Are you a fan of juicy, succulent pork ribs? Do you love shopping at Costco for their unbeatable deals?
If so, you might be wondering how much you can expect to pay for pork ribs at this popular warehouse store. Well, the answer is not so straightforward.
As we’ve seen from various online sources, the price of pork ribs at Costco can vary depending on factors such as weight, packaging, and whether they’re ready-to-eat or not.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of pork ribs available at Costco and how much you can expect to pay for each.
So, grab a napkin and get ready to drool over some delicious rib options!
How Much Are Pork Ribs At Costco?
Let’s start with the classic baby back ribs. According to one online source, a three-pack of baby back ribs at Costco weighs about ten pounds and costs a little over $30. While this price may not be as low as some other retailers, it’s important to note that Costco is known for offering high-quality products at fair prices.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Costco also offers prescription program swift pork spare ribs, bone-in, which average about 10 pounds in weight. The price of these ribs may vary depending on location and availability, but they are generally considered a good value for the amount of meat you get.
But what about those ready-to-eat rib trays we mentioned earlier? According to one TikToker who spoke with a Costco butcher, the ribs in both the hot, ready-to-serve tray and the chilled rib container are identical. However, the ready-to-eat option is priced higher due to the convenience factor.
So, how much can you expect to pay for these different types of pork ribs at Costco? As we’ve seen, prices can vary depending on several factors. However, you can generally expect to pay around $3-$4 per pound for pork ribs at Costco.
Types Of Pork Ribs Available At Costco
If you’re in the market for pork ribs, Costco has a few different options to choose from. The two main types of ribs available at Costco are St. Louis Spare Ribs and Pork Loin Back Ribs.
St. Louis Spare Ribs come from the belly of the pig and are what’s left after the pork belly has been cut. To be considered St. Louis ribs, they must be trimmed down to remove cartilage, resulting in a more uniform, rectangular shape that is easier to work with. These ribs are typically less expensive than Pork Loin Back Ribs.
Pork Loin Back Ribs, on the other hand, are cut from above the rib cage near the loin area, where pork chops are cut from. These ribs tend to be more tender than spare ribs and are often more expensive as a result.
Costco also offers Swift Premium baby back ribs in 10-pound packages for less than $4 a pound. These packs of ribs are already vacuum-sealed and ready for cooking, making them a convenient option for those who don’t want to spend time prepping their meat.
No matter which type of pork ribs you choose, Costco is known for offering high-quality products at fair prices. So if you’re in the mood for some delicious ribs, head to your nearest Costco and stock up on your favorite variety!
Pricing Factors For Pork Ribs At Costco
When it comes to pricing factors for pork ribs at Costco, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost is the type of ribs you’re purchasing. As mentioned earlier, baby back ribs tend to be the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $5.99 to $2.99 per pound depending on sales and bulk purchasing options. Spare ribs, on the other hand, are generally the cheapest option, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $3.50 per pound.
Another factor that can affect the price of pork ribs at Costco is the weight of the package. For example, a three-pack of baby back ribs may weigh around ten pounds and cost a little over $30, while a prescription program swift pork spare ribs, bone-in, may average around 10 pounds in weight.
It’s also important to note that convenience can play a role in pricing as well. The ready-to-eat rib trays at Costco are priced higher than their chilled counterparts due to the added convenience of being able to serve them immediately without any additional cooking or preparation required.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that prices may vary depending on location and availability. While Costco is known for offering fair prices on high-quality products, it’s always a good idea to check the current prices at your local store before making a purchase.
Ready-to-Eat Vs. Raw Pork Ribs: Which Is Cheaper?
When it comes to purchasing pork ribs at Costco, you have the option of buying raw ribs or ready-to-eat rib trays. But which one is cheaper?
If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to go for the raw ribs. As mentioned earlier, a three-pack of baby back ribs at Costco weighs about ten pounds and costs a little over $30. This means you’re paying around $3 per pound for raw baby back ribs.
On the other hand, the ready-to-eat rib trays are priced higher due to the convenience factor. While the price can vary depending on location and availability, you can generally expect to pay around $20-$25 for a tray of ready-to-eat ribs.
So, if you’re looking to save money, it’s best to opt for the raw ribs and cook them yourself. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have more control over the flavor and cooking method. Plus, cooking your own ribs can be a fun and rewarding experience for any BBQ enthusiast.
Comparing Prices Of Pork Ribs At Costco To Other Stores
While Costco may not always have the lowest prices on pork ribs, they are known for offering high-quality products at fair prices. Let’s compare the prices of pork ribs at Costco to other stores.
Spare ribs are typically the cheapest and lowest quality option, and can be found for around $3.50 per pound at most grocery stores. However, at Costco, the Kirkland Signature St. Louis Pork Spare Ribs are sold for $6.21 per pound, which may not be the best deal in the long run.
Baby back ribs are the most popular type of rib and are typically priced around $5.99 per pound at most stores. However, if you can find them on sale or buy in bulk at wholesale stores like Costco, you may be able to get them for a cheaper price.
St. Louis Style ribs are another option and are priced around $5 or $6 per pound. Deals may be better at large supermarkets or wholesale stores, but they are generally easy to cook and have an even and uniform shape.
It’s also worth noting that many Costco locations sell bulk meat in cryovac bags at a steep discount. These bags can contain a case of rib eyes, tri-tips, crab legs, and more, and according to one employee, you can get “3 or so times the meat for the same price.” The cryovac bags also allow you to freeze the meat for a long time.
Tips For Buying And Cooking Pork Ribs From Costco
When it comes to buying and cooking pork ribs from Costco, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, if you’re purchasing baby back ribs, be aware that they may have a fair amount of loin meat on them. This can affect the tenderness of the meat, so it’s important to cook accordingly. Some people recommend wrapping the ribs to ensure that the loin meat becomes tender without drying out. Alternatively, you can trim the loin meat and cook it separately.
If you’re purchasing pre-seasoned ribs from Costco, such as their Swift Pork Spare Ribs, be sure to follow the heating instructions carefully. These ribs are already fully cooked, so you don’t need to worry about reaching a specific internal temperature. However, you’ll want to make sure that you reheat them thoroughly and evenly.
If you’re cooking baby back ribs from scratch, there are several methods you can use. Many people prefer smoking their ribs in a pellet grill for extra flavor. If you’re using an oven or gas grill, be sure to preheat it properly before cooking the ribs. You may also want to consider using a roasting pan with a rack that allows the ribs to sit above a layer of water or wrapping them in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
No matter how you choose to cook your pork ribs from Costco, be prepared for a lengthy cooking time. Ribs can take anywhere from 2-3 hours to cook properly, so plan accordingly and don’t rush the process. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy delicious and tender pork ribs from Costco at an affordable price.