Beef, Condiments Increase Prices to Over 10% Ahead of Memorial Day

For barbecue staples like ground beef, hot dogs, buns, relish, ketchup, and mustard, consumers will pay, on average, somewhat more this year than in 2023, according to Datasembly. Datasembly tracks weekly price changes for products gathered from more than 150,000 U.S. retailers.

A decrease in beef prices last year lessened the financial damage to customers. The data source said that the price of beef had increased by over 15%. However, as was the case with Memorial Day last year, condiment prices have increased the most, with relish costing an astounding nearly 49% more now than it did a year ago, according to Datasembly.

According to Datasembly, ketchup and mustard, whose costs increased by double digits the previous year, will likewise be more expensive in 2024, although at more modest rates of 1.8% and 3.2%, respectively.

A 32-ounce bottle of Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup can still cost up to $10, depending on where you live and buy, with an average cost of $7.66 in the United States, according to Datasembly.

The average price of a 10-ounce squeeze bottle of Inglehoffer Original Stone Ground Mustard is $3.11, although it may reach $5 in some stores. The most typical price for the product is $2.84, which is an increase of more than 18% from only one month ago. The average cost of a 10-ounce jar of Vlasic Dill Pickle Relish was $1.82.

After three years of excruciatingly high inflation, customer finances are still tight, so some stores are offering choices. For example, Walmart is selling a barbecue feast for eight people for roughly six dollars each. Hot dogs, buns, ketchup, mustard, relish, potato salad, corn on the cob, potato chips, drink, juice boxes, ice pops, and watermelon are all included in the reasonably priced cookout menu.

Shifts in Consumer Preferences

As the prices of barbecue staples like ground beef, hot dogs, buns, and condiments continue to rise, consumers are finding ways to adapt. Many are opting for cheaper alternatives or reducing their overall consumption of these items. For instance, instead of purchasing premium cuts of meat, more consumers are buying ground meat or bulk packages of hot dogs. Additionally, some are turning to plant-based alternatives, which can be more affordable and have the added benefit of being healthier and more sustainable.

Shoppers are also becoming more brand-flexible, choosing store brands or generic products over name brands to save money. The trend towards shopping at discount stores and bulk retailers has intensified, as these outlets often offer lower prices and better deals on larger quantities.

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