Ground beef prices reach new heights, and it's not slowing down
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It’s one of the most familiar staples in American households—grilled, pan-seared, or tossed into a casserole.
But recently, this go-to item has quietly become one of the priciest proteins on grocery shelves.
What once seemed like an affordable option for family dinners is now causing shoppers to pause.
Behind this surge lies a complicated mix of supply issues, policy shifts, and ongoing market challenges.
The average cost of ground beef has now hit a staggering $6.12 per pound. Just a month ago, it hovered at $5.98. And compared to June 2024, when prices were $5.47 per pound, the spike is more than noticeable—it’s historic.
This marks the first time since the 1980s, when data collection began, that average ground beef prices have broken the $6 threshold. The surge, according to experts, is tied to shrinking cattle herds and tighter restrictions on imports that began under the Trump administration.
According to the Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on July 15, steaks saw the sharpest increase among all beef products.
Steaks jumped by 12.4 percent since June 2024 on an unadjusted basis, while ground beef followed with a 10.3 percent increase. That means households shopping for both everyday meals and cookout essentials may be feeling the pinch on both ends. Behind these numbers are larger environmental and economic forces.
Persistent droughts have pushed farmers to scale back operations, cutting herd sizes drastically. Inflation, higher grain costs, and increasing interest rates have only added to the burden.
The result: demand has significantly outpaced the current supply.
Also read: Check your freezer: USDA warns of E. coli risk in ground beef sold nationwide
To make matters worse, tariffs are being considered against major beef-exporting countries such as Mexico and Canada. These nations provide much of the supply that the US depends on.
If approved, the new tariffs would drive costs even higher for imported beef, creating a domino effect across the meat industry.
Patrick Montgomery, CEO and co-founder of Kansas City Cattle Company, warned that what we’re seeing is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
He added, “Prices for beef will continue to be tumultuous for the next two to four years.” Analysts agree that Americans should not expect any short-term relief.
Also read: Is processed meat riskier than soda? Here’s what new research says about your diabetes risk
Some forecast that the elevated prices may continue for up to three years, depending on weather, trade decisions, and domestic policy changes.
So, whether you’re picking up groceries for a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer barbecue, you might find yourself rethinking your shopping list.
For now, experts suggest exploring alternatives—at least until the market settles.
Read next: Revealed: The Best & Worst Beef at Walmart—What to Buy and Avoid!
How are these rising prices affecting your grocery shopping? Is ground beef still worth the splurge in your household? Would you consider switching to an alternative for your favorite recipes?
But recently, this go-to item has quietly become one of the priciest proteins on grocery shelves.
What once seemed like an affordable option for family dinners is now causing shoppers to pause.
Behind this surge lies a complicated mix of supply issues, policy shifts, and ongoing market challenges.
The average cost of ground beef has now hit a staggering $6.12 per pound. Just a month ago, it hovered at $5.98. And compared to June 2024, when prices were $5.47 per pound, the spike is more than noticeable—it’s historic.
This marks the first time since the 1980s, when data collection began, that average ground beef prices have broken the $6 threshold. The surge, according to experts, is tied to shrinking cattle herds and tighter restrictions on imports that began under the Trump administration.
These limitations have significantly reduced the available supply across the country. Image source: Pablo Merchán Montes / Unsplash
According to the Consumer Price Index released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on July 15, steaks saw the sharpest increase among all beef products.
Steaks jumped by 12.4 percent since June 2024 on an unadjusted basis, while ground beef followed with a 10.3 percent increase. That means households shopping for both everyday meals and cookout essentials may be feeling the pinch on both ends. Behind these numbers are larger environmental and economic forces.
Persistent droughts have pushed farmers to scale back operations, cutting herd sizes drastically. Inflation, higher grain costs, and increasing interest rates have only added to the burden.
The result: demand has significantly outpaced the current supply.
Also read: Check your freezer: USDA warns of E. coli risk in ground beef sold nationwide
To make matters worse, tariffs are being considered against major beef-exporting countries such as Mexico and Canada. These nations provide much of the supply that the US depends on.
If approved, the new tariffs would drive costs even higher for imported beef, creating a domino effect across the meat industry.
Patrick Montgomery, CEO and co-founder of Kansas City Cattle Company, warned that what we’re seeing is “just the tip of the iceberg.”
He added, “Prices for beef will continue to be tumultuous for the next two to four years.” Analysts agree that Americans should not expect any short-term relief.
Also read: Is processed meat riskier than soda? Here’s what new research says about your diabetes risk
Some forecast that the elevated prices may continue for up to three years, depending on weather, trade decisions, and domestic policy changes.
So, whether you’re picking up groceries for a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer barbecue, you might find yourself rethinking your shopping list.
For now, experts suggest exploring alternatives—at least until the market settles.
Read next: Revealed: The Best & Worst Beef at Walmart—What to Buy and Avoid!
