Rising Food Prices: What Americans Should Know for a Budget-Friendly Independence Day Cookout

Americans can expect to spend about the same on their Fourth of July cookouts this year as last year. According to a report from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), a cookout for ten people will cost around $70.92, down slightly from $71.22 last year. In 2023, the same cookout cost $67.73.

Most staple items on the grocery list have similar prices to last year, even with food costs rising by about 2.2% overall, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some specific items saw price changes: for instance, ground beef and pork and beans have gotten pricier, while potato chips and hamburger buns are cheaper. Despite these stable prices, many Americans are still concerned about food costs. “Inflation and reduced supply for some food items continue to drive prices up,” said AFBF economist Samantha Ayoub. She pointed out that even though prices are high, farmers see only a small piece of the retail dollar—about 15%. Farming costs, such as labor and transportation, have also increased.

Regionally, prices vary. The western U.S. has the most expensive cookout costs at about $73.50. In contrast, the Northeast boasts the lowest average, where a cookout for ten costs around $63.79. The Midwest and South are in between, with average costs of $69.87 and $68.93, respectively.

According to the AFBF, each year, volunteer shoppers from across the country check prices in grocery stores to compile this data. Here’s a snapshot of some individual item prices for a typical summer cookout:

• Ground beef (2 lbs): $13.33 (up 4.4%)
• Chicken breasts (2 lbs): $7.79 (down 0.5%)
• Pork chops (3 lbs): $14.13 (down 8.8%)
• Cheese (1 lb): $3.54 (down 0.9%)
• Hamburger buns (1 package): $2.35 (down 2.6%)
• Potato salad (2.5 lbs homemade): $3.54 (up 6.6%)
• Pork and beans (32 oz): $2.69 (up 8.2%)
• Potato chips (16 oz): $4.80 (down 2.1%)
• Chocolate chip cookies (13 oz): $4.00 (up 0.3%)
• Ice cream (½ gallon): $5.69 (up 0.7%)
• Strawberries (2 pints): $4.69 (up 1.7%)
• Lemonade (2.5 quarts): $4.37 (up 4.2%)

This data gives shoppers insight into what they might spend for the holiday. As people gather for barbecues and celebrations this Fourth of July, understanding these price trends can help families budget better while still enjoying their cookouts.

For more details, check out the American Farm Bureau Federation’s report.

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