Americans are stillfiring up the barbecue this summer — but high beef prices have them trading down to cheaper proteins like chicken, pork and turkey.
Why it matters: For many Americans, summer means burgers on the grill — and this year, that tradition is getting more expensive.
By the numbers: Nielsen retail data shows ground beef prices up 14% year over year, while USDA data shows average fresh beef prices hit a record $9.64 per pound in April.
Chicken prices, meanwhile, have remained relatively stable. The average price for boneless skinless chicken breast was about $4.17 per pound in April, according to American Farm Bureau Federation analysis.
What they're saying: "You make sure that your portion control is right, make sure that your cost is effective and give the people what they want," Stoney's Bar & Grill chef John Shirley told FOX 31 recently.
Meanwhile, Yazoo Barbeque Owner Dan Hines told the news station that suppliers are charging 28% more for brisket.
Zoom in: Meat producers say shoppers are gravitating toward pre-marinated pork, ready-to-cook burgers, grill kits and mid-tier beef cuts that offer more value and convenience.
