In an economy where a quick trip to the grocery store can cost $100 or more, shoppers hunt for a good deal.
That’s why some people are balking at the price tag on H-E-B’s “large” sliced brisket sandwich — sold through the store’s True Texas BBQ brand.
“$15 for a brisket sandwich,” Reddit user ikedriver2000 wrote in a March 31 update to the r/HEB page. “Are they serious? … Honestly how many of these are thrown away?”
The post featured a photo of a ready-to-eat sandwich wrapped in plastic, topped with a label that set the price at $15.49. The sandwich, packed the day before the post was created, weighed approximately 12 ounces.
It’s unclear if the measured weight included just the brisket, or the brisket and the bread. Either way, people in the comments weren’t happy about the price tag, and they certainly weren’t shy about sharing their perspectives.
“… they charging more than Bucees,” wrote Tomdg910, referencing the beaver-themed gas station’s $13 Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL.
“And only 50¢ less than terry blacks,” another commenter added. According to the restaurant’s menu, Terry Black’s actually charges $17.50 for a sliced brisket sandwich. “So I am getting a deal!” Psychological-Tea998 wrote. “And soggy bun,” Day_Prisoners responded.
Other commenters, like Badgrotz, pointed out that “Beef is getting expensive,” and that “The price of meat is high, ergo so are brisket sandwiches.”
The price of beef has increased over 50% since February 2020, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals. Why? According to a September 2025 report from NPR, it’s simply “the law of supply and demand.” While America’s beef cattle population is at a 75-year low, the demand for beef products remains high.
In all, the post gathered 3,000 upvotes and over 500 comments before getting locked by moderators, who reminded Redditors to “follow our content guidelines. No political / controversial topics are permitted.”
H-E-B said it appreciates hearing from its customers.
“The sandwich mentioned includes a generous half pound of Prime smoked brisket, which is smoked in-house by H-E-B pitmasters,” the grocer said in a statement. “We work hard to offer high‑quality, Prime‑grade brisket at a price that delivers strong value.”