Get Out Your Wallet If You Want A Traditional Summer Barbecue

Feeding a crowd at a backyard cookout may cost hosts more this year, but choosing the right mix of burgers, sides and drinks can help keep the bill in check.

A summer barbecue for 10 people is expected to cost about $161 this year, or roughly $16 per person, according to an analysis by the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute. That is up 2.4 percent from last year, with higher prices showing up across several popular cookout staples.

The increase comes as more people may choose staycations over long road trips or destination travel, potentially making backyard gatherings larger and more frequent. That could mean feeding more guests while looking for ways to stretch the grocery budget.

Beef Prices Take A Bigger Bite

One of the biggest drivers of higher cookout costs is beef.

U.S. cattle supplies remain tight, with the national herd near historic lows after years of drought, high feed costs and slower herd rebuilding. At the same time, the New World screwworm, a parasitic pest that can harm cattle and other animals, has restricted livestock trade through southern border ports as agriculture officials monitor and respond to detections tied to the pest. The New World screwworm was recently confirmed in Texas and New Mexico.

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Hamburger beef is up 14 percent from last year, according to the Wells Fargo analysis, making burgers a pricier option for hosts planning a traditional cookout menu. Hot dogs and frankfurters are also up about 5 percent, partly because many include beef blends.

Cooks may be able to control costs by mixing up the grill lineup by grilling fewer burgers or steaks and adding chicken, ribs or pork shoulder.

Chicken breasts are up 3 percent, making them a more budget-friendly alternative for hosts, the analysis said. Pork may offer another savings opportunity. Pork butt prices are unchanged from last year, while pork ribs are up 3 percent.

Sides A Mix Of Savings And Increases

Classic sides are also pricier.

Prepared potato salad is up 3 percent, while cornbread is up 4 percent. Eggs, however, are a bright spot, with prices down 14 percent, which could make deviled eggs or other egg-based sides a more affordable addition.

Vegetable trays may require a little strategy. Broccoli, celery and cauliflower are up 6 percent, while snacking tomatoes are up 2 percent and baby carrots are up just 1 percent.

Fruit could help offset some of the increases. Strawberries are about the same price as last year, and watermelon is down 3 percent.

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Some Sweet News About Desserts

Dessert prices are rising more moderately than other cookout staples.

Store-bought cookies are up 1 percent, ice cream is up 2 percent, and store-bought apple pie is up 4 percent, according to the analysis. That means a mix-and-match dessert table can still be a relatively affordable way to end the meal.

Drinks Drive Up Total Bill

Beverages are one reason the total cost of a cookout can climb quickly.

Beer and wine prices are up 1 percent, while ready-to-drink prepared cocktails are flat compared with last year. Flavored sparkling water continues to gain popularity as a lower-calorie option, but beverage costs overall are expected to be up about 4 percent.

Hosts looking to reduce costs may consider asking guests to bring their own drinks or contribute to the cooler.

The Cost Of Convenience

The Wells Fargo analysis also found that premade options can save time but add to the bill.

A pre-cut vegetable platter can add about $7 compared with preparing vegetables at home. Fully cooked ribs can save hours of prep and cooking time but may cost roughly $4 more per pound. For cookies, the cost difference between bakery cookies and premade cookie dough is small, making the choice more about convenience than price.

Even with higher prices, Wells Fargo said the overall cost still represents a reasonable value for a full food-and-beverage menu for 10 people.

The key may be flexibility in menu planning. They can save money by grilling lower-cost proteins, taking advantage of cheaper seasonal fruit, and deciding where convenience is worth the extra money.