Inviting friends and family over for a Memorial Day barbecue will cost you more this year, with the price of many grilling products rising even more sharply than other groceries.
Americans will pay an average of just over 10% more this year than in 2023 for barbecue essentials including ground beef, hot dogs, buns, sauce, ketchup and mustard, according to Datasembly, which measures weekly price changes for items collected from more than 150,000 stores in the US
Last year, the blow to consumers’ wallets was softened by a drop in beef prices. Now beef prices have risen by almost 15%, according to the data provider. But just like last year’s Memorial Day, the price of spices has seen its biggest spike, with the flavor costing a whopping nearly 49% more today than a year ago, Datasembly found.
Ketchup and mustard, the prices of which rose double digits last year, will also be more expensive in 2024, but the increases will be more moderate – up 1.8% and 3.2% respectively, according to Datasembly.
Still, depending on where you live and shop, a 32-ounce bottle of Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup can cost more than $10, with an average price around the US of $7.66, according to Datasembly.
A 10-ounce squeeze bottle of Inglehoffer Original Stone Ground Mustard averages $3.11, but costs more than $5 at certain retailers. The product can usually be purchased for $2.84, an increase of more than 18% from just a month ago. A 10-ounce jar of Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish costs an average of $1.82.
With consumer budgets still under pressure after three years of painfully high inflation, some retailers are offering options. For example, Walmart offers a cooking package for eight people, which costs about $6 per person. The budget-conscious cooking menu includes hot dogs, buns, ketchup, mustard, relish, potato salad, corn on the cob, chips, soda, juice boxes, popsicles and watermelon.
