Smithfield Vs Hatfield: Which Brand Has More Affordable Ribs?

With Memorial Day fast approaching, the question of what ribs to buy has never been so important. The right ribs are the star of any backyard BBQ, whether they are baked and then grilled with Ina Garten's method, or perhaps doused in the best maple syrup marinade you've ever tasted. If you are leery about cooking your own raw ribs from scratch, however, you might be tempted to buy sauced and packaged ribs at your favorite supermarket to avoid any risk of big day snafus. Of commercially-available brands you might find at the grocery store, Hatfield and Smithfield are two major players. Who delivers the more affordable ribs? The answer might surprise you.

On the whole, Hatfield ribs tend to come in smaller packages and cost more on a per-ounce basis. Multiple stores offered hickory-smoked, sauced baby back ribs in 17.6-ounce packages (for the math-challenged, that's just over a pound) for between 66 cents and 72 cents per ounce. On the other hand, Smithfield offers bigger packages — its baby back ribs with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce are 38-ouncers — with lower per-ounce tallies of between 47 cents and 52 cents per ounce. The products, while close, aren't precisely the same, and it doesn't seem that many stores carry both brands under one roof, which may limit your choices. Smithfield ribs are technically cheaper, but that doesn't tell the whole story.

There's a difference between baby back and spare ribs, but there's also a difference between ribs that have a sauce and just need to be cooked through, and those that are raw and need extensive spicing, saucing, and/or rubbing. Both Smithfield and Hatfield ribs appeal to those who want an easier path to delicious ribs, but the packaging counts when making a decision. Since Smithfield ribs come in bigger packages, they may not suit your needs for your Memorial Day cookout if you aren't cooking for at least a few guests. The smaller packages of the Hatfield ribs could be a bonus if you are serving just a couple of people and/or have lots of other options at hand, like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings. On the other hand, if you are serving a crowd or making ribs the main attraction, the savings and bigger packages that Smithfield offers are a no-brainer.

This Memorial Day, grocery store ribs may be a viable option for those who want a little more simplicity in their spread. If you have the option between Smithfield and Hatfield ribs — which, again, you might not, since not many establishments carry both — you can inform your decision with the fact that Smithfield is technically cheaper, but Hatfield offers smaller packages that may suit you better despite the higher cost. No matter which way you go, we're sending you delicious vibes for an unforgettable holiday weekend feast!