As Memorial Day approaches, many families are planning backyard barbecues. But this year, the cost of a classic cookout is higher than before. If you’re looking to save some money without giving up the fun, a few small changes to your food choices could help. Experts suggest skipping two common barbecue items to keep your budget in check – but not everyone in the family will be happy about it.
Hot Dogs and Soda Might Break the Bank
According to Brad LaRock, Senior VP of Marketing at Datasembly, families can save more if they switch from hot dogs to hamburgers. His team looked at food prices and found that hot dogs have gone up a lot in price – nearly 19% more than last year. In comparison, hamburger patties are actually cheaper now, with prices dropping by about 3.42%. Even the burger buns and cheese slices have become slightly cheaper.
LaRock also suggested cutting back on soda to save more. A 12-pack of soda now costs about 11.8% more than it did last year. So, sticking with other drinks like water, lemonade, or iced tea might be a smarter choice for your wallet.
Barbecue Costs Are Up All Around
It’s not just hot dogs and soda. Many typical barbecue items have become more expensive. For example, chicken thighs now cost around 3.09% more, and baked beans have gone up by 4.55%. Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish are also a little pricier this year. Only barbecue sauce has stayed about the same in price.
The total cost for a Memorial Day barbecue has gone up by about 3.41% since last year, according to Datasembly’s research. So, every small change can add up to big savings for families planning a party.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
Some people may think that these price increases are due to tariffs or government policies. However, LaRock explained that it’s more about domestic issues. He said the rise in prices is mostly due to things like higher labor costs, seasonal demand, and how food is produced and distributed – not global trade tariffs.
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s, also said that cookout prices are likely to go up even more by the Fourth of July. And the USDA has predicted that grocery prices will increase by 3.2% overall by the end of 2025.
Deals and Discounts Still Available
Even though food prices are up, there are still some good sales going on for Memorial Day. For example, BLAQ is offering up to 30% off on selected products. Hotel Collection is giving 70% off on luxury candle scents, and Aroma360 also has a 70% discount on their hotel-inspired items.
So, while you might want to cut out hot dogs and soda to save money, you can still find deals in other places to make your celebration special.
This Memorial Day, a few simple swaps – like choosing burgers over hot dogs and skipping soda – could help save your family some money. While these changes might not please everyone, they can make a big difference to your budget.
With food prices rising due to domestic reasons like higher labor and seasonal demand, smart shopping and taking advantage of holiday sales can help keep your holiday fun and affordable. Planning ahead and being flexible with your menu is the key to enjoying your barbecue without spending too much.
