Americans are gearing up for one of our nation’s most celebrated summer holidays, and that means preparing to spend a lot more for the Fourth of July cookout.
According to a new study from Wells Fargo and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average 10-person cookout will cost Americans 11% more than it did last year.
The study was conducted by food and agribusiness advisors at Wells Fargo, who are tasked with following food industry price trends. The study concluded that families may have to swap out BBQ favorites for some creative alternatives.
The pandemic has disrupted global supply chains. The costs of corn and soybeans, which are used in animal feed, have skyrocketed. In recent months, U.S. poultry farmers have culled millions of chickens as a bout of bird flu swept through flocks, NPR reported.
The ongoing war in Ukraine is also affecting wheat prices. Ukraine, one of the world’s top wheat exporters, has been blocked by Russia from distributing grain supplies from the country.
Here’s how much the average cost for America’s top barbecue essentials has gone up.
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Pork, up 3.1%
Compared to last year’s national average, data from Wells Fargo and BLS shows that the price of pork has gone up by 3.1% in 2022. For being one of the more essential items at a barbecue, that might not be too bad compared to other backyard staples.
Wine, up by 5.8%
If you were planning on having a more upscale experience this Fourth of July, it might be time to trade in the dream with something more affordable, like seltzers. Wine is up nearly 6 percent this year in comparison to last year.
Ice Cream, up by 6%
Sorry kiddos, your parents may need to do without the gallons of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. This year, buying ice cream for the neighborhood barbecue will be a bit more costly than in 2022.
Hot Dogs, up by 6.3%
You can’t invite friends, family, and neighbors to a barbecue without franks. Staying in the barbecue good graces will cost you more this holiday.
Fruits and vegetables, up by 7%
Not that anyone is particularly keen on celebrating health and sustainability during one of the most American holidays on the calendar, but if you were planning on keeping things green, you may want to reconsider. Produce is up by 7% this year.
Shrimp, up by 8.2%
“Put a shrimp on the barbie?” Maybe not this year. Seafood boils across the nation will require a bit more from your wallet.
Hot dog and hamburger buns, up by 10%
For whatever reason, a food item that costs less to make costs a little more than one of the meats it goes with. Buns for hot dogs and burgers are up by significantly this year.
Ground beef, up by 11.8%
And speaking of burgers, if you’re going the homemade route again, it’ll cost you nearly 12 percent more this year than it did last year. You could always buy them frozen or premade to save.
Sodas, up by 13%
The costs for soft drinks like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Sprite and others have gone up by 13% this year.
Chicken breast, up by 24%
Poultry is included on the list of barbecue staples that have fallen victim to inflation this year. Chicken breast prices have grown by a quarter.
Beer, up by 25%
This year’s Fourth of July party might be a dry one unless you’re willing to dish out some extra cash for the neighborhood booze pool. The retail price of beer has skyrocketed over the past 12 months.
Wings, up by 38%
Last, and certainly not least, we have chicken wings, which are unarguably one of the most popular meats at any American barbecue. Costs for the beloved food have climbed by nearly 40 percent this year. Are they still included on your menu?
