By Andi Anderson
Indiana residents preparing for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations can expect to spend slightly more on their summer cookouts.
According to Indiana Farm Bureau’s (INFB) annual market basket survey, the average cost for a cookout feeding ten people in 2025 is $71.49, or $7.15 per person. This marks a 5% increase compared to last year.
Despite the increase, Indiana's cookout costs are only slightly higher—about 6 cents more—than the national average of $7.09 per person. INFB Chief Economist Dr. Todd Davis explained that while inflation and supply chain issues are improving, prices are still rising slightly.
The survey includes common cookout items such as ground beef, chicken breasts, pork chops, buns, ice cream, cookies, potato salad, and more. The largest price hikes were seen in ice cream and strawberries, with costs rising by 31% and 19% respectively. However, these prices were still aligned with national averages.
Some items in Indiana remained lower than national prices. Hamburger buns and lemonade were about 8% cheaper. Ground beef and pork chops also cost less in Indiana this year. Dr. Davis advised shoppers to look for good deals on pork, which has seen increased supply, keeping its prices low.
The USDA reports that only 16 cents of every food dollar goes back to farmers, with the remainder covering costs like packaging, transport, and retail. INFB Vice President Janis Highley highlighted the tight margins farmers face due to high production costs.
The INFB survey was conducted by volunteers across Indiana, without the use of coupons or promotional discounts. It was coordinated with a national study by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle