. A major Wendy’s franchisee, which owns 314 locations, filed for bankruptcy in September 2026, citing record beef prices as a key reason. The company said it owes nearly $25 million to Wendy’s International and is now reorganizing. NewsBreak

The situation is driven by more than just store pricing. The USDA says beef and veal prices were 5.9% higher in August 2026 than in August 2025. Overall, prices are expected to rise 9.4% in 2026, with a forecast range of 7.4% to 11.6%.

Some consumers are reacting to these changes by looking for local sources. At Jacobs Meat Market in Appleton, Wisconsin, owner Luke Jacobs said more customers are asking where the beef comes from. He said his family has always sold Midwestern-raised beef and doesn’t trust imported meat. He told customers he won’t risk his reputation on something he doesn’t know about. Spectrum News 1

This week’s price data shows that while the average meat price fell, not every cut is on sale. Families who want to save money on meat need to compare prices by cut and store.

Check your local ads. Look for sales on ground beef, chicken breast, or pork chops — but don’t assume they’re cheaper just because the average dropped. The price on a ribeye or pork loin chop may have gone up.

Some stores may offer a better deal on a different cut. For example, if ribeye is $13.49, but sirloin is $11.99, you might save money by switching.

Also, keep an eye on store-specific deals. A store might have ground beef at $6.49, while another sells it for $5.99. Small differences add up over a month.

And if you’re buying in bulk, make sure you’re not paying more for a package just because it’s labeled “premium” or “natural.” Always compare the price per pound.

In short: the average meat price dropped this week, but not all cuts followed suit. Some rose — and those increases matter when you’re planning a weekly meal.

What to do now:

• Check your local grocery ads for price differences by cut.
• Look for deals on chicken breast, ground beef, or pork chops — but double-check the price per pound.
• Try a different cut if your usual choice went up — it might save you money.
• Ask your butcher or store about local beef options if you’re concerned about imported meat.

These changes are real, and they affect your budget. But with a few checks, you can still find ways to cut costs.