The Cost of Butter Since 1960 – Saving Hacks
The Cost of Butter Since 1960: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
Are You Frustrated About the Rising Cost of Butter?
Have you noticed how the cost of butter keeps going up? One day, you’re grabbing a pound for a few bucks.
The next, it feels like you’re paying double. It’s frustrating, especially when butter is a must-have for cooking and baking.
So what’s going on? Why does butter keep getting more expensive?
In this post, we’ll break down butter price history, showing you exactly how much it has cost per pound since 1960.
Plus, we’ll share 10 ways to save money on butter, so you can keep enjoying it without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into the numbers.
Has butter always been this expensive? Or is this a recent problem?
How Much Has Butter Cost Over the Years? A Look at Prices Since 1960
Butter prices have changed a lot over the decades. What once cost pocket change now takes a bigger bite out of your grocery budget. So, how much did butter cost in the past compared to today?
Below, we break down the butter price history from 1960 to now. Plus, we’ll explore why butter inflation keeps driving prices higher.
Butter Cost by Year: A Price Breakdown (1960–2025)
The table below shows the average price of butter per pound in the U.S. over the years:
*Projected based on current trends.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Find Your Best Butter Price! 🧈
Compare 2-3 stores below to see your potential savings:
| Store | Price/lb |
|---|---|
Why Butter Prices Keep Going Up
Butter isn’t just getting more expensive—it’s part of a bigger trend.
Here’s why:
- Inflation: The overall rise in prices affects groceries, including butter.
- Milk Prices: Butter comes from milk, and when dairy costs rise, so does butter.
- Production Costs: Farmers face rising costs for feed, labor, and equipment.
- Supply Chain Issues: Transportation and processing costs add to the final price.
Key Events That Affected Butter Prices
- 1970s Energy Crisis – High fuel prices made dairy production more expensive.
- 2000s Global Demand Surge – Growing demand from countries like China pushed prices up.
- 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic – Labor shortages and supply chain disruptions drove up costs.
- 2022–2023 Global Food Crises – Economic and geopolitical factors led to food price spikes.
The cost of butter per pound has steadily climbed, and it’s not slowing down.
But don’t worry—we’ve got 10 ways to save on butter coming up next!
10 Ways to Save Money on Butter
Butter keeps getting more expensive. But you don’t have to pay full price!
There are smart ways to save and still enjoy your favorite spreads and recipes.
Here’s how to cut the cost of butter per pound and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Buy Butter in Bulk & Freeze It
Butter lasts a long time in the freezer—up to six months! If you see a good deal, buy extra and store it.
Just wrap each stick tightly so it stays fresh.
Bulk butter costs less per pound, and freezing it means you’ll always have some when you need it.
2. Pick Store Brands Instead of Name Brands
Butter is butter! The store brand and the name brand are usually the exact same thing—except one costs more.
Try switching to a cheaper brand and see if you even notice a difference. Many people don’t!
3. Compare Butter Prices at Different Stores
One store might charge a lot more for butter than another.
Always check the weekly ads and compare prices.
Some grocery stores even have butter deals that change each week.
4. Use Grocery Store Rewards Programs
Many stores have loyalty programs that give you special discounts on butter and other groceries.
It’s free to sign up, and some programs even give cash back on what you buy!
5. Buy Butter That’s Close to the Sell-By Date
Butter doesn’t spoil fast. Stores mark it down when it’s close to the sell-by date, but it’s still good for weeks.
Buy these cheaper packs and save big.
6. Check Online Stores for Deals on Butter
You might not think of buying butter online, but warehouse clubs and grocery websites often sell it cheaper.
Compare prices before shopping.
Sometimes, even Amazon has better deals than your local store!
7. Try Powdered or Shelf-Stable Butter
Not all butter needs to stay in the fridge.
Powdered or canned butter lasts longer and is sometimes cheaper.
It’s great for baking and cooking, and you don’t have to worry about it going bad.
8. Use Coupons & Cashback Apps
Many grocery apps give you discounts on butter.
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten offer cashback on groceries.
Some even let you stack deals by using store coupons too!
9. Use Less Butter
One of the easiest ways to save?
Use a little less butter in recipes!
Try olive oil, margarine, or even applesauce as a swap.
It stretches your butter supply and keeps your grocery bill lower.
10. Use a Rewards Credit Card to Save on Butter
Want an easy way to save on butter?
Use a cashback credit card when you buy groceries.
Some cards give 5% to 6% cash back on grocery purchases.
That means you get money back every time you buy butter!
For example:
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – Gives 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). If you spend $500 a month on groceries, that’s $360 back per year!
Now, let’s talk about butter. The average person buys around 23 pounds of butter per year.
At today’s prices, that costs about $85 to $110 per year. With 6% cash back, you could save around $5 to $7 on butter alone—and even more on the rest of your groceries.
It may not seem like much, but every dollar counts—especially when food prices keep going up.
If you’re already buying groceries, why not earn some of that money back?
Bonus Tip: Buy Butter from Local Farms
If you live near a dairy farm, check if they sell butter directly.
Fresh butter from local farmers can be cheaper and taste even better than store-bought brands.
Butter prices might keep rising, but these tips will help you pay less every time you shop!
Want even more savings? Stack these tricks together for the biggest discounts.
The Cost of Butter Per Pound Today
Butter prices have changed a lot over the years.
Let's look at how much a pound of butter costs today, the difference between store brands and premium brands, and how prices have changed over time.
Current Butter Prices
As of January 2025, the average price for a pound of butter in U.S. cities is $4.91. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
However, prices can vary. In February 2025, wholesale butter prices ranged from $2.06 to $6.19 per kilogram, which is about $0.94 to $2.81 per pound. Selina Wamucii
Store Brands vs. Premium Brands
Choosing between store-brand and premium-brand butter can affect how much you pay.
Store brands are often cheaper, with prices around $3.29 per pound.
Premium brands like Kerrygold can cost about $4.99 per pound, and Land O'Lakes may be priced at $5.99 per pound. One Hundred Dollars a Month
Comparing store-brand vs. premium-brand butter prices
| Brand Type | Example Brands | Average Price per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Store Brand | Great Value, Kroger | $3.29 |
| Mid-Tier Brand | Land O'Lakes, Challenge | $5.99 |
| Premium Brand | Kerrygold, Plugrá | $6.99+ |
Note: Prices may vary by location and store.
This shows how store-brand butter costs less, while premium brands like Kerrygold come at a higher price.
Butter Prices in Different Cities
Butter doesn’t cost the same everywhere. Some cities pay more, while others pay less.
Why?
Things like shipping, demand, and cost of living all play a role.
How Much Does Butter Cost in Different Cities?
Right now, the average cost of butter in the U.S. is about $4.91 per pound.
But in some places, it's much higher!
Here’s how prices compare in different cities:
| City | Average Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| New York | $5.50 |
| Los Angeles | $5.20 |
| Chicago | $4.80 |
| Houston | $4.60 |
| Philadelphia | $5.00 |
Prices can change depending on the store and brand.
Why Does Butter Cost More in Some Places?
- Shipping Costs: Butter has to be moved from farms to stores. Longer trips mean higher prices.
- More Demand = Higher Prices: Some cities buy more butter, which can push prices up.
- Cost of Living Matters: Places where rent, food, and gas cost more usually have higher butter prices too.
- Supply Chain Issues: If fewer workers are making or delivering butter, prices can go up.
If butter costs too much where you live, compare prices in different stores or look for sales.
Small changes can help you save!
Best Days to Buy Butter
Want to save money on butter? Knowing when to shop can help you pay less per pound.
Grocery stores lower prices at certain times, and holidays bring big discounts.
When Do Grocery Stores Mark Down Butter?
Many stores mark down butter when it's close to the sell-by date.
These markdowns help stores sell butter before it expires.
If you shop at the right time, you can get butter for less.
- Evening markdowns – Some stores drop prices in the evening to clear out products.
- Early morning markdowns – If you shop early, you may find discounted butter before others get to it.
Check with your local store to learn when they do markdowns. This can help you find the lowest cost of butter.
Holiday Sales: The Best Time to Buy Butter Cheap
Big holidays mean big butter sales. Stores drop prices on butter during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
- Thanksgiving (November) – Many stores sell butter cheap for holiday baking.
- Christmas (December) – Grocery chains discount butter to compete for holiday shoppers.
- Easter (March/April) – Butter goes on sale because of Easter meals and desserts.
If you stock up during these sales, you can freeze butter and use it for months.
Best Day of the Week to Buy Butter
Shopping on the right day can also help you pay less for butter.
- Wednesday – Many stores start new sales mid-week. This means fresh discounts on butter price per pound.
- Friday/Saturday – Some stores mark down butter before the weekend rush.
By shopping smart, you can cut the cost of butter per pound and keep more money in your pocket. Try these tips next time you buy butter!
Get Paid to Buy Butter – Grab Your Cashback Card Today!
Butter prices keep going up, but what if you could get money back every time you buy it?
Here’s the truth: With the right cashback card, you can earn up to 6% back on groceries—including butter.
That’s free cash going right into your pocket, just for shopping like you already do.
This isn’t about clipping coupons. No hunting for sales. Just simple, automatic savings.
The Best Cashback Cards to Save on Butter
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). If you spend $500 a month on groceries, that’s $360 back per year!
- Citi Custom Cash® Card – 5% cash back on your top spending category each month (up to $500). That’s $300 back a year if groceries are your top expense.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – 3% cash back on groceries, plus dining, entertainment, and streaming. No annual fee.
How to Get the Most Cash Back on Butter
✅ Use the right card – Pick a card that gives the highest cash back on groceries.
✅ Put all grocery purchases on the card – Maximize rewards by using it every time you buy food.
✅ Check spending limits – Some cards have cashback caps, so plan accordingly.
✅ Pay your balance in full – Don’t pay interest. The goal is to save money, not owe more.
Now, here’s the best part…
👉 Right now, new cardholders can get a $250 welcome bonus.
That’s extra money in your pocket, just for signing up and using the card.
But here’s the catch: Cashback deals change all the time. If you don’t grab this offer now, you might miss out on easy savings.
🔵 Apply now and start saving every time you buy butter!
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links, including to Amazon. If you make a purchase or download through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sources
For accurate butter price data and historical trends, check out these trusted sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Average Price Data
Historical butter prices across U.S. cities.
View the data here - Trading Economics – Butter Commodity Prices
Live market prices and historical trends for butter.
Check current butter prices - Cheese Reporter – Butter Price Averages Since 2001
Annual average butter prices over the last two decades.
See butter price history - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Average Retail Food and Energy Prices
Current and historical retail butter prices in the U.S.
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