Memorial Day in the United States is a big holiday that many families celebrate with outdoor barbecues and cookouts. But this year, experts are warning that these gatherings may cost more than before. Prices of some of the most loved food items—like hot dogs and soda—have gone up quite a bit.
Hot Dogs Out, Burgers In?
According to a recent report by MarketWatch, Brad LaRock, senior VP of marketing at Datasembly, suggested that Americans could save money by changing what they serve at cookouts. He advised families to switch from hot dogs to burgers, which have become a bit cheaper this year.
LaRock said, “A look at the numbers suggests a pivot to burgers instead of hot dogs will offer some relief from general price increases.”
He also recommended skipping sodas to lower the total food bill even more. While this might not make everyone in the family happy, especially soda lovers, the savings could be worth it.
What the Numbers Say
A Datasembly study showed that Memorial Day barbecue costs have increased by about 3.41% compared to last year. Here’s a quick look at how prices have changed:
Hot dogs: up 18.86%
Soda (12-pack): up 11.8%
Chicken thighs: up 3.09%
Baked beans: up 4.55%
Condiments (like ketchup and mustard): slightly higher
Barbecue sauce: price remains nearly the same
But there’s some good news too. Certain items have actually become cheaper:
Hamburger patties: down 3.42%
Hamburger buns: down 2.89%
American cheese slices: down 1.23%
So if you’re planning a cookout, sticking to burgers and budget drinks might help you avoid overspending.
Tariffs Not the Problem
Some people might blame the price hike on global tariffs, especially the trade policies introduced by former President Donald Trump. However, LaRock says that’s not the main cause.
“We’re not seeing direct evidence that the Memorial Day barbecue-item price changes are primarily tariff-related,” he said.
Instead, he pointed to domestic reasons like rising labour costs, seasonal demand, and production issues.
Prices May Rise Even More by Year-End
Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, predicted that this year’s Fourth of July cookouts will cost even more than Memorial Day.
The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) also estimates that grocery prices overall could rise by around 3.2% by the end of 2025.
This means American consumers might continue to feel the pinch while shopping for food, especially during holiday events.
Look Out for Discounts
Despite the higher food prices, there are still some deals available during Memorial Day weekend. Brands like BLAQ are offering up to 30% off on selected items. Luxury brands like Hotel Collection and Aroma360 have gone even further, offering up to 70% off on scented candles and hotel-style products.
So while saving money on food might be tricky this year, shoppers can still take advantage of other holiday sales and promotions to make the most of the long weekend.
Memorial Day barbecues are a beloved tradition in the US, but this year, prices are putting extra pressure on family budgets. With hot dog and soda prices soaring, experts suggest switching to burgers and skipping soft drinks to save money. While global tariffs aren’t directly to blame, domestic factors like labour and production costs are driving up prices. More increases are expected through 2025, making it even more important for consumers to plan smartly. Luckily, promotional deals on other products can help balance things out during this festive time.