As Americans gear up for their July 4th cookouts, a recent report by Instacart sheds light on the top food items flying off the shelves in preparation for the patriotic celebrations. Instacart, a popular grocery delivery service, has analyzed data from the week leading up to July 4, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, to uncover the trending favorites for summer gatherings.
According to Instacart’s ‘Flavors of the Fourth’ report, the top 10 items that saw a significant surge in popularity in the days leading to July 4 include yellow corn, charcoal, potato salad, baby back ribs, hot dog buns, canned baked beans, bratwurst, frozen beef burgers, watermelons, and beef patties. These items experienced a notable increase in demand, painting a picture of what Americans love to indulge in during their Independence Day celebrations.
While some may be surprised by the surge in popularity of items like yellow corn, it’s essential to note that these are products that see a spike in sales specifically around the July 4th holiday, rather than being the overall top sellers throughout the year. For example, hot dogs, a staple at cookouts, may not have made the list because they are consistently purchased regardless of the holiday.
In the age-old debate of hot dogs versus burgers, Instacart’s report settles the score by tracking bun sales. The data reveals that hot dogs take the crown over hamburgers when it comes to Americans’ grilling preferences. Hot dog bun purchases surpassed hamburger bun purchases in 32 states, with hamburgers only reigning supreme in a few regions of the country.
Laurentia Romaniuk, Instacart’s trends expert, commented on the findings, stating, “For Fourth of July celebrations, hot dogs and hamburgers dominate American grills, likely due to their simplicity and ease of cooking. When hosting backyard parties, people often prioritize quick preparation, easy serving, and broad appeal. Hot dogs, in particular, are favored across more states because they’re convenient and don’t even require a plate!”
Instacart’s comprehensive report not only highlights the popular food items for July 4th cookouts but also provides insights into emerging trends in the food and beverage categories. With the data revealing the preferences of Americans during the festive season, it’s clear that hot dogs continue to hold a special place on the nation’s grills.
