Grilling Season 2025: Be Ready for Higher Meat Prices This Memorial Day

As summer starts and people prepare for Memorial Day weekend cookouts across the U.S., meat prices are on the rise—especially for beef and chicken. Whether you’re planning to grill burgers, steaks, or chicken wings, you’ll likely be paying more this year than you did in 2024.

This guide explains why prices have gone up, how much more you’ll be spending, and how you can plan your cookout smartly without burning a hole in your pocket.

Meat Prices Are Rising: What’s More Expensive in 2025?

If you’re heading to the grocery store, expect to see higher prices on some of your favorite grilling meats. Here’s what shoppers are noticing:

Ribeye steak, a favourite for grilling, has jumped from $9.75 per pound in April 2024 to over $14 in 2025
Ground beef, usually a cheaper option, has gone from $6.73 to $7.48 per pound

That’s not just a small increase—it’s a noticeable hit to your wallet, especially if you’re cooking for a large group.

Why Are Meat Prices Increasing?

There are two main reasons:

1. Higher Demand

As the weather warms up, people all across the country fire up their grills. Naturally, this pushes up the demand for meat—especially beef and chicken—which leads to price hikes.

2. Low Supply of Cattle

The U.S. now has the fewest number of cattle in over 60 years. States like Texas, which produce a lot of the country’s beef, have been hit by long droughts, making it harder for farmers to raise healthy cattle.

Although cows are heavier than in previous years, you still only get a limited amount of steaks, briskets, or roasts from each animal. On top of that, farmers are also paying more for feed and other costs, which adds to the final price at the store.

Chicken Prices Also Going Up

Chicken, another grill favorite, has also seen a price rise. While not as steep as beef, you’ll still notice an increase compared to last year. This is due to similar reasons—higher demand and increased costs in raising and processing poultry.

Pork: The Only Meat Getting Cheaper

While beef and chicken are becoming more expensive, pork is actually getting cheaper. This might be a good time to try grilling pork chops or sausages if you’re on a budget. So, if you’re looking to save money this grilling season, pork could be the smart choice.