How Much Do Sweet Potatoes Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile food that can be made in a variety of ways such as boiled, sautéed and baked.

These potatoes can be used in many recipes and is a favorite filling for pies and muffins because of its natural sweetness.   These vitamin-packed root vegetables are excellent sources of vitamin A and C.

More than half of the volume of sweet potatoes grown in the United States are sold directly for retail, and the remaining percentage is distributed to food processors to be made into other products.

Sweet Potatoes by JeepersMedia, on Flickr
Sweet Potatoes” (CC BY 2.0) by  JeepersMedia

How much do sweet potatoes cost?

On average, sweet potatoes can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $1.50 per pound.

Trader Joes, for instance, sells, what they label as organic sweet potatoes for a $3.99 for a three-pound bag.  However, the prices are slightly different in their East Coast, Midwest and Southeast stores, where as a three-pound bag of organic sweet potatoes sells for only $3.69.

Foodcoop.com lists the current price of sweet potato organic vegetable sourced locally at $1.34 per pound.  The price list is updated every weekday and details the source and the growing practice of its produce.

Like most foods, the more you purchase in bulk, the more you are going to be able to save.  For instance, a 40-pound bag of sweet potatoes could cost anywhere from $14 to $22 per box.

A news report in 2011 by MSUcares.com indicates the Mississippi wholesale price of sweet potatoes can vary anywhere from $15 to $16 per 40-pound box for a number one grade classification, while number two grades are priced around $10 to $11 a box and jumbos are priced $8 to $9 a box.




Factors that affect the price

The price will vary by region.

The demand and supply at a local and national level will also play a major role in the pricing.

The prices also vary depending on production costs while growing the product and transportation involved in bringing it to major markets.

The prices of sweet potatoes can rise and fall depending on the time of the year as well as weather patterns in the area.

The volume per location also dictates the prevailing rate in a particular area.

The period of harvest is taken into consideration as well as the length of time over which buyers can obtain sweet potatoes from an area.

The quality of the crop and reputation of the grower factors in when prices are computed.

Sweet potato overview

A sweet potato will vary in size; however, a medium-sized sweet potato will weigh close to a quarter of a pound, whereas a larger one will weigh about a half pound or so.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C and are also high in minerals such as potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, and folate.

It also has a low-glycemic index meaning it is good for diabetics and also helps promote smooth and clear skin.

Experts also say that sweet potatoes are good sources of calcium and can replenish the calcium that the body uses during times of stress and tension.

What are the extra costs?

Unless you want to simply make baked sweet potatoes, you are going to need other ingredients and seasonings to add to your dish.

Also, while optional, there are many tools that you can purchase to make cooking sweet potatoes easier.  For instance, you can purchase a potato peeler to remove the peels of the potato or a potato masher allows you to create mashed potatoes.  Slicers that can help you make sweet potato fries.

Tips to know:

To store sweet potatoes, be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place inside a well-ventilated container for best results.  If stored properly, they can last up to two weeks, according to North Carolina Sweet Potatoes.

Americans consume more sweet potatoes during the cooler parts of the year, which often translates to higher prices during this period.  There are many recipes that are common during Thanksgiving, for example.

When buying sweet potatoes, choose the dark ones over lighter-skinned varieties as the latter tend to be drier and less sweet.  Also smooth-skinned ones allow you to be able to store them for up to a week from the purchase if you keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place.  If the peels are not smooth, you will only have a few days to use them before they go bad.

One pound of sweet potatoes will be about four cups grated or close to one cup cooked.

How can I save money?

Sweet potatoes are classified into different grades, with the U.S. number one being the most expensive.  However, knowledgeable consumers purchase other grades because they are cheaper and the eating quality is as of the same taste as higher-priced number ones.

If you have a farmer’s market nearby, consider purchasing here.  They can often be a dollar or so cheaper per pound, and they are also much more fresh.

Keep your eyes peeled for sales.  Many supermarkets often have sales in which the price can be as low as $0.30 per pound.


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Average Reported Cost: $2.6

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Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

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  1. ADR (East,  Texas) paid $2.60 and said:

    Azure Standard Co-op has organic yams for $2.67/lb is you buy 8 lbs or $2.20/lb if you buy 20 lbs. That sounded high to me, so I checked your site. Yep, it’s nearly double the cost according to your comparisons. Thank you for the heads up!!

    Azure has great prices on some items – and not-so-great on others. I believe they serve most States, but am unsure. Approximately 1/3 of our grocery budget is spent with them each month.

    Was it worth it? Yes

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