Memorial Day cookouts could look a little different—shoppers are rethinking old favorites
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There’s nothing quite like a long weekend cookout. But as families get ready to fire up the grill, some may notice the grocery bill creeping higher than expected.
A quiet shift in what ends up on the plate might help—though it might not win over everyone at the picnic table.
This year, a few surprising swaps could mean fewer dollars at checkout… and possibly a few grumbles from guests.
A recent cost analysis suggests that dropping two common Memorial Day staples—hot dogs and soda—might help ease the financial strain for those hosting backyard barbecues.
Hot dog prices have jumped nearly 19% since last year, while a 12-pack of soda is up nearly 12%, according to a study by Datasembly.
That same report shows total Memorial Day cookout costs have risen about 3.4% year over year.
Brad LaRock, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Datasembly, says the solution is surprisingly simple.
“A look at the numbers suggests a pivot to burgers instead of hot dogs will offer some relief from general price increases,” he told MarketWatch.
He also suggested cutting back on soda, calling it a straightforward cost-saving move.
Still, this strategy may not go over well with those who consider soda and hot dogs essential to holiday traditions.
Despite those concerns, the data reveals clear winners when it comes to value this year.
Hamburger patties have dropped in price by about 3.4%, while hamburger buns are down 2.9%.
American cheese slices have also dipped slightly, down about 1.2%.
That means a classic burger combo might be one of the few areas where shoppers can stretch their budgets without sacrificing flavor.
Other key barbecue items—like chicken thighs, baked beans, and condiments—have crept up in cost but at a slower pace.
Chicken thighs are up about 3%, while baked beans have risen by 4.5%.
Ketchup, mustard, and relish have increased slightly as well, while barbecue sauce has stayed about the same.
As Americans stock up for Memorial Day, many are also wondering whether the tariff headlines are to blame for the sticker shock.
But LaRock pushes back on that assumption.
“We're not seeing direct evidence that the Memorial Day barbecue-item price changes are primarily tariff-related,” he said.
Read also: A simple gesture of patriotism is being offered free this Memorial Day—here’s what to know
Instead, he points to domestic causes like labor costs, seasonal demand, and production dynamics.
That’s echoed by Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi, who also forecast higher costs for Independence Day cookouts later this summer.
And looking beyond the barbecue, the USDA expects grocery prices overall to rise by 3.2% by the end of the year.
Still, LaRock emphasizes that inflation alone doesn’t mean prices are unmanageable.
Consumers have more control than they realize, he noted, referring to product substitutions and portion control as small but impactful tools.
Some stores are also helping take the sting out of cookout prep.
Retailers are rolling out Memorial Day promotions, including deals of up to 30% off from select brands and seasonal markdowns across grocery categories.
And while some major chains like Costco and Natural Grocers will be closed for the holiday, others such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi will remain open—with adjusted hours.
Sam’s Club is also cutting hours short, closing at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Shoppers planning last-minute hauls may want to check local listings before heading out.
As families finalize their menus, some might trade soda for lemonade, or hot dogs for burgers—and in doing so, find a little room to breathe at the checkout line.
Read next: Memorial Day 2025 shopping alert: Which grocery chains are open, closed, or on limited hours
Will you be making the switch from hot dogs to hamburgers this year? Or is soda staying on your table no matter the price? Share your cookout tips, menu swaps, and creative savings ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s grilling at your place.
A quiet shift in what ends up on the plate might help—though it might not win over everyone at the picnic table.
This year, a few surprising swaps could mean fewer dollars at checkout… and possibly a few grumbles from guests.
A recent cost analysis suggests that dropping two common Memorial Day staples—hot dogs and soda—might help ease the financial strain for those hosting backyard barbecues.
Hot dog prices have jumped nearly 19% since last year, while a 12-pack of soda is up nearly 12%, according to a study by Datasembly.
That same report shows total Memorial Day cookout costs have risen about 3.4% year over year.
Brad LaRock, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Datasembly, says the solution is surprisingly simple.
“A look at the numbers suggests a pivot to burgers instead of hot dogs will offer some relief from general price increases,” he told MarketWatch.
Barbecue shoppers rethink two cookout staples before Memorial Day. Image source: Vincent Keiman / Unsplash
He also suggested cutting back on soda, calling it a straightforward cost-saving move.
Still, this strategy may not go over well with those who consider soda and hot dogs essential to holiday traditions.
Despite those concerns, the data reveals clear winners when it comes to value this year.
Hamburger patties have dropped in price by about 3.4%, while hamburger buns are down 2.9%.
American cheese slices have also dipped slightly, down about 1.2%.
That means a classic burger combo might be one of the few areas where shoppers can stretch their budgets without sacrificing flavor.
Other key barbecue items—like chicken thighs, baked beans, and condiments—have crept up in cost but at a slower pace.
Chicken thighs are up about 3%, while baked beans have risen by 4.5%.
Ketchup, mustard, and relish have increased slightly as well, while barbecue sauce has stayed about the same.
As Americans stock up for Memorial Day, many are also wondering whether the tariff headlines are to blame for the sticker shock.
But LaRock pushes back on that assumption.
“We're not seeing direct evidence that the Memorial Day barbecue-item price changes are primarily tariff-related,” he said.
Read also: A simple gesture of patriotism is being offered free this Memorial Day—here’s what to know
Instead, he points to domestic causes like labor costs, seasonal demand, and production dynamics.
That’s echoed by Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi, who also forecast higher costs for Independence Day cookouts later this summer.
And looking beyond the barbecue, the USDA expects grocery prices overall to rise by 3.2% by the end of the year.
Still, LaRock emphasizes that inflation alone doesn’t mean prices are unmanageable.
Consumers have more control than they realize, he noted, referring to product substitutions and portion control as small but impactful tools.
Some stores are also helping take the sting out of cookout prep.
Retailers are rolling out Memorial Day promotions, including deals of up to 30% off from select brands and seasonal markdowns across grocery categories.
And while some major chains like Costco and Natural Grocers will be closed for the holiday, others such as Target, Walmart, and Aldi will remain open—with adjusted hours.
Sam’s Club is also cutting hours short, closing at 6 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Shoppers planning last-minute hauls may want to check local listings before heading out.
As families finalize their menus, some might trade soda for lemonade, or hot dogs for burgers—and in doing so, find a little room to breathe at the checkout line.
Read next: Memorial Day 2025 shopping alert: Which grocery chains are open, closed, or on limited hours
