Americans firing up the grill this Fourth of July can expect to spend more at the grocery store, with higher prices for beef, chicken, pork and fresh produce pushing the cost of a traditional holiday cookout to a record high.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Summer Cookout Cost Survey, a classic Independence Day meal for 10 people will cost an average of $73.82, or about $7.38 per person. That’s an increase of $2.90, or 4%, from last year.
The survey includes holiday favorites such as cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato chips, pork and beans, potato salad, fresh strawberries, lemonade, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.
While the total is the highest since Farm Bureau launched the survey in 2016, the organization says the increase closely mirrors the broader economy.
“Families are seeing higher prices at the grocery store, but this year’s cookout cost is generally moving in line with the broader economy,” Farm Bureau says.
Overall U.S. inflation increased 4.2% during the 12 months ending in May, meaning the price of this year’s cookout is rising at about the same pace as inflation overall.
Upgrade the Menu, Expect a Bigger Bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s survey measures the cost of a traditional Fourth of July meal, but many hosts go beyond the basics with additional appetizers, desserts and drinks.
The Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute estimates hosting a more complete summer barbecue for 10 people will cost about $161, or roughly $16 per guest, this year. The estimate includes a wider assortment of food and beverages, giving hosts a look at what it costs to offer guests more than the traditional cookout staples.
“While $16 per person might sound like a lot initially, it represents a good value for all the food and beverages needed to host an outdoor celebration,” the report says.
Beef Continues to Lead Price Increases
Ground beef remains one of the biggest drivers behind this year’s higher grocery bill. Two pounds of ground beef now cost $14.06, up 73 cents, or 5.5%, from last year and the highest beef price recorded in the Farm Bureau survey.
The organization says beef prices remain elevated because ranchers continue to rebuild the national cattle herd following years of drought and rising production costs.
“Rebuilding takes time, so consumers may continue to see higher beef prices,” Farm Bureau says.
Wells Fargo’s analysis tells a similar story, finding hamburger prices are up 14% from last year. As a result, economists suggest consumers looking to stretch their grocery budget may want to rethink what’s going on the grill.
“Those looking to save might consider changing the ratio of the grill,” Wells Fargo says. “Chicken breasts may offer a cost-friendly option.”
Chicken breasts increased 3.5% in the Farm Bureau survey to $8.06 for two pounds, while three pounds of pork chops rose 4.7% to $14.79. Wells Fargo also found pork shoulder prices were essentially unchanged and pork ribs increased about 3%, making slow-cooked pork another budget-friendly alternative.
Side Dishes Tell Two Different Stories
Some of the biggest grocery price swings came from the side dishes.
Fresh strawberries increased 12.4% to $5.27 for two pints after a damaging frost in Florida reduced supplies. Farm Bureau also cited higher labor, fuel, refrigeration and transportation costs for fresh produce.
Pork and beans recorded the largest percentage increase in the survey, climbing 13.8%.
Not every item became more expensive, however.
Homemade potato salad ingredients dropped nearly 18%, thanks largely to lower egg prices after laying flocks recovered from highly pathogenic avian influenza. Potato chips also declined slightly as potato prices eased.
Wells Fargo notes shoppers choosing convenience over homemade foods may not see the same savings. Prepared potato salad increased 3%, reflecting higher labor costs, while purchasing a pre-cut vegetable tray instead of preparing vegetables at home can add about $7 to the grocery bill.
Desserts and Drinks Add Up
Dessert prices remained relatively modest compared to some other grocery categories.
Farm Bureau found chocolate chip cookies increased 6.3% and a half-gallon of ice cream rose 5.3%. Wells Fargo similarly reported store-bought cookies increased just 1%, ice cream rose 2% and apple pie climbed 4%, keeping dessert prices largely in line with overall food inflation.
Beverages, however, continue to be a significant contributor to the total cost of hosting.
Wells Fargo expects consumers to pay about 4% more for drinks this summer. Beer and wine prices increased only about 1%, while ready-to-drink cocktails remained flat compared to last year. The report suggests hosts looking to save money may want to consider asking guests to bring their own beverages.
Beyond the Price Tag
While this year’s Fourth of July cookout carries the highest price tag on record, inflation-adjusted numbers provide additional context. Using the Consumer Price Index, Farm Bureau found the cookout basket costs $22.03 in 1982-84 dollars, virtually unchanged from $22.06 last year.
“While families are paying more dollars at checkout, the purchasing-power cost of the basket is nearly flat from last year,” the federation says.
Whether families spend about $74 on a traditional Fourth of July cookout or closer to $161 on a full backyard barbecue with beverages, the message from both reports is similar: consumers are paying more this summer, but increases are largely tracking inflation. Strategic menu choices—such as incorporating more chicken or pork, making side dishes from scratch and keeping beverages simple—can help hosts keep costs under control while still enjoying one of America’s favorite summer traditions.
