A Costco pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt or Boston butt, typically weighs between 6-8 pounds. The exact weight can vary depending on the specific cut and batch.
Quick Overview
Here is a quick overview of how many pounds a Costco pork shoulder weighs:
- A boneless pork shoulder/butt from Costco weighs 6-8 pounds on average.
- A bone-in pork shoulder from Costco can weigh 8-10 pounds or more.
- Sizes range from smaller 5 pound shoulders to larger 10+ pound cuts.
- The average weight is around 7-8 pounds.
Typical Weight Range
While sizes vary, most Costco pork shoulders fall within the following weight ranges:
| Type of Cut | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Boneless Shoulder/Butt | 6 – 8 lbs |
| Bone-in Shoulder | 8 – 12 lbs |
As you can see, boneless cuts tend to be on the smaller size at 6-8 pounds, while bone-in cuts are larger from 8-12 pounds on average.
Why Weight Varies
There are a few reasons why the exact weight of a Costco pork shoulder can vary:
- Natural variation in pig sizes.
- Where the cut is taken from on the shoulder.
- Whether it is boneless or bone-in.
- Differences between specific sub-primal cuts like the butt, picnic, etc.
- Trimming and portioning differences.
While the store tries to maintain consistency, natural fluctuations in animal size and butchering differences lead to some variability in weights.
Typical Boneless Shoulder Size
For a more precise average, most boneless pork shoulders from Costco weigh between:
- 6.5 – 7.5 lbs
After removing the bone, most fall right in that range, with 7 pounds being the typical weight.
Typical Bone-In Shoulder Size
Bone-in pork shoulder sizes also tend to center around a few common weights:
- 8 – 9 lb shoulders are very common
- 10 – 12 lb are also popular sizes
The bone accounts for 1-2 pounds typically, putting most bone-in cuts in the 8-12 pound range.
Packaging Size Differences
Costco’s business-sized bulk packaging leads to some size differences compared to standard grocery store packaging. Here are the key differences:
| Costco | Typical Grocery Store |
|---|---|
| 6-8 lb boneless | 3-5 lb boneless |
| 8-12 lb bone-in | 5-7 lb bone-in |
As you can see, Costco shoulders run 2-3 lbs heavier on average than more standard store sizes.
Weight Range Summary
In summary, the typical weight range for a Costco pork shoulder is:
- Boneless: 6.5 – 7.5 lbs
- Bone-in: 8 – 12 lbs
Buying Considerations for Size
When purchasing a pork shoulder from Costco, keep the following size considerations in mind:
- Choose based on expected yield of pulled pork/number of servings needed.
- Estimate 1/2 lb – 3/4 lb meat per person.
- Boneless yields more edible meat.
- Bone-in has more flavor but less meat.
- Get a 10-12 lb cut if feeding a crowd.
- Opt for just 6-7 lbs for a smaller gathering.
- You can always freeze leftovers!
Portioning and Freezing
Due to large sizes, consider portioning or freezing excess pork:
- Divide into meal-sized 1-2 lb portions.
- Wrap tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- Label with weight and date.
- Freeze for 2-4 months.
- Thaw in fridge before using.
Cooking Time Estimates by Weight
Cooking time will vary greatly depending on size. Use these general time estimates as a guide:
| Shoulder Weight | Estimated Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 5-6 hours |
| 7 lbs | 7-9 hours |
| 10 lbs | 10-12 hours |
Add approximately 1 hour per pound for bone-in cuts. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 200°F internal temperature.
Reasons to Choose Costco Pork Shoulder
Here are some of the benefits that make Costco a great choice for pork shoulder:
- Large sizes: Great for feeding big groups.
- Good value: Competitively priced per pound.
- Lean and tasty: Well-marbled and flavorful.
- Kirkland brand: Consistent quality.
- Freshness: Good turnover and stock rotation.
- Satisfaction guarantee: Can return if unsatisfied.
Costco Pork Shoulder Nutrition
Pork shoulder is nutritious as well as delicious. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3 oz serving (85g):
| Calories | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | 8g | 18g |
It is a good source of protein, vitamins like niacin and vitamin B6, and minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
Recipes and Meal Ideas
Pork shoulder is very versatile. Here are just a few ideas for how to use it:
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Carnitas tacos or burritos
- BBQ pulled pork pizza
- Slow cooker pork stew or chili
- Shredded pork omelets or breakfast burritos
- Ramen with pulled pork
Substitutions and Alternatives
If pork shoulder isn’t available, try these substitutions:
- Pork loin or tenderloin
- Pork butt or Boston butt
- Pork picnic roast
- Pork country-style ribs
- Beef chuck roast
- Chicken thighs
While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, these options can work in similar recipes.
Buying and Storing Tips
Follow these tips for buying and storing pork shoulder:
- Check sell-by date and pick the freshest option.
- Look for uniform marbling without large fatty areas.
- Avoid cuts with dark or dry looking meat.
- Seal meat tightly and refrigerate promptly.
- Use within 4-5 days or freeze for later use.
- Never thaw at room temperature.
Conclusion
A Costco pork shoulder typically weighs between 6-8 pounds for a boneless cut, and 8-12 pounds for bone-in. The average weight falls right around 7-8 pounds. Costco offers great sizes and prices on high-quality pork shoulder perfect for pulled pork, carnitas, stews, and more. Just adjust cooking times based on the exact size and use a meat thermometer for perfectly tender and safe results.