Memorial Day Cookout Costs Reach Record High US-Wide

Memorial Day cookouts in 2025 are expected to be more expensive due to rising food prices and inflationary pressures. Rabobank's annual Barbecue Index shows that the average cost of a cookout for ten people has surpassed $100 for the first time, reaching $103, a 4.2% increase from last year, driven primarily by higher prices for beer, beef, soda, and chicken. Beef prices, in particular, have surged to record highs, with ground chuck reaching $6 per pound, influenced by reduced cattle herds and trade disruptions such as halted imports from Mexico. Despite these increases, many Americans remain committed to grilling, adapting by purchasing sales, choosing different cuts of meat, or buying in bulk to manage costs. Regional price comparisons in central Iowa show average totals around $40 for a smaller selection of cookout staples, reflecting local variations. Overall, while tariffs contribute minimally to the cost, broader economic factors such as increased farm input costs, shipping challenges, and elevated labor expenses continue to drive up prices for traditional Memorial Day barbecue fare.