Barbecue staples cost up 13%

Memorial Day grocery shopping got more expensive this year, according to reports published May 22 and May 23 that tracked the cost of barbecue staples ahead of the holiday weekend. ConsumerAffairs reported beef prices were near record highs as Americans prepared for cookouts, while The Cool Down, citing a Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative analysis, said classic barbecue foods cost an average of 13% more than a year earlier. Yellow corn posted the steepest increase in that analysis, nearly doubling in price. CNBC separately reported that shoppers were also paying more for gas, meat and travel heading into the weekend. ### How much more are shoppers paying for a cookout? A May 23 analysis cited by The Cool Down found that classic barbecue foods now cost 13% more than they did a year ago. The report, by the Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative, covered common cookout items including burgers, hot dogs and watermelon. Yellow corn showed the biggest jump in the analysis. (consumeraffairs.com) Six ears averaged $5.90 this year, up from $2.97 a year earlier, The Cool Down reported, a rise of nearly 98%. CNBC reported on May 23 that ground beef and steaks were up as much as 16% from 2025, frankfurters cost nearly 11% more, tomatoes were close to 40% higher and lettuce was up about 8%. (thecooldown.com) Beer prices rose 2.2%, while carbonated drinks were 3.7% higher, CNBC said. ### Why is beef getting so expensive? ConsumerAffairs reported on May 22 that beef prices were being pushed up by the smallest U.S. cattle herd in more than 70 years, along with drought conditions, high feed costs and strong demand. (thecooldown.com) The report said ground beef, steaks and brisket were all expected to cost more this year. (cnbc.com) Kelly Schmidt, chief executive director of the Minnesota Beef Council, told KSTP-TV that supply was the main driver. “Our cow herd is the smallest it’s been in over 70 years,” Schmidt said, according to ConsumerAffairs. ConsumerAffairs said ranchers have reduced herd sizes after years of drought and rising operating expenses. (consumeraffairs.com) Rebuilding herds takes time because producers must retain female cattle for breeding rather than send them to market, the report said. ### Are there cheaper substitutes for beef? (consumeraffairs.com) ConsumerAffairs said pork, chicken, sausages and plant-based proteins were emerging as lower-cost alternatives for holiday grilling. Its report said pork shoulder, pork chops, ribs and pulled pork remained cheaper than comparable beef cuts. (consumeraffairs.com) That shift was tied to beef’s supply squeeze rather than a broad drop in all meat prices. ConsumerAffairs said consumers were still buying burgers and steaks despite higher prices, keeping pressure on retailers to avoid deep discounts during the start of grilling season. ### Is this only about food prices? (consumeraffairs.com) CNBC reported that the holiday squeeze extended beyond the grocery aisle. U.S. consumers were paying more for fuel, travel, recreation and food heading into Memorial Day weekend, with overall consumer inflation up 3.8% in April from a year earlier, according to federal government data cited by CNBC. (consumeraffairs.com) Breyon Williams, chief economist at Groundwork Collaborative, told Scripps News in comments cited by The Cool Down that shoppers should expect rising costs to go beyond meat. Janelle Jones, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation and a former Labor Department chief economist, said higher diesel prices matter because most food in the United States is moved by truck. (cnbc.com) ### What should shoppers watch next? Memorial Day weekend is the immediate test for how much households will absorb at the store and at the pump. ConsumerAffairs published its cookout report on May 22, and The Cool Down and CNBC followed on May 23, giving shoppers fresh price snapshots as they made last-minute holiday purchases. (consumeraffairs.com) (thecooldown.com)