Many Americans stocking up for summer cookouts are navigating three competing trends: a heightened demand for protein, an increased emphasis on health and historically high beef prices.Seventy percent of Americans report protein as the nutrient they most want to consume, a 2025 International Food Information Council survey found.That helps explain why burgers remain a summer staple despite rising beef prices and certain health concerns.Ground beef prices are up 14% from a year ago, according to NielsenIQ retail data.
U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) data shows average fresh beef prices reached a record $9.64 per pound in April.OWNER OF VIRAL $1.34 BURGER STAND SHARES SECRET TO KEEPING PRICES UNCHANGED SINCE 2006Despite the high price of beef, the American Farm Bureau Federation reported in May that "demand for meat continues to grow."More than half of Americans (52%) surveyed said "the healthiness of food is highly important when deciding what to eat," according to Pew Research from last year.
The same Pew survey also found, however, that 69% of Americans said food price hikes make it more difficult for them to eat healthfully. Many Americans report grilling as a favorite summer activity, but the high cost of beef may affect some people's backyard offerings this summer.(iStock)"The 'healthiest burger' isn't determined by a single ingredient.
It will be relative to a person's health goals and nutrient needs," Caroline West Passerrello, Ed.D., RDN, LDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Fox News Digital."Beef, poultry, seafood and even plant-based burgers can all have a place on the menu," she added."Rather than looking for a perfect burger, consumers may benefit from considering protein quality, saturated fat, sodium, portion size and what they're pairing it with."High-quality animal protein sources are rich in iron, zinc and vitamin B12.Burgers shouldn't be labeled as inherently good or bad — and there are pros and cons of ea...