Delaware Cookout Costs Rise for Fourth of July Celebrations

Families planning Fourth of July cookouts may notice higher grocery prices this year, as inflation continues to impact food costs. According to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual marketbasket survey, the average cost of a cookout for 10 guests in Delaware is $68.75.

This represents a 4% increase from 2025, or $2.36 more than last year. The rise aligns closely with the national annual inflation rate of 4.2% for the 12 months ending in May, though the survey reflects a smaller basket of commonly purchased cookout items.

Despite the increase, Delaware’s average remains lower than both the national average of $73.82 and the Southern Region average of $72.08, making cookout groceries comparatively more affordable in the state.

“Families across the country are dealing with higher prices for many expenses including groceries,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Dr. Faith Parum in an AFBF News Release. “As you look at the purchasing power of the dollar, however, it has remained relatively stable when it comes to food. America’s families spend less of their disposable income on food than most other nations and we enjoy one of the most abundant, affordable and safe food supplies in the world.”

The survey found price increases in Delaware for 9 of the 12 items studied, including pork and beans, chicken breast, strawberries, and ice cream.

Strawberries saw one of the largest increases, rising 41% to $4.80 for two pints. The spike is partly due to a devastating frost earlier this spring that damaged young plants. Additional contributing factors include high labor costs and increased expenses for fuel used in refrigeration and transportation.

The price of a 32-ounce can of pork and beans also rose, increasing by 91 cents to $2.84. The cost of aluminum has surged, driving up production expenses for canned goods.

There were, however, a couple of price drops. Potato salad prices fell 59% to $3.64. This decline is partially attributed to lower egg prices as poultry flocks recover from avian influenza. The state also saw a decrease in the cost of cheese.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Higher prices at the grocery store don’t always translate to more money for farmers. The farmer’s share of the food dollar is around 6% after expenses. Farmers are dealing with natural disasters and higher supply costs while making the same – or sometimes less – money for the food they grow. Still, they’re committed to growing safe, affordable, sustainable and abundant food for our nation.”

“Farmers represent less than 2% of the population, but they carry a great responsibility in providing nutrition for the remaining 98% of America. The critical role they play has traditionally been supported by investments in innovation, research and risk management, all made possible by the farm bill. We encourage lawmakers to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary and then return to D.C. with a renewed commitment to pass a new, modernized farm bill. It’s an investment in our country’s future.”

The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index shows overall inflation at 4.2%, with food prices rising 3.1% over the past year. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey focuses specifically on foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.

The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home.

Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.

For more information on the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey and access the national news release, visit https://www.fb.org/news-release/cost-of-fourth-of-july-cookout-reflects-inflation-increase.