Barbecue costs for Americans have reached a new high, according to the 2025 Rabobank BBQ Index. For the first time, the price of a summer cookout will exceed the $100 threshold.

Rabobank estimated the average cost will be $103 for a 10-person barbecue, a 4.21% increase from 2024's $99, and a 41% increase from 2018, when the cookout was estimated to cost $73.

The report shows that while prices may be up for most summer barbecue ingredients — such as ground beef, tomatoes, chicken and ice cream — the American cookout hasn’t been hit by inflation as much as other food items such as eggs.

In today's uncertain trade environment, the summer cookout’s increased prices can be traced largely to other factors, as many key components are produced domestically. Lance Zimmerman, senior beef analyst at Rabobank, said this is especially true of the ground beef Americans will be grilling into burgers, with 82% of U.S. beef sourced domestically.

“Beef supply, especially the fresh product Americans like to grill, is mostly domestic,” Zimmerman said. “Prices are up, but the reasons include a continued strong demand for beef despite economic concerns coupled with a years-long downward trend in supply.”

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In terms of price increases from 2024, tomatoes and chicken lead the rankings at 16.87% and 15.67%, respectively. Other products that experienced increases include ground beef, up by 6.44%; soda, up by 4.61%; and beer, which increased in price by 3.1%.

The Rabobank BBQ Index assumes an average American BBQ situation — a mix of family and friends — ahead of grilling season. That includes 10 adults, each consuming the same amount of food and beverages. It assumed each person will consume one cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato; one chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a slice of cheese; two handfuls of chips; two beers; a soda and a few scoops of ice cream. The BBQ Index uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data, specifically the monthly data series "average price index, U.S. city average."

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