Foodie Pundit

That Backyard Barbecue? It Just Became a Luxury

Your summer cookout is feeling the heat of inflation. We break down why the cost of burgers, hot dogs, and potato salad has skyrocketed for American families.

By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Luxury Dining

barbecue plate smoked meat

Key points

  • Multiple factors, from cattle herd sizes to diesel fuel prices, are converging to increase the cost of a traditional American barbecue.
  • Protein is the biggest driver of the price hike, with ground beef and hot dog prices significantly out-pacing general inflation due to supply constraints.
  • Side dishes and condiments are not immune, as issues with potato harvests and the cost of edible oils and wheat add to the total.
  • Consumers can mitigate costs by planning ahead, buying in bulk, being flexible with protein choices, and making more items from scratch.

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Sources and methodology

Reported from the public datasets below.

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