Delaware Fourth of July Cookout Costs Up 4% This Year, Survey Finds

If you’re planning a Fourth of July cookout this year, expect to spend a little more at the checkout line. A new survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation finds the average cost of a cookout for 10 people in Delaware now runs $68.75 — up 4%, or $2.36, compared to last year.

The increase tracks closely with the national annual inflation rate of 4.2% for the 12 months ending in May, though the survey covers only a specific basket of cookout staples rather than all grocery items.

Even with the uptick, Delaware shoppers are getting a relative deal. The state’s average cookout cost comes in below both the national average of $73.82 and the Southern Region average of $72.08.

American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Dr. Faith Parum acknowledged the strain on household budgets, but offered some perspective. “Families across the country are dealing with higher prices for many expenses including groceries,” she said. “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.”

Prices went up on 9 of the 12 items tracked in Delaware. Strawberries took one of the biggest leaps, jumping 41% to $4.80 for two pints. A spring frost that damaged young plants contributed to the spike, along with high labor costs and rising fuel expenses tied to refrigeration and transportation.

Pork and beans also got noticeably pricier. A 32-ounce can now costs $2.84, up 91 cents from last year, driven largely by surging aluminum costs that have pushed up production expenses for canned goods.

There were a couple of bright spots on the receipt, though. Potato salad prices dropped 59%, falling to just $3.64. That decline is tied in part to lower egg prices as poultry flocks rebound from avian influenza. Cheese prices also dipped in Delaware.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall noted that rising store prices don’t always benefit the people growing the food. “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.”

Duvall also called on lawmakers to prioritize farm policy, saying, “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 250th 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 Consumer Price Index puts overall inflation at 4.2%, with food prices up 3.1% over the past year. The Farm Bureau’s cookout survey zeroes in on foods typically associated with summer grilling rather than the full range of grocery items.

The data was gathered by volunteer shoppers — including Farm Bureau members and others — who checked prices at stores in every state and Puerto Rico. The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the same series that tracks Thanksgiving dinner costs each fall.

Delaware Item Prices — AFBF 2026 Summer Cookout Survey