Pork tenderloin is considered one of the leaner cuts of pork, and is known for being inexpensive compared to cuts like pork chops or pork loin. But is pork tenderloin truly a budget-friendly option for shoppers looking to save money on meat?
What is pork tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of meat that comes from the tenderloin portion of the pig, which runs along the spine. It’s an extremely lean and tender cut due to its lack of fat and connective tissue. Pork tenderloin is sometimes called pork fillet as well.
Since it doesn’t contain too much connective tissue, pork tenderloin is quick-cooking and can be prepared using dry heat methods like grilling, broiling, roasting or pan-searing. It’s very versatile in the kitchen and takes well to a variety of seasonings and sauces.
How much does pork tenderloin cost?
The average price for pork tenderloin ranges from $3-6 per pound depending on the store and region. Here are some average prices for pork tenderloin around the U.S.:
| Store | Average Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Kroger | $4.99 |
| Safeway | $5.49 |
| Publix | $5.99 |
| Walmart | $3.47 |
| Costco | $2.99 |
As you can see, prices range from around $3-6 per pound depending on the retailer. Warehouse stores like Costco offer the best deals, while premium grocery chains like Publix tend to be pricier. The average price across most major U.S. retailers is about $4-5 per pound.
How does this compare to other pork cuts?
Compared to other popular cuts of pork, pork tenderloin is very reasonably priced:
| Cut of Pork | Average Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Pork chops | $7.99 |
| Pork ribs | $8.49 |
| Pork loin roast | $6.99 |
| Bacon | $6.49 |
| Pork tenderloin | $4.99 |
Pork tenderloin clocks in at just $4.99 per pound on average, while other popular cuts like pork chops, ribs and bacon cost $2-3 more per pound. Even compared to other roasting cuts like pork loin, tenderloin is around $2 cheaper per pound.
How does this compare to other types of meat?
Pork tenderloin is also very competitively priced compared to beef, chicken and other types of meat:
| Type of Meat | Average Price Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | $4.72 |
| Chicken breasts | $3.73 |
| Stew beef | $8.54 |
| Sirloin steak | $9.87 |
| Pork tenderloin | $4.99 |
Pork tenderloin is cheaper than beef cuts like ground beef, stew meat and sirloin steak. It’s also very comparable to the price of chicken breasts per pound. Overall, it’s one of the most budget-friendly meat options at the grocery store.
Is pork tenderloin the cheapest cut of pork?
While pork tenderloin is inexpensive, it’s not necessarily the absolute cheapest cut of pork. Here are some other very low-cost pork options:
- Pork shoulder/butt roast – $2.49/lb
- Country-style pork ribs – $2.99/lb
- Pork belly – $3.99/lb
- Pork stew meat – $3.49/lb
Cuts like pork shoulder roast, ribs and stew meat are regularly priced lower than pork tenderloin. Offal or organ meats like liver, kidneys and heart are also sometimes cheaper.
However, these ultra-budget cuts require slow, moist cooking methods to become tender and palatable. Pork tenderloin is unique because it’s just as quick and easy to cook as chicken breast, but priced even cheaper.
Is pork tenderloin the best value cut of pork?
While not the absolute cheapest cut, pork tenderloin provides excellent value for money due to its low price point and versatility.
It’s one of the leanest and easiest to cook cuts of pork. Nutritionally, a 3 oz serving contains:
- 122 calories
- 4g fat
- 22g protein
That fat and calorie content is comparable to popular low-fat proteins like chicken breast. And unlike ultra-lean cuts of pork like loin chops, tenderloin still has decent moisture and flavor.
Pork tenderloin can adapt to any cuisine or seasoning. It shines in basic preparations like pan seared, baked, or grilled tenderloin with salt and pepper. But it also stands up well to bold spices, marinades and seasoning blends in dishes like mojo-marinated Cuban pork, Italian porchetta, or Indian tandoori pork.
Whole pork tenderloins are also easy to portion into smaller roasts, medallions or kebabs for easy freezing. The size ranges from 1-2 lbs, making it a versatile option for both small and large households.
In summary:
While not the absolute cheapest cut of pork, pork tenderloin provides exceptional value for budget-conscious shoppers:
- Prices average just $3-5 per pound, making it very affordable
- It’s significantly less expensive than premium cuts like chops and bacon
- Nutritionally it’s lean and protein-packed
- It’s quicker cooking than cheaper options like shoulder or ribs
- Cuts like loin or tenderloin are versatile for any cuisine
Home cooks looking for an easy, lean and budget-friendly protein will get great value from inexpensive pork tenderloin.
Some tips for buying and cooking pork tenderloin:
- Look for tenderloins that are evenly sized throughout, not tapering too much at the ends
- Calculate about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person
- Brush with oil and season simply with salt, pepper and herbs before roasting or grilling
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices
With its near-perfect combination of price, ease of cooking, nutrition and flavor, pork tenderloin is absolutely one of the best values in the meat department. This healthy, satisfying cut deserves a regular spot on the family dinner table.