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Hard-working Americans looking to fire up the grill this weekend are in for some serious sticker shock before even lighting the coals.
As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, Wells Fargo's newly released summer BBQ food report shows that hosting a typical summer barbecue for 10 people has risen to $161 — or about $16 per person.
While total cooking costs increased by 2.4% year-over-year, the real price pain lurks directly in the meat tray: American hamburger beef is up 14%.
“Regarding food inflation, the price increase this season will really depend on the category. For fresh fruits and vegetables, we expect some relief as summer begins.
“Farmers are motivated by higher prices to plant more acres, so increased supply should help moderate price increases and may give consumers a bit of a break,” Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute head Robin Wenzel told Fox News Digital.
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“However, for those who value convenience and choose ready meals, expect prices to increase,” he warned.
“These items are driven more by labor, packaging and energy costs than the underlying goods themselves. As consumers continue to pay for convenience, retailers are able to maintain their margins at higher prices.”
Red meat is displayed at a grocery store in Brooklyn on May 12, 2026, in New York City. (Getty Images)
While burgers benefit the most from the inflation, so do other barbecue favorites. Chicken and pork products are up 3% from last year and are considered the “cheapest” option, while hot dogs and frankfurters are up 5%.
Ready-to-eat sides like potato salad rose 3% due to higher production wages being passed on to consumers, the report said. Other favorites like cornbread are up 4%, greens are up 6%, and if you save room for dessert, candy prices are up anywhere from 1% to 4%.
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The higher price tags are in line with May's consumer price index (CPI) – a broad measure of how much everyday goods such as fuel, groceries and rent cost – which rose 0.5% in May and 4.2% from a year ago. The annual figure is the highest since April 2023.
Pre-made grocery store cuts can be budget-friendly come summertime, as buying a tray of pre-cut vegetables adds a $7 charge to your bill, while buying fully cooked, pre-packaged ribs costs $4 more per pound than buying raw.
“Athletes can save by preparing the ribs from scratch, allowing more room to indulge in prepared veggie trays if desired,” says Wenzel. “Budget-conscious athletes should carefully consider where to spend. While prime rib is more expensive, pork still offers a better value than beef, which remains the most expensive grilling option.”
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Asked to create the best menu to “reduce inflation”, Wenzel recommended serving chicken, pork, sides made from scratch such as scrambled eggs (eggs decreased by 14%), watermelon, strawberries (both fruits decreased by 3%) and cookies or ice cream for dessert.
“When hosting a BBQ for 10 on a tight budget, plan wisely with protein and look for value where it counts…the decision between homemade and cooked food is key. Making from scratch, like potato salad can save money, but convenience has its place,” said Wenzel. “Beer and wine prices have never gone up, but they will still add value, so asking guests to BYOB is a smart way to keep costs down.”
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Eric Revell of FOX Business contributed to this report.
