The Costco meat section is brimming with great deals. From turkeys to corned beef, some excellent options make tasty dinners. But there’s one deal lurking you may not have tried — Costco Pork Shoulder.

We first purchased this on a whim because it was on sale (we are suckers for a deal). After we brought it home, we wondered, “What the heck do we do with it?” But it was a great purchase, and we’ve bought it many times since then. There are several things we’ve learned along the way. Yes, this inexpensive meat makes excellent pulled pork, but Costco pork shoulder may not be the right purchase.

We’ve got everything you need to know about this large cut, including prices, where it’s from, and how to use it.

Pork Shoulder At Costco

Costco sells a wide range of pork products, including Swift brand boneless Pork Shoulder butt and Kirkland Signature Boneless Pork Shoulder Country Style Ribs. Shoppers will find the meat in the refrigerator section near the 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 (compared to $7+ per pound at grocery stores)
• Yield: Expect about ⅓ lb of pulled pork per 1 lb raw meat (ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd)

💡 Pro Tip: Costco occasionally offers discounts, so keep an eye out for sales (Typically $8 off per package!) Both raw and cooked pork freeze well, making bulk purchases a smart choice.

Is Pork Butt and Pork Shoulder The Same?

Don’t let the name confuse you; pork butt does not come from the pig’s rear end. Both the pork butt and the pork shoulder are cut from the shoulder. They have some similarities and differences that make each unique.

Both are inexpensive cuts of meat that work well for low and slow cooking, such as braising, BBQing, or stewing. You can generally use them interchangeably.

The Pork butt is a thicker cut from a higher part of the shoulder that includes the neck, blade, and leg. It’s semi-tough and contains a lot of marbling and an intact fat cap. That marbling and fat allow the meat to endure a long cooking time. Use Pork butt for pulled pork or any recipe that requires tender pork.

Pork Shoulder comes from the thinner portion of the leg. It’s often called the picnic shoulder. This cut has less fat than the butt. This cut is best if you want the meat to hold its shape after cooking. It’s sold with the skin on, perfect if you desire a crispy outside.

Costco sells the Pork Shoulder Butt, which is a stretch of both cuts.

How Many Pounds Is A Pork Shoulder From Costco

Costco sells Swift Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt in the refrigerated section. The pieces range in size from about 13 to over 18 pounds. The current price as of March 2025 is $2.49 per pound the lowest recorded price was $2.39 in 2023.

For every pound of boneless Costco pork shoulder, you’ll end up with about ⅓ pound of pulled pork. This is because cooked pork weighs roughly half as much as raw. To serve 30 guests, you’ll need about 20 pounds of raw pork shoulder. If that’s more than you need at once, both raw and cooked pork (including pulled pork) freeze well.

Use this calculator to help plan your portions.

Since the meats are best cooked low and slow, consider buying a large cut; leftovers freeze well. Your future self will thank you.

Where Does Costco Pork Shoulder Come From?

Costco sells Swift Boneless Pork Shoulder Butt. The company has a headquarters in Greeley, Colorado, and a 265,000-square-foot flagship processing plant in Worthington, Minnesota.

Swift & Company is a leading beef, pork, and lamb processor. The company has plants and other operations at facilities in Iowa, Kentucky, California, and Australia, according to Encylopedia.com. 

Does Costco Have Bone-In Pork Shoulder?

As of March 2025, we have yet to see bone-in pork shoulder at Costco. We will continue to monitor the situation, and if anything changes, we will update this space. 

The warehouse carries a boneless variety that you can substitute. Since there is no bone, you will need to decrease the cooking time. 

How to Cook It

This is a large hunk of meat that needs time to break down. If you own a smoker, this recipe from BBQ guru Meathead is excellent. But if you don’t have a smoker, no biggie! You can make excellent dishes from the oven Here are a few we love!

Cuban-Style Roast Pork from Serious Eats—We used this recipe to make the meat for Cubano Sandwiches that we served for our Super Bowl Celebration, and they were a big hit! The meat was flavorful, and the texture was perfect.

Double Pork Carnitas — Rick Martinez’s recipe is so simple and yet so delicious! You can pick up the pork belly at the warehouse, it’s usually near the shoulder in the refrigerated case. This recipe takes time but it’s all hands-off. It’s also very easy to double and freeze.

Pro/Cons For Buying Costco Pork Shoulder

Who Should Buy This?

Costco pork shoulder is an excellent buy if you:
✅ Love BBQ & slow cooking – This cut is ideal for pulled pork, carnitas, and smoked dishes.
✅ Cook for a crowd – Perfect for parties, meal prepping, or large families.
✅ Want to save money – At $2.49/lb, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to pricier cuts.
✅ Enjoy batch cooking & freezing – Both raw and cooked pork store well for future meals.

You might want to skip this if you:
❌ Prefer quick meals – This cut requires low and slow cooking for the best results.
❌ Have limited freezer space – The large package size can be tricky to store.
❌ Need smaller portions – Since Costco only sells large cuts, you’ll need to divide and store it yourself.

If you’re planning to cook for a crowd or love having leftovers, Costco’s pork shoulder butt is a fantastic deal. With grocery store prices soaring above $7 per pound, Costco’s $2.49 per pound price is a steal, even more so if you find it on sale a few times a year.

This well-marbled cut is perfect for slow cooking, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option. However, it does come in large packages, so if you’re cooking for a smaller household, consider portioning and freezing it for later use. This Costco find can become a staple in your meal rotation with a little planning.

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’re making pulled pork, carnitas, or a Cuban-style roast, this cut delivers tender, juicy results.

If you’re new to cooking pork shoulder, start with one of the tried-and-true recipes mentioned above—you won’t be disappointed! However, if you aren’t interested in investing the time but still want some BBQ goodness, try the pre-made pulled pork.

Have you tried Costco’s pork shoulder? What’s your favorite way to cook it? Drop a comment below, and let’s swap recipes! And if you love getting the inside scoop on Costco’s best deals, subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a bargain.

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