The Costco meat section is full of great bargains. From turkeys to corned beef, there are plenty of options for delicious dinners. One item you might not have tried yet is Costco Pork Shoulder, and it’s worth a look.
We first bought one on a whim because it was on sale. At home we wondered, “Now what?” But it turned out to be an excellent purchase, and we’ve bought it repeatedly. It’s versatile and economical, especially for slow-cooked recipes like pulled pork. That said, the large package size means it isn’t right for every shopper.
Below is everything you need to know about this sizable cut: pricing, origin, how to cook it, and whether it’s a good buy for you.
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Pork Shoulder At Costco
Costco carries a variety of pork products, including Swift brand boneless Pork Shoulder Butt and Kirkland Signature boneless Pork Shoulder/Country Style Ribs. You’ll typically find them in the refrigerated meats section near pork belly.
Costco Pork Shoulder: Size & Pricing
- Cut & Brand: Swift Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt
- Package Size: Typically 13 to 18 lbs
- Price (March 2025): $2.49 per pound (significantly less than typical grocery store prices)
- Yield: Expect roughly ⅓ lb of pulled pork per 1 lb raw meat, useful for planning meals or feeding a crowd
Pro tip: Costco runs periodic discounts on bulk meats, so watch for sales. Both raw and cooked pork freeze well, making bulk purchases convenient for meal prep.
Is Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder The Same?
Despite the confusing name, pork butt does not come from the rear of the pig. Both pork butt and pork shoulder are cuts from the shoulder area, but they differ in fat content, shape, and best uses.
Both cuts are economical and ideal for low-and-slow cooking like braising, smoking, or stewing, and they can often be used interchangeably.
Pork butt is taken from the upper shoulder and includes neck and blade muscles. It’s well-marbled and often has a fat cap, which makes it forgiving during long cooks—perfect for pulled pork.
Pork shoulder (sometimes called picnic shoulder) comes from a lower portion and can include the skin. It usually has slightly less fat and holds its shape better after cooking, making it useful when you want slices or a crisp exterior.
Costco typically sells a shoulder butt combination, which spans both areas.
How Many Pounds Is A Pork Shoulder From Costco
Costco’s Swift Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt pieces usually weigh between about 13 and 18 pounds. Prices can fluctuate; as of March 2025, the listed price was $2.49 per pound, with previous lows slightly lower.
Because cooked meat loses weight, plan on roughly one-third pound of finished pulled pork per pound of raw shoulder. For example, to feed 30 guests with pulled pork, you’d need about 20 pounds of raw shoulder. If that’s more than you need at once, portion and freeze the remainder—both raw and cooked portions freeze well.
Buying a large piece makes sense for slow cooking and batch meal prep; leftovers are convenient and freeze-friendly.
Where Does Costco Pork Shoulder Come From?
Costco’s boneless pork shoulder butt is supplied by Swift. Swift operates processing facilities in multiple states and has a significant presence in the U.S. pork processing industry.
Swift is a longstanding processor of beef, pork, and lamb with operations in several states. The company’s production and supply chain support large-volume retailers like Costco.
Does Costco Have Bone-In Pork Shoulder?
As of March 2025, Costco mainly offers boneless pork shoulder. If you prefer a bone-in cut, you may need to look elsewhere. Boneless shoulder cooks a bit faster than bone-in, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
How to Cook It
Pork shoulder benefits from slow, gentle cooking to break down connective tissue and develop tenderness. If you have a smoker, classic low-and-slow smoked pulled pork is ideal. If you don’t, the oven or a slow cooker produces excellent results.
Popular recipe approaches include Cuban-style roast pork for sandwiches, carnitas for tacos, or classic pulled pork with a spice rub and barbecue sauce. Many recipes are hands-off once the meat is seasoned and cooking low and slow.
Pro/Cons For Buying Costco Pork Shoulder
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable – At roughly $2.49/lb, it’s much cheaper than grocery prices. | Large package size – May be more than small households need unless portioned and frozen. |
| Great for slow cooking – Ideal for pulled pork, carnitas, and stews. | Long cook times – Requires patience and low-and-slow methods for best results. |
| Well-marbled – Yields tender, juicy meat when cooked properly. | Limited options – Bone-in versions are not commonly available at Costco. |
| Freezer-friendly – Both raw and cooked portions freeze well for future meals. | Not pre-portioned – You’ll need to cut and package it yourself. |
| Consistent quality – Swift brand is reliable and widely used. |
Who Should Buy This?
Costco pork shoulder is a smart buy if you:
✅ Enjoy BBQ and slow cooking – It’s perfect for pulled pork, carnitas, and smoked dishes.
✅ Cook for groups – Great for parties, meal prep, or large families.
✅ Want to save money – Bulk price makes it cost-effective.
✅ Like batch cooking – Easy to portion and freeze for future meals.
You might avoid it if you:
❌ Prefer quick meals – It requires long, slow cooking.
❌ Have limited freezer space – The large package can be hard to store.
❌ Need small portions – You’ll need to divide it yourself.
Should You Buy Costco Pork Butt Shoulder?
If you’re feeding a crowd or like having leftovers, Costco’s pork shoulder butt is an excellent deal. With grocery store prices often much higher, Costco’s bulk pricing makes slow-cooked pork affordable. For smaller households, split and freeze portions to avoid waste.
This cut is versatile, well-marbled, and forgiving in slow cooking, making it a useful staple for budget-conscious cooks who plan ahead.
Final Thoughts: Stock Up and Save!
Costco’s pork shoulder butt is a smart buy for anyone who enjoys flavorful, slow-cooked meals at a bargain price. Whether you make pulled pork, carnitas, or a roast, this cut can deliver tender, juicy results.
If you’re new to cooking pork shoulder, start with a simple, reliable recipe and give the meat plenty of time to cook. If you prefer convenience, consider prepared options available at the warehouse instead.
Have you tried Costco’s pork shoulder? What’s your favorite recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments and consider subscribing to newsletters that track bulk-meat deals if you like saving on quality cuts.
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