Memorial Day weekend is approaching quickly, and millions of Americans will honor and remember U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces. Did you know that in 1873, New York was the first state to recognize Memorial Day as a legal holiday?
It’s also considered by many to be the unofficial beginning of summer, and many people spend the long weekend traveling, with family and friends, or relaxing at home.
According to research by Wallethub, more than half of Americans plan to barbecue over the long holiday weekend. The average cost of a Memorial Day cookout this year is $30, which is a 10% increase over last year. And, Americans will spend $1.3 billion on meat!
Are you planning to fire up the barbecue grill this weekend? Leave a comment and let me know what types of things you enjoy grilling!
What Panel Members are Grilling
May 16 was National Barbecue Day, and we asked our Facebook and Instagram followers “what’s your favorite food item to barbecue?” Most of the answers involved some type of meat:
– Chicken
– Steak
– Hamburgers
– Hot dogs or brats
– Ribs
– Seafood such as shrimp
A few people also mentioned vegetables, and one person even said they love to grill watermelon! I’ve always loved cutting up potatoes, wrapping them up in aluminum foil along with butter, salt, and pepper, and throwing them on the grill. They’re so delicious!
Holiday Weekend Shopping
More than 65% of Americans plan to grocery shop on Memorial Day, according to Wallethub, with 68% planning to spend less than $100 over the weekend. That’s not surprising, since many consumers are still concerned about inflation and rising prices of food and other items.
A 2023 year-end survey by Circana found that 55% of shoppers are looking for sales or deals more often. In addition, nearly 3 in 10 shoppers are adding value-focused retailers into their shopping list, while 18% shop at more grocery stores in order to find the best deals.
Meat Trends for 2024
While most Americans who plan to grill this weekend will likely stick to the basics such as burgers, hot dogs, or chicken, there are plenty of other options available.
NielsenIQ highlighted five trends for meat departments this year:
1. Less demand for plant-based meats: More than 15 million Americans follow a vegetarian lifestyle, which has previously led to a demand for more plant-based meat options. However, alternative meats saw a 7.8% decline in sales last year.
2. Growth of value and private-label brands: Meat sales at value-based retailers and from private-label brands have increased as consumers look for ways to save money.
3. Interest in ethnic meat: Greater diversity means more demand for ethnic meats, such as lamb from the Middle East. Many retailers have expanded the types of meat they offer in-store or online.
4. Convenience: People are busy! Consumers are looking for ways to save time and make meals more easily, so more people are purchasing pre-cut or pre-marinated meats. Meat party platters are also growing in popularity.
5. Personalization: Consumers want their meat cut to their specifications, leading to an increase in in-store butcher shops. Online and delivery services also allow customers to customize their meat orders.
Panel Member Reminders
As we head into a holiday weekend, don’t forget to scan items you may purchase- especially since you may be shopping more or making more on-the-go purchases!
Sometimes the meat products you purchase may not have a regular barcode. In that case, be sure to check the Non-Barcoded Items list so you can report the item. And, remember to include items such as disposable plates, napkins, cups, and other items you may purchase for a weekend gathering.
If you’re not a NCP panel member and you’re interested in joining NCP to share your shopping experiences, earn great rewards, and influence what you see on store shelves, click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog for more information.
Regards,
Taylor
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Me and my family always grill on Memorial Day
I had 3 veteran brothers, all gone now, 2 in Vietnam, 1 in the Navy. Thankfully they didn’t die in a war. We may cook a couple burgers but nothing fancy just very quiet. Thanks to all who served!
Grilling St Louis style ribs, kabobs, corn on the cob and potatoes!! So happy it is grilling season!!
Memorial Day.Its a huge family get together holiday lasting 3 days for us.I always invite our family 2 weeks in advance to see if all can make it then we put our inputs together,one will bring the drinks,one will bring chips,I owning a ranch furnish the steaks ,several make their versions of potatoes salads,other meats for the kids are brought, and everyone brings desserts,etc,etc….
It’s such a big event for all.Games are played,horses saddled for adults and kids,atvs are everywhere,rvs,motorhomes campers are spread out on my land.
I love it 😀
Memorial Day weekend in my family is and always has been a family gathering hit.. almost more then Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s our first warm weather, pools open, food on the grill and bon fire going family celebration of the year and nothing brings more join then knowing that the men and women who served in our country will never be forgotten. It’s more then the food and warm weather get together.. our family definitely reflects on the lives of those who fought for us and my grandfather being a vet is usually the main host for the holiday every year for as long as I can remember.
We always do a BBQ for memorial day as it’s special for us as we both have/had family in the services