2024 4th of July cookout prices reaching record high, how to beat the costs

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Studies are showing the cost of cooking out for the Fourth of July has reached a record high.

A 2024 report from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows the average cost to feed 10 people at this year's Fourth of July cookout will be $71.22. In 2023, the price stood at $67.73.

Quincy Vidrine, a nutrition and community health agent for LSU AgCenter in Franklin Parish, said around this time of year, consumers are examining the cost of protein foods like beef, pork and chicken - items that they're ready to throw on the grill.

"So, you can look at lower price cuts of beef or pork; bone-in chicken is going to be less expensive than the boneless," said Vidrine. "There are very inexpensive cuts of beef that, you know if you're looking at steaks, they can be very expensive, but you can buy cuts like top sirloin and that's great for kebabs, also stir-fries and pork, you know, you've got different types of ribs that we like to throw on the grill. Your spare ribs are traditionally less expensive than the baby back ribs."

According to the report from the American Farm Bureau Federation, strawberries are higher than the last two years. Two pints of strawberries cost $4.61 on average. The LSU AgCenter explained it's not the prime season for strawberries the state right now, but consumers can consider other fruits that are in season.

"Like your blueberries and your blackberries - also great sources of antioxidants and nutrients and you can pretty much sub that in for any of your favorite strawberry recipes," said Vidrine.

Vidrine stated consumers should take advantage of store sales right now, but warns not to go what they call "sale chasing" - meaning going all over your town to different stores.

"You end up spending a lot on fuel that way, so just kind of look at the sales and see what they've got. You can find those ads online. All the different stores have apps now, and you can get better savings like if you subscribe to their app and look for their digital deals. So, those are all ways that you can budget and make sure the Fourth of July, you have everything you want and need at your cookouts," said Vidrine.

On the Fourth of July, you can submit photos of your cookout meals by clicking here . We just might share your pics in our newscasts!