New survey data shows modest increase in Fourth of July cookout costs

As Iowans gather to celebrate 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, they will find that a meal for a gathering of 10 people will cost an average of $73.82, according to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.

This is up from 2025 by $2.90, or about a 4% increase, which follows the 4.2% increase in overall price levels in the United States due to inflation. While this is the most expensive cookout surveyed since Farm Bureau began recording prices in 2016, when adjusted for inflation, the price has remained stable in recent years.

Despite a larger price tag on this year's survey, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows farmers receive less than 6 cents for every dollar spent on food. The remainder goes toward processing, packaging and transportation.

"As the general population feels the impact of inflation, so do the farmers who are price takers-not price makers," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. "That's why an updated farm bill and risk management tools are critical in helping family farms during times of hardship and to protect food security for our nation."

Volunteer grocery shoppers from across the United States reported food prices during June 1-7 to provide a glimpse into the cost of common cookout staples like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, pork and beans, ice cream, lemonade ingredients and more. Ten out of the twelve items saw a price increase.

Eggs, a key ingredient in potato salad, saw the largest price drop at 17.8% following a decline in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases. Meanwhile, center-of-plate items trended higher, with two pounds of ground beef rising 5.5% and three pounds of pork chops increasing 4.7% compared to 2025's survey. These shifts are especially relevant in Iowa, where the state ranks first nationally in egg and pork production and fourth in cattle on feed.

"Modest price increases for ground beef and pork chops reflect just how much American consumers love beef and pork," said Christopher Pudenz, Ph.D., Iowa Farm Bureau economist. "Many Iowa farmers raise both crops and livestock, so given the multi-year downturn in the row crop economy, it has been a godsend that demand for Iowa's red meat products remains so strong."

These results come at a time when Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Food & Farm Index®, a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, shows 1 in 5 Iowa grocery shoppers have increased their consumption of animal-based proteins in the past year. When looking specifically at shoppers ages 20 to 34, this consumption increased by one-third.

"While domestic demand is important and appreciated by farmers, global market forces and trade dynamics are also critically important to their bottom lines and the local economies that depend on them," said Pudenz. "That's why Iowa Farm Bureau is bringing this topic front and center at our upcoming Economic Summit on July 17 in Ankeny, Iowa."

More information on the American Farm Bureau's July Fourth basket survey, including information on all priced items, can be found at fb.org.