As Americans prepare for Independence Day celebrations, grocery bills for classic cookout staples are showing signs of stability. According to the American Farm Bureau, a meal for 10 people in 2025 will cost an average of $70.92, or about $7.09 per person, just three cents less than in 2024 but still 19% higher than five years ago.
Meat prices remain mixed. Ground beef for hamburgers reached a record high of $13.33 for 2 pounds, driven by reduced cattle supply and steady demand. In contrast, pork chops saw the largest price drop, down nearly 9%, thanks to increased production and heavier hog weights. Chicken prices remained relatively unchanged at $7.79 for 2 pounds, as the poultry sector experienced fewer disease-related disruptions compared to previous years.
Produce and side dishes show more modest fluctuations. Strawberries increased slightly due to labor-intensive harvesting and rising wages. A pitcher of lemonade rose nearly 20 cents, largely because of higher lemon prices and weather-related supply issues. Potato salad ingredients were affected by ongoing egg price volatility, though lower prices for celery, potatoes, and onions helped offset the overall cost, which rose by only seven cents.
Among processed foods, pork and beans saw a 20-cent increase, potentially due to rising labor and packaging costs, while prices for chocolate chip cookies and potato chips were mostly stable.
Regional differences continue to influence grocery bills. Cookouts in the Northeast are the most affordable, averaging $63.79, followed by the South at $68.93 and the Midwest at $69.87. Only the West exceeds the national average, with costs of $73.50.
While food costs at the consumer level are easing, most of the retail price does not return to farmers. On average, only 15.9 cents of every grocery dollar goes to agricultural producers. Despite slightly improving net farm income projections for 2025, many gains are tied to government disaster relief rather than stronger market conditions. Farmers continue to face high input costs, limited support, and market uncertainty.
Though prices for many food staples are showing signs of stability after years of sharp inflation, broader issues in the food production system persist. Long-term sustainability of the domestic food supply will require effective policy and economic support for producers. For now, consumers can expect relatively steady prices at the grocery store as the summer season gets underway.
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For more information:
American Farm Bureau Federation
Tel: +1 202 406 3600
Email: [email protected]
www.fb.org