LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Independence Day is almost here and Americans across the country are gearing up for a celebration filled with fireworks, fun, and, of course, food. This year’s Fourth of July cookouts are expected to showcase traditional favorites and some emerging trends. Let’s dive into what will be sizzling on grills and gracing picnic tables, as well as the cost of these festive feasts.
Top trending cookout items.
According to data from Instacart’s “Flavors of the Fourth” report, several items are experiencing a significant surge in popularity in the lead-up to July 4th. These items include yellow corn, charcoal, potato salad, baby back ribs, hot dog buns, canned baked beans, bratwurst, frozen beef burgers, watermelon and beef patties.
Cost of Fourth of July foods.
Burgers: According to Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute, home-cooked burgers remain a budget- friendly option. The current cost of ingredients to prepare a quarter-pound cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato at home is approximately $2.16, far less than going out to a fast-food restaurant which clocks in around $6.95 or more. The burger cost includes: a quarter pound of ground beef, a hamburger bun, a slice of cheese, lettuce and a slice of tomato. Roughly 375 million burgers will be eaten on Independence Day, whether they come out of a kitchen or off a grill.
Hot Dogs: The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that Americans will consume 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July. With the cost of hot dogs and buns relatively stable, this classic choice remains an affordable crowd-pleaser. Most people can get a whole package of dogs for what you would pay for just one hot dog if you eat out.
According to the Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute, here are side dishes and other foods they looked at that might appear on your cookout menu:
SIDE DISHES
- Potato Salad: White potatoes are approximately $0.96 per pound, a 4.4% drop from last year, making homemade potato salad a cost-effective side.
- Potato Chips: Prices have increased by 2.7%, but they remain a popular and reasonably priced option for snacks.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Salsa prices are up 2.5%, while guacamole has decreased by 1.1%, making tortilla chips with guacamole a smart choice.
BEVERAGES
- Iced Tea: Ready-to-drink iced tea prices have risen 2.4%, but making iced tea at home can offer significant savings.
- Beer and Wine: Beer and wine prices continue to rise. For those looking to save, preparing drinks at home is a more economical option.
- Soft Drinks: Prices for 12-ounce cans have risen by 4.8%, whereas 2-liter bottles have decreased by 6.5%, making larger bottles a better buy.
DESSERTS
- Ice Cream: Prices have increased by 3.3% but this delicious delight, but it still remains a favorite for many. Root beer for floats have seen an 8.8% price hike, reflecting higher sweetener and packaging costs.
- Baked Goods: Cakes and cupcakes have increased by 1.6% and 5.6%, respectively, due to rising wage rates in bakeries. Baking at home can help mitigate these costs, even though cake mix prices are up 6.6%.
Saving tips for the Fourth.
This year’s American Farm Bureau Fourth of July market basket reveals that the average cost of summer cookout essentials – like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato chips, pork and beans, fresh strawberries, homemade potato salad, fresh-squeezed lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream – has risen to $71.22 for a gathering of 10 people. This marks a 5% increase from last year and a 30% hike compared to five years ago. For the first time ever, the cost per person has surpassed $7.
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To maximize savings, consider preparing more items at home rather than dining out. The joy of cooking and sharing meals with friends and family can also enhance the holiday experience.
By choosing cost-effective ingredients and making strategic purchases, it’s possible to enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly Fourth of July celebration. Budgeting and planning ahead are keys to a cost-effective Four of July food celebration.
So fire up those grills, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the festive foods that make this holiday special.
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