A 15% jump in cookout costs shows how inflation bites into traditions, useful context for a friend planning their grill menu.
Cookout Costs Up 15% This Memorial Day Story flow and key facts
Memorial Day cookouts are facing higher grocery costs in 2026, as inflation continues to impact household budgets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have risen about 15% compared to last year, with ground beef and hot dogs seeing the steepest increases. A pound of ground beef now costs upwards of $6 at major chains like Wegmans and Aldi, while Tops charges members and non-members different rates.
To help shoppers make informed choices, News10NBC compared prices at three regional grocery chains—Tops, Wegmans, and Aldi—for common cookout items including meat, sides, drinks, and watermelon. Aldi offered the lowest prices on staples like chips, buns, and prepared salads, while Tops had the best deals on chicken and pork options.
Shoppers are adjusting by buying in bulk, visiting warehouse stores like Costco, or asking guests to bring desserts. With soda up about 4% and chips 3% to 5% higher than last year, many are rethinking how they host. The data shows that store choice and protein substitution can make a meaningful difference in total spending.
Facts
- Grocery prices are up about 15% year-over-year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Ground beef costs up to $6.49 per pound at Tops for non-members, $5.99 at Aldi and Wegmans.
- Aldi had the lowest prices for chips ($1.79), macaroni salad ($3.99), and buns ($1.39 for eight).
- Tops offered the cheapest chicken drumsticks at $1.99 per pound and pork chops at $3.99 per pound.
- Soda is up around 4% from last year, with Aldi offering 2-liter bottles at $2.79, the lowest among the three stores.
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