Even those following plant-based diets should take heed of beef price trends.
The forces that shape beef prices similarly impact a vast range of plant-based foods.
Recent months have seen beef prices take center stage in grocery discussions, mirroring a previous year’s spotlight on egg prices.
Additionally, commodities like coffee and chocolate are currently influenced by global market dynamics.
To highlight these trends, we analyzed the price history of a pound of ground beef at H-E-B, a major grocery retailer in Austin, Texas.
We tracked prices from the 1930s to the present day while focusing on H-E-B and the stores it acquired, including Piggly Wiggly.
Through newspaper advertisements, we explored the pricing history of this essential American food item, starting from January 1935, and concluding with the latest available prices.
**The Early Years: A Price Perspective**
During the Great Depression, the price of ground beef was relatively stable.
For instance, a Piggly Wiggly ad dated January 18, 1935, showcased ground beef priced at 10 cents a pound, translating to an inflation-adjusted cost of approximately $2.37 today.
As for the 1940s, World War II brought about rationing, with commodities like beef being tightly controlled.
An H-E-B ad from April 21, 1944, indicates that fresh, lean ground beef cost 25 cents plus six ration points.
This price adjusts to $4.61 today; however, the ration points complicate a straightforward comparison.
The 1950s saw ground beef rise to 63 cents a pound during a period of economic recovery following the war.
On July 10, 1952, this upscale price would be equivalent to $7.61 today, influenced by several global factors, including the Korean War.
As we moved into the 1960s, ground beef prices saw slight reductions.
By January 3, 1966, the price had decreased to 59 cents per pound—around $5.98 when adjusted for inflation.
**The Inflation Wars: 1970s to 1980s**
The early 1970s strained the household budget with rising price tags due to surging inflation.
In an H-E-B advertisement dated May 17, 1973, lean ground beef was advertised for $1.19 a pound, which adjusts to a whopping $8.74 today.
During this time, President Richard Nixon’s price controls and Gerald Ford’s anti-inflation campaign called “Whip Inflation Now” were active forces at play.
The prices fluctuated around 79 cents a pound for pre-packaged regular ground beef by October 6, 1985, adjusting down to just $2.34 in today’s pricing.
This juicy offering came in opaque packaging, which concealed its quality, though marketing referred to it as “tasty.”
Entering the 1990s, changes continued, with an emphasis on freshness.
On June 19, 1998, ground chuck, typically considered of good quality, was listed at $1.69 a pound, equating to approximately $3.34 today.
**The 21st Century: Ground Beef Pricing Insights**
The new millennium brought more focus on freshness in meat packaging.
By April 22, 2007, H-E-B advertised ground chuck at $1.99 a pound, which would amount to around $3.11 today when adjusted.
In the following decade, notable transparency was introduced regarding meat freshness.
What used to be packaged in bulk was now offered with labels showcasing the grinding timestamp.
On June 29, 2012, regular pricing for fresh ground chuck patties reached $2.97 per pound, translating to $4.17 in current dollars.
**Current Prices: A Look Ahead**
Fast-forwarding to the present, obtaining accurate price points for 2024 proved challenging.
Though H-E-B has transitioned most advertising online, records from the week of January 17-23, 2024, indicated that pricing for 80% lean ground chuck had risen to $3.99 a pound.
Looking ahead to mid-2025, on July 26, Central Market showcased 80% lean Natural Angus Beef Ground Chuck at $6.99 a pound.
Just two days later, H-E-B’s website cited prices of $5.50 for freshly ground chuck and $5.71 for its pre-packaged version.
**The Price Journey Over 90 Years**
From the historical trajectory of ground beef pricing from 1935 to 2025, a striking story emerges.
Back in 1935, the price adjusted for inflation was about $2.37 per pound.
Fast forward to 1973, prices peaked at a staggering $8.74 per pound.
The latest observations show a price range around $6.99 per pound today.
The continuous shifts in the pricing of ground beef at H-E-B reflect broader economic trends and consumer behaviors over nearly a century.
Understanding these patterns may educate consumers across dietary preferences about the underlying dynamics of food prices.
image source from：statesman
