Savannah, Georgia – As you kick off your July 4th celebrations and get the grill ready, it might be interesting to note that while the average cost for a cookout has dipped a bit compared to last year, some prices at the grocery store could still surprise you.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has reported that this year’s average cost for a July 4 picnic ranks as the second highest since they began tracking prices in 2013.
This year, the cost for a picnic catering to ten people is about $70.92, just slightly down from last year’s $71.22.
“Inflation and a limited supply of certain food items have made it tough for families,” remarked Samantha Ayub, a quasi-economist with the AFBF. “But just because prices are high, it doesn’t mean that farmers are seeing more money.”
She added, “Farmers earn from prices, they don’t set them. They only receive about 15% of retail food dollars. Plus, running a farm has become pricier due to factors like labor, transport, and taxes.”
The AFBF gathers pricing data on cookout essentials such as cheeseburgers and potato salad from various grocery stores across the country, compiling this information in early June.
This year’s data reveals that prices for beef, potato salad, and canned pork and beans have increased, while costs for pork chops, chips, and hamburger buns have actually decreased.
To give you an idea, here’s a snapshot of some of the prices:
| Item | 2025 Price | 2024 Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 pounds of minced beef | $13.33 | $12.77 |
| Chicken breast, 2 pounds | $7.79 | $7.83 |
| Pork chop, 3 pounds | $7.79 | $15.49 |
| Cheese, 1 pound | $3.54 | $3.57 |
| Hamburger bread, 1 package | $2.35 | $2.41 |
| Homemade potato salad, 2 1/2 pounds | $3.54 | $3.32 |
| Pork and beans, 2 pounds | $2.69 | $2.49 |
| Potato chips, 16 oz bag | $4.80 | $4.90 |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies, 13 oz Package | $4.00 | $3.99 |
| Ice cream, 1/2 gallon | $5.69 | $5.65 |
| Strawberry, 2 pints | $4.69 | $4.61 |
| Lemonade, 2 1/2 quarts | $4.37 | $4.19 |
| Total: | $70.92 | $71.22 |
The AFBF has indicated that pricing for beef in 2025 is the most favorable since they began tracking these costs. The recent price hikes are attributed to droughts, consumer demand, and the potential threat posed by new world screwworms. In contrast, pork prices saw a decrease due to increased production and heavier market weights.
Another analysis by Wells Fargo noted that similar products saw price increases over the past year, with cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, and baby carrots all rising by at least 1%. Interestingly, cherry tomatoes jumped by 3.7% during that time.
You might find that traditional cookout favorites like apple pie (up 1.5%), beer and wine (less than 2%), and flavored sparkling water (up 4.7%) have also experienced rising prices. Additionally, egg prices are still notably high due to avian flu, showing a staggering 40% increase compared to last year, according to Wells Fargo.
The latest Consumer Price Index indicates a 2.2% rise in home food costs from last year, while dining out has seen a 3.8% increase in expenses.
