Here's What Americans Are Buying Most for Their July 4th Cookouts

The report that unveils everything we love to indulge in at Fourth of July cookouts

FILE - Joey Chestnut stuffs his mouth with hot dogs during the men's competition of Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, July 4, 2019, in New York's Coney Island. Organizers announced on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, that Chestnut won’t compete in this year’s competition due to a contract dispute. (AP Photo/Sarah Stier, File) (Sarah Stier/AP)

By Scotty

What is a must for you to have on the 4th of July?

Instacart’s Flavors of the Fourth report is a timely examination of data from the seven days leading up to July 4, 2023, compared against the same period in 2022. This not only gives us a snapshot of what’s trending at summer cookouts but also hints at emerging trends in both the food and beverage categories more broadly — as well as which trends are on their way out.

The 10 items showing the most notable surge (or “increase in item share”) during the week leading up to July 4 are as follows:

1. Yellow Corn (+380%)

2. Charcoal (+222%)

3. Potato Salad (+177%)

4. Baby Back Ribs (+170%)

5. Hot Dog Buns (+163%)

6. Canned Baked Beans (+163%)

7. Bratwurst (+152%)

8. Frozen Beef Burgers (+140%)

9. Watermelons (+139%)

10. Beef Patties (+126%)

If you’re taken aback by the surge in popularity of something as simple as corn, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a list of the most popular items overall, but rather the items that experience a significant spike in popularity around July 4. For instance, hot dogs might not be on the list because Americans purchase them at a reliably steady clip — holiday or no holiday.