What Is the Average Cost of Lye per pound? Average Lye Price

The average cost of lye is $4 per pound. There is no major fluctuation in the prices of lye as the costs of raw materials register only a nominal increase. Lye or sodium hydroxide and commonly known as caustic soda, is generally manufactured using a membrane cell method. Solid dry lye is commonly available as flakes, pellets, coarse powder as well as solution often dissolved in water. Lye is used to cure many types of food, including lutefisk, green olives, canned mandarin oranges, hominy, lye rolls, century eggs and pretzels. In the US, food-grade lye should meet the guidelines as stipulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Lower grades of lye are commonly used as drain openers and oven cleaners.