Deviled eggs are cheaper now than in January. But you can expect the rest of your holiday cookout to cost more than in previous years. Why? No, not because of tariffs. Menu items like meats, side dishes and desserts are homegrown, and almost all have gone up in price.
The American Farm Bureau says that the average price of a cookout for 10 people will be $71.22, up 5% from last year. That may not seem like much until you consider that the total tab has jumped nearly 30% from five years ago.
Here’s the Tropical Financial Credit Union guide to saving money when you shop for food and beverages this week:
- Go BOGO. Items that are buy one and get the second one free are big money savers. They are promoted on grocers’ websites and in their fliers, which are usually posted online.
- Choose chicken. According to the Bureau, its per-pound price has fallen 4% in the past two years and a remarkable 13% from a 2022 peak. Meanwhile, beef and pork prices have risen 11% and 8%, respectively, since 2023.
- Got a sweet tooth? Think natural. Strawberry prices have inched up only 1% since 2023, while ice cream prices have climbed 12%. Look for deals on seasonal fruits such as cherries and peaches because they are now in full season.
- Snack smartly. According to the Bureau, a 16-ounce bag of potato chips costs 8% more now than two years ago. Consider raw carrots, red peppers and cucumbers. They deliver the same satisfying crunch and are healthier, too.
- Tap water. Lemonade prices have climbed 12% in the past two years because lemon and sugar production are down. Ice-cold water is much cheaper and better for one’s health, especially in the extreme heat Florida has been experiencing.
- Coupons? You may not find them in your local Sunday paper, where they were once plentiful. While 50 billion coupons were distributed last year, that’s less than one-fifth the number in 2010. You’re more likely to find them online – and can redeem there, too. Plus, retailers such as Walmart and Target have restricted their use.
Whatever is on their holiday shopping list, Tropical Financial members will make money every time they swipe their Daily Rewards debit card. The credit union deposits 2 cents into their checking account for every transaction. With prices as high as they are now, every penny counts.