Americans planning a Memorial Day cookout may notice higher prices this year, especially for classic barbecue staples like burgers, steaks and fresh vegetables.
Recent inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that several popular cookout items have become more expensive compared with last year. Beef prices have seen some of the biggest increases, with ground beef up 14.5% and steak prices up 16.1%.
One major reason is the shrinking U.S. cattle supply. Cattle inventories have fallen to their lowest level in more than 70 years as ranchers continue dealing with drought conditions, higher costs and smaller herds.
Hot dogs may offer some relief compared with beef, though prices are still higher. The cost of frankfurters has increased 10.7% over the past year.
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Chicken is one of the few cookout meats that has become slightly cheaper. Overall chicken prices are down 0.7% from a year ago, while fresh whole chicken prices dropped 1.8%.
Vegetables are also adding pressure to grocery bills. Fresh vegetable prices are up 11.5% over the last year, with tomatoes seeing one of the sharpest increases at 39.7%. Lettuce prices have risen 7.9%, while potatoes have become cheaper, falling 3%.
Fruit prices have increased more moderately. Fresh fruits are up 2.1% compared with last year, led by citrus fruits, bananas and apples.
Desserts will also cost more for many families. Prices for cakes, cupcakes and cookies are up 5.1%, while ice cream prices have climbed 2.7%.
Beverages have seen smaller increases. Carbonated drinks are up 3.7%, while juices and noncarbonated drinks have risen 2.3%.
Alcohol prices have remained mostly stable overall. Beer prices are up 2.2%, distilled spirits are nearly flat, and wine prices have slightly declined.
The data shows that while some items like chicken and potatoes may help shoppers save, many Memorial Day cookout favorites will cost more this year as inflation continues to affect grocery prices.
Memorial Day Cookouts Are Getting More Expensive as Beef Prices Surge https://t.co/pdX9egdAn8
— Barron’s (@barronsonline) May 22, 2026
