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Hard-working Americans looking to fire up the grill this weekend are facing major sticker shock before they even light the charcoal.

As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, the newly released Wells Fargo summer BBQ food report reveals that hosting a standard summer barbecue for 10 people has climbed to an average of $161 — or about $16 per person.

While total cookout costs are up 2.4% year over year, the real pricing pain is hiding right on the meat tray: the quintessential American hamburger beef has skyrocketed by 14%.

“Regarding food inflation, price increases this season will really depend on the category. For fresh fruits and vegetables, we anticipate some relief as summer unfolds. 

Growers are motivated by higher prices to plant more acreage, so increased supply should help moderate price hikes and may actually offer consumers a bit of a break,” Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute head Robin Wenzel told Fox News Digital.

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“However, for those who value convenience and opt for prepared foods, expect prices to edge up,” she warned.

 “These items are driven more by labor, packaging and energy costs than the underlying commodities themselves. As consumers continue to pay for convenience, retailers are able to maintain their margins with higher pricing.”

Red meat is displayed at a grocery store in Brooklyn on May 12, 2026, in New York City. (Getty Images)

Though burgers are taking the biggest hit from inflation, so are other grilling favorites. Chicken and pork products rose 3% from the previous year and are seen as the “cost-friendly” option, while hot dogs and frankfurters are up 5%.

Ready-made sides like potato salad are up 3% because of higher manufacturing wages being passed on to consumers, the report notes. Other favorites like cornbread are up 4%, raw vegetables are up 6%, and if you’re saving room for dessert, sweet-treat prices have increased anywhere from 1% to 4%.

The higher price tags fall in line with the May consumer price index (CPI) – a broad measure of how much everyday goods like gasoline, groceries and rent cost – which rose 0.5% in May and 4.2% from a year earlier. The annual figure is the highest since April 2023.

Pre-made grocery store shortcuts can be a budget-buster during the summer, as buying a pre-cut vegetable tray adds a $7 premium to your bill, while buying fully cooked, pre-packaged ribs costs $4 more per pound than buying them raw.

“Hosts can save by preparing ribs from scratch, allowing a bit more room to indulge in prepared veggie trays if desired,” Wenzel said. “Budget-conscious hosts should thoughtfully weigh where to splurge. While pre-cooked ribs are more expensive, pork still offers a better value than beef, which remains a costly grill option.”

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Asked to craft the best “inflation-busting” menu, Wenzel recommended serving up chicken, pork, made-from-scratch sides like deviled eggs (eggs are down 14%), watermelon, strawberries (both fruits are down 3%) and cookies or ice cream for dessert.

“When hosting a BBQ for 10 on a strict budget, plan wisely with proteins and look for value where it counts… the decision between homemade and prepared foods is key. Making from scratch, such as potato salad can save money, but convenience has its place,” Wenzel said. “Beer and wine prices haven’t climbed much, but they’ll still add to the total, so asking guests to BYOB is a smart way to keep costs down.”

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FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.

This article was written by

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SE either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.