The Cost of Onions
Last Updated on July 7, 2021 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on July 7, 2021 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
Onions and garlic are both members of the Allium family, which is known for its sulfur-containing compounds that help give them their distinctive odors. Onions may be low in calories with only 50 per serving but they’re high in vitamin C and fiber as well.
How much do onions cost?
Onions, on average, will cost anywhere between $1 and $4 per pound, regardless of the type you’re going for. You can check out our table below to see each type of onion with its individual cost:
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Yellow Onion | $0.30 to $1.25 per pound |
| White Onion | $0.30 to $1.25 per pound |
| Pearl Onion | $4 per 10-ounce bag |
| Spring Onion | $2 per bunch |
| Red Onion | $0.30 to $1.25 per pound |
| Shallot | $1 per pound |
| Scallion | $1.50 per 6-ounce bunch |
| Ramps | $2.50 to $4 per bunch |
| Vidalias | $0.30 to $1.25 per pound |
| Leeks | $2.50 per pound |
| Cippolini | $3~ each |
An onion is a vegetable that can be found at grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Some onions are sold by the pound, while others come in bunches of 12 or more. Regardless of how they will be sold, prices will vary depending on what kind you’re buying and where you live.
The different colors of onions all have their own unique flavor and price. Among the most expensive type, the red onion is known for its rich taste that makes it stand out from the others. In contrast to this more pricey variety, white or brown onions are less costly but still provide a fresh alternative with an earthy sweetness.
The price of a pound or bunch of scallions differs from store to store, but you will usually find them at around $0.50-$1 per pound and the average cost for one bundle is about $1-$2. One of the most popular types of onion is yellow. They are usually sold by the pound and cost around $1 to $2 per pound, but in years where there’s a low crop outlook, their price can go up significantly.
Vidalia onions, with their sweet taste and delicate texture, can cost twice as much per bag compared to a standard yellow onion. The price of Vidalia’s varies depending on location; in Georgia, they are about $1.25 per pound while Canada prices come out at around $1,50 for 10 bulbs from the average 3lb bag.
You might also like our articles about the cost of potatoes, cilantro, or mason jars.
One USDA report says the average fresh pound of onions will cost $1.04. However, a loose yellow onion with no label would be close to $1.50 or more while an organic mini purplette onion is going for $3,50 each.
Elements that will influence the cost of onions
The location
The production of onions is highly restricted to a few regions in the country, which can make it expensive for those who do not have access. For example, Vidalia onions cannot be grown outside of Georgia and must therefore be imported from other states like Iowa where they are more readily available.
The season
Onions are seasonal, just like most vegetables and fruits. When it’s the offseason in your region you’re likely to pay more per pound as a result of supply being lower than demand.
Their production
With the wide variety of onions on the market, it’s important to know which type is right for you. If you’re looking for all-natural produce with no preservatives whatsoever, then organic may be your best bet. However, if price matters more than anything else then an onion has been grown in a controlled setting or one grown using preservatives might be better for you.
Important things to consider
Onions are used in almost every dish to add flavor, and their benefits don’t stop there. They can also be a great way to repel insects – for example, you may rub onion on the bottom of your feet before going camping if mosquitoes have been an issue. Onions provide various medicinal effects as well; they’re rich in vitamin C which is key when treating colds or asthma attacks with inhalation methods like vaporizing onions over hot water. Additionally, onions contain fiber that’s essential for digestion purposes.
The National Onion Association of USA has come out with guidelines for purchasing onions. They recommend looking at the outer skin to make sure it’s dry and free from blemishes or spots, as well as checking that the onion is heavy in proportion to its size. Any weird smell should be absent too.
Onions are a great vegetable, not only because of their flavor but also for the numerous health benefits they provide. To store dry bulb onions properly and maximize storage life, it is best to keep them in cool places with good ventilation that does not contain any plastic bags.
Is there any way to spend less?
You can save money by shopping around or planting and growing your own onions. If you have the time, means to plant and grow them in a vegetable garden then it will most likely end up being the cheapest way of getting onions.
Why not buy onions in bulk? This way, you can save both money and time and stores usually have big bags of 10 pounds or more for as little as $3 to $6. You may be able to find even better deals at one of the many farmers’ markets that are popping up around your city.
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