With the Fourth of July just around the corner, I know you’re already thinking about backyard BBQs, pool parties, and those perfect summer moments with family and friends. But here’s the thing – while you’re planning the perfect playlist for your celebration, have you thought about what everyone else is racing to grab at the grocery store?

Instacart just dropped some seriously interesting data about what Americans are actually buying for Independence Day, and let me tell you, some of these trends might surprise you! As backyard grills fire up and coolers get packed for long afternoons in the sun, the Fourth of July remains one of America’s most festive and flavorful holidays. To celebrate, Instacart dug into purchase data from 2024 to highlight what people may add to their carts to create the ultimate Independence Day spread.

The Must-Have Foods Everyone’s Fighting Over

When it comes to prepping for the big day, Americans go all-out on cookout classics. Topping the list of items that surged in share of orders is the essential barbecue side dish: canned baked beans, which saw 4.2 times more orders than the yearly average. Following closely behind are Hot Dog Buns, Watermelons, Hamburger Buns, and Hot Dogs, all showing massive spikes in popularity.

But here’s where it gets fun – it’s not just the obvious stuff. Athena Melons (6.3x more) and Rainier Cherries (9x more), the sweet, summer fruits soared compared to their average order rate, peaking around the Fourth. Ladies, if you want to impress at your Fourth of July gathering, grab some Rainier cherries – they’re having a serious moment!

The Drinks That Are Totally Having a Moment

Now THIS is where things get interesting for us busy moms who need something refreshing after chasing kids around all day. As temperatures rise, so does the demand for one of summer’s most stylish sips: the Aperol Spritz. Aperol and Prosecco were purchased together 158% more often than average during the week of the Fourth of July in 2024, marking the peak of Spritz Season.

And get this trend alert: According to our data, summer spritzes are gaining a lot of momentum with the share of orders containing Prosecco and Aperol rising 13% from 2023 to 2024. Time to level up your poolside game, am I right?

For those family-friendly options, Daiquiri (5.4x more), Piña Colada (5.6x more), and Frozen Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mixers (6.1x more) spiked significantly as Americans beat the heat with tropical-inspired drinks, frozen slushies, and poolside mocktails.

The Sweet Treats Your Kids Will Thank You For

Angel Food Cake (5.6x more) showed a strong seasonal surge, given it’s the perfect base for an American flag-themed dessert. Hello, Pinterest-worthy dessert that’s actually doable! And don’t forget about s’mores – It wouldn’t be a summer celebration without s’mores. Orders containing both Graham Crackers and Marshmallows surged nearly 200% above the yearly average during the week ending on July 4.

Regional Chip Wars: What’s Your State’s Favorite?

This might just blow your mind – apparently we’re all very passionate about our chip choices! Utz ruled the mid-Atlantic and parts of the South, taking top honors in the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Similarly, up in New England, Cape Cod Chips came out on top in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. And true to their Rocky Mountain roots, Coloradans scooped up Boulder Canyon chips, which were picked up 525% more often than the national average.

Your Last-Minute Shopping Strategy

Here’s what you need to know: To keep coolers perfectly chilled, Ice Blocks see a surge (5.8x more), as well as fun treats to beat the heat like Alcoholic Ice Cream and Popsicles (4.9x more). Stock up on ice early, and maybe grab some of those adult popsicles for after the kids go to bed!

Don’t forget the party essentials beyond food – Fourth of July Decor and Flags saw order increases of over 65x and 30x, respectively. Grills (21x more than average): How else will all of the burger-flipping get done?

The Bottom Line

Listen, we all know that the best Fourth of July party isn’t about having the trendiest ingredients – it’s about those moments when your family is laughing together, the music is perfect (thanks, Froggy 102.7!), and everyone feels that summer magic. But a little insider knowledge about what’s hot this year? That doesn’t hurt either.

Whether you’re grilling in your backyard, diving into a pool party, or simply soaking in the sun with friends and family, Instacart is here to deliver the flavors for Independence Day.

So there you have it, Froggy family – your insider’s guide to Fourth of July shopping trends. Now get out there and make some memories!

What’s on your Fourth of July shopping list? Let us know on our Froggy 102.7 Facebook page!

Source: Data compiled from Instacart’s “Firing Up the Fourth: Independence Day Favorites” report, published June 18, 2025.