Brace Yourself: Memorial Day 2026 Cookout Costs Soar Amid Rising Inflation – What You Need to Know

CHICAGO (WLS) — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, prepare to dig a little deeper into your pockets for that traditional cookout. With inflation on the rise, the cost of food is seeing a significant surge, according to the latest investigations by the I-Team.

Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles offers a useful tool for consumers: the ABC7 Price Tracker. This resource is designed to help you monitor grocery price trends and make more informed purchasing decisions.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that inflation has climbed to a staggering 3.8%, marking its highest level in nearly three years. This upward trend is noticeably impacting the affordability of grocery items.

One of the items most affected by this price increase is ground beef. The Consumer Price Index reveals that a pound of uncooked ground beef now averages $7.28. In comparison, just a year ago, the same amount would have cost $6.52 in today’s dollars.

By utilizing tools like the ABC7 Price Tracker, consumers can stay informed about these changes and adjust their shopping strategies accordingly to better manage their budgets.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the average price for a pound of uncooked ground beef $7.28. A year ago, the same pound of ground beef used to cost you $6.52 in today’s dollars.

And other items have seen price increases in just the last few months.

For example, the average price for a pound of tomatoes in the Midwest in April was about $2.23.

But two months earlier, that price was only $1.77 a pound.

The good news is that some items, like eggs, are significantly cheaper with increased supply.

The national average price for one dozen large eggs has fallen steadily since March 2025 from over $6 to $2.25.

You can track the cost of all these items and more here.