Rhode Island
Backyard Cookout Costs Rise: What Rhode Island Hosts Can Expect
Prepared potato salad is up 3%, while cornbread is up 4%. Eggs, however, are a bright spot, with prices down 14%, which could make deviled eggs or other egg-based sides a more affordable addition.
Vegetable trays may require a little strategy. Broccoli, celery and cauliflower are up 6%, while snacking tomatoes are up 2% and baby carrots are up just 1%.
Fruit could help offset some of the increases. Strawberries are about the same price as last year, and watermelon is down 3%.
Some Sweet News About Desserts
Dessert prices are rising more moderately than other cookout staples.
Store-bought cookies are up 1 percent, ice cream is up 2%, and store-bought apple pie is up 4%, according to the analysis. That means a mix-and-match dessert table can still be a relatively affordable way to end the meal.