Beef prices hit record ahead of Memorial Day

U.S. shoppers heading into Memorial Day weekend are facing record beef prices, with average ground beef reaching $6.90 per pound in April, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data published this month. Fox Business reported on May 23 that BLS figures showed ground beef prices were up 14.5% from a year earlier, while steak prices rose 16.1%. Quartz separately reported that the $6.90 figure was a record ahead of the holiday weekend. The data lands as retailers and consumers prepare for one of the busiest grilling weekends of the year. ### Where did the $6.90 figure come from? The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes monthly average price data alongside its Consumer Price Index releases, including a national average for 100% ground beef sold per pound. The St. Louis Fed’s FRED database, which republishes BLS data, showed an April 2026 reading of 6.899 dollars per pound, which rounds to $6.90. BLS updated that series on May 12 and lists the next release date as June 10, 2026. (foxbusiness.com) April 2026 was the latest month available in the federal data cited in the Memorial Day coverage. Quartz and Yahoo Finance both described that reading as a record for ground beef prices in the United States. ### How much are beef prices up from a year ago? Fox Business reported on May 23 that BLS data showed ground beef prices rose 14.5% year over year and steak prices increased 16.1%. (bls.gov) The same report said frankfurters were up 10.7% over the same period, while chicken prices were down modestly from a year earlier. (qz.com) The broader April 2026 Consumer Price Index showed overall inflation running above that pace for many food categories tied to cookouts. BLS said the all-items CPI increased 3.8% over the prior 12 months, while separate average-price and category data showed sharper moves in several grocery items. ### Why are beef prices so high going into grilling season? (foxbusiness.com) Fox Business said U.S. cattle inventories have fallen to their lowest level in more than 70 years, citing drought-driven herd liquidation and higher ranching costs. ConsumerAffairs, in similar Memorial Day coverage, said low cattle supply and firm demand were pushing some shoppers toward cheaper proteins. (bls.gov) That supply backdrop has been colliding with seasonal demand. Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of peak summer grilling demand in the United States, and beef prices are rising as households stock up for burgers and steaks over the holiday weekend. Quartz said the increase was adding pressure to family cookout budgets. (foxbusiness.com) ### Are other cookout staples getting more expensive too? Fox Business reported that fresh vegetables were up 11.5% from a year earlier, with tomato prices up 39.7% and lettuce up 7.9%. The same report said cakes, cupcakes and cookies rose 5.1%, while ice cream was up 2.7%. (qz.com) Not every item moved higher. Fox Business said potato prices fell 3% from a year earlier, and chicken prices were down 0.7%, including a 1.8% decline for fresh whole chicken. ### What should shoppers watch next? June 10, 2026, is the next scheduled BLS release date for Consumer Price Index data and updated average price series, including ground beef. (foxbusiness.com) That report will show whether the April record held, rose further, or eased after Memorial Day demand. (fred.stlouisfed.org)