Grilling: A Taste of Summer

May 2023

Few things say “Summer” like a trip to the beach, camping, family vacations, and summer grilling. A recent nationally representative study among consumers ages 18-64 conducted by NCBA on behalf of the Beef Checkoff found 96% of respondents plan to grill this summer.

Figure 1 created by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of The Beef Checkoff.

When asked where they plan to grill this summer, 78% of respondents noted they plan to grill at home, followed by 63% noting at a family members home. Rounding the top three grilling locations, nearly 60% of respondents noted they plan to grill at a friend’s house. Recreation sites also scored high as favorite grilling locations, with 30% of respondents grilling at a campground, 26% at the beach, and 24% at a public park. Additionally, 14% of respondents plan on grilling at a tailgate/sporting event over the summer.

Figure 2 created by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of The Beef Checkoff.

The summer is filled with holidays and other special occasions to gather with friends and family and share a meal from the grill. Topping the list, 80% of respondents noted July 4th as the number one holiday for which they are likely to grill, followed by the kick-off to summer, Memorial Day, at 75%. Even so, respondents didn’t need a particular occasion to grill, with weekend grilling coming in at 73% of respondents. In honor of National Beef Burger Day, 35% of respondents note a likelihood to grill.

Figure 3 created by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of The Beef Checkoff.

When asking respondents what they intend to cook on the grill, the top two choices are chicken and beef. Digging into top beef choices for grilling, 89% of respondents noted a likelihood to grill a beef burger followed by 74% likely to grill a beef hot dog. The ribeye was the top choice of steak for grilling, noted by 64% of respondents, followed by the T-Bone steak at 57%. Interesting to note, 46% of respondents noted grilling “any steak that is on sale”.

Figure 4 created by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of The Beef Checkoff.

Grilling is something most friends and family can agree on. Heading into summer of 2023, 96% of respondents plan to grill and beef is a mainstay among most respondents. Whether it’s at home, at a friend’s house, or the park, grilling is a part of many summer celebrations.