Buy Brisket May 2026

Avoid briskets that taper off into a very thin flat. A thin end will dry out and need to be trimmed away, leading to waste.

Buying a brisket, especially for low-and-slow barbecue, requires careful consideration of the cut, grade, and physical characteristics of the meat. A standard whole-packer brisket typically weighs between 11 and 18 pounds. For the best results, experts recommend looking for a (at least 1 inch thick at the end) and a "floppy" texture that allows the meat to bend in its packaging. 1. Brisket Anatomy: Point vs. Flat buy brisket

When shopping at retailers like Costco or Sam's Club, use these physical tests to find the best piece: Avoid briskets that taper off into a very thin flat

Pick up the brisket in its cryovac packaging. If it bends easily or "droops," it indicates less stiff fat and more tender meat. A standard whole-packer brisket typically weighs between 11