From Hot Dogs to Corn on the Cob: What America Eats on the 4th of July

Written by on July 3, 2025

4th of July Food Facts:

Hot dogs beat burgers in most U.S. states, according to Target’s shopping data (via Simply Recipes).

Americans consume an estimated 150 million hot dogs on July 4th alone.

Hamburgers, steaks, and barbecue chicken also rank high, but hot dogs take the top spot for sheer quantity and tradition.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn is a summer staple, enjoyed by about 60% of grillers during holiday cookouts.

Potato Chips: Nearly 70% of Americans include chips or crisps as a go-to snack at their 4th of July parties.

Watermelon: A favorite refreshing treat, watermelon is served at roughly 55% of Independence Day gatherings.

Other popular sides include baked beans (45%), coleslaw (40%), and macaroni salad (35%). These sides complement grilled meats perfectly and are crowd-pleasers at backyard barbecues.

About 15% of Americans say they try grilling for the first time around the 4th of July holiday. Many see it as a fun summer tradition to kick off their grilling journey, especially with the increased focus on outdoor cooking during this time.


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