Americans spend record $9.4 billion on Fourth of July food in 2026

Americans spent a record $9.4 billion on food for Fourth of July celebrations in 2026, as the country marked its 250th birthday. That figure is up from $8.9 billion the previous year. On average, each person spent $94.41 on holiday food, the highest amount ever recorded.

Food prices rose more than 3% compared to 2026, though consumer spending on the holiday increased by only 2%. Beef became noticeably more expensive, with prices jumping nearly 16%, while some items such as potato salad and chips actually became cheaper.

A cookout for ten people cost around $73.82 on average. Despite higher prices, 87% of Americans planned to celebrate Independence Day, a participation rate that has stayed steady for roughly 15 years.