5 Fun Facts About Summer Cookouts

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer … and the unofficial start of cookout season. For those who like to kick back and throw some food on the grill, here are five fun facts about Americans’ cookout preferences. 

1. Summer isn’t complete without cookouts. 

What makes for the perfect summer? Four cookouts, three getaways, two concerts and two festivals, according to those who responded to a survey by SpartanNash. 

Last year, the survey revealed that on average, Americans planned to attend five barbecues and host four. 

2. Memorial Day is the second biggest holiday for grilling. 

Fifty-eight percent of mid-to-high-end grill owners reported grilling on Memorial Day, right behind none other than the 4th of July (70%), per the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. 

3. Beef is a top choice. 

Nearly three-quarters of consumers believe burgers are a must-have for grilling, followed by steak, hot dogs and brats. Ground beef sales reached more than $337 million in sales around Memorial Day 2025, according to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. 

4. The majority enjoy flavor experimentation. 

SpartanNash reveals that 77% of Americans enjoy experimenting with new flavors at cookouts. Favorites include: 

1. Barbecue (61%) 
2. Garlic (34%) 
3. Generally smoky (30%) 
4. Teriyaki (25%) 
5. Honey (25%) (tie) 
6. Brown sugar (24%) 

5. There’s a cookout faux pas you shouldn’t commit. 

Survey respondents said the perfect cookout has 11 guests on average, per SpartanNash. The biggest sin, according to 64%? Showing up without bringing something to share. If you need ideas, try these favorite sides: 

1. Potato salad (60%) 
2. Corn on the cob (54%) 
3. Baked beans (53%) 
4. Watermelon (48%)