The summer cookout season is officially in full swing across the U.S. For the next few months, families, friends, and neighbors will gather around grills in backyards, parks, and beaches to celebrate milestones, reconnect, and enjoy the long days of summer. Just in time for the season’s kickoff, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has released its annual Marketbasket Survey, giving us a look at what a classic Independence Day picnic will cost this year.
In recent weeks, shoppers across the country scoured local grocery stores to price out picnic staples: cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato salad, pork and beans, strawberries, chips, chocolate chip cookies, lemonade, and, of course, ice cream. It’s the classic summer spread—and just reading the list might make your mouth water.
According to the 2025 survey results, a cookout for 10 people this holiday week will average $70.92. That’s down just slightly from last year’s record high of $71.22—but it is still about 19% higher than it was five years ago. So, what’s driving the numbers this year?
Digging into the data, beef is a significant contributor to high prices this year. Two pounds of ground beef—essential for those sizzling cheeseburgers—averaged $13.33, a more than 50-cent increase from last year. That’s the highest price for ground beef ever recorded in the history of the AFBF survey. Drought conditions have reduced the nation’s cattle herd to historic lows, leading to tighter beef supplies in cold storage.
Chicken prices remained relatively stable, rising just 4 cents to $7.79 for two pounds. Unlike past years, most of the poultry industry dodged major implications from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), helping stabilize supply. The pork chops provided some relief to shoppers, dropping nearly 9% to an average of $14.13 for three pounds—the largest price decrease across all surveyed items.
Other notable dishes also saw price swings. Strawberries, a summertime favorite, are up 8 cents per pound and lemonade—a picnic staple—also saw a bump, with the cost up more than 4%.
Regional differences also play a role. Midwesterners can expect to spend about $69.87 for a cookout, while those in the western U.S. will pay the most at $73.50. Still, that’s a noticeable drop from $80.88 last year in the Western region.
While consumers may notice slight changes at checkout, it’s important to remember that very little of that money makes its way back to the farmers and ranchers producing the food. On average, just 15.9 cents of every dollar spent on food at the grocery store goes to the people who grow and raise it. Meanwhile, farmers continue to face historically high production costs—from fuel and fertilizer to equipment and labor.
So, as we fire up the grills and gather to celebrate America’s independence, this snapshot of the 2025 picnic Marketbasket is more than just a grocery list. It’s a reflection of a complex food system shaped by weather, economics, global trade, and hard-working producers who keep our tables full. Here’s to a season of gratitude, good company, and the enduring traditions that bring us together—one cheeseburger at a time.
For more information about the AFBF Marketbasket Survey, visit here.
