By Andi Anderson
Indiana residents preparing for Fourth of July gatherings may find some relief at the grocery store this year. According to Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual summer cookout market basket survey, the average cost of feeding 10 people is $66.73, or about $6.67 per person, representing a 7% decrease from last year.
Indiana’s cookout cost is also lower than the national average of $7.38 per person, making it about 10% less expensive than the U.S. average. The Midwest region reported similar trends, with average prices remaining slightly below the national figure.
The cookout market basket includes popular summer foods such as ground beef, pork chops, chicken breasts, hamburger buns, cheese, pork and beans, potato salad, strawberries, chips, cookies, ice cream, and lemonade.
Among the items surveyed, potato salad recorded the largest price decline compared to 2025, largely due to lower egg prices. Egg costs have dropped significantly from last year, when avian influenza contributed to unusually high prices. In contrast, cookies, strawberries, pork and beans, and chicken breasts were among the few items that became more expensive.
“Egg prices were way above average this time last year, mostly likely due to the impacts of avian influenza, so those prices are now back to normal and even a bit lower than the national average,” noted INFB Chief Economist Dr. Todd Davis.
The survey also found lower prices for pork chops and ground beef, helping reduce overall cookout costs for Indiana consumers.
Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron noted that farmers continue working to keep food affordable despite ongoing production cost pressures. He emphasized that producers remain committed to providing safe, affordable food while managing tight operating margins.
The survey was conducted by volunteer shoppers across Indiana and completed in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national summer cookout survey.
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Categories: Indiana, Crops, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle