Grill Smoke, Fireworks And Backyard Feasts: How Americans Are Savoring Summer

For many Americans, summer doesnt truly begin until the smell of something sizzling on the grill wafts through the neighborhood.

According to a new nationally representative survey of 2,000 grill owners, 87% say the scent of grilling is the most iconic sensation of the season — more so than beach trips or even pool time, both cited by 68% of respondents.

Commissioned by Tyson Foods and conducted by Talker Research, the poll found that 80% of Americans believe cooking outdoors is one of the joys of summer. Theyve been looking forward to it for four months on average. The excitement is especially strong among Gen Z, 59% of whom are particularly eager for backyard cookouts.

Summer is also the favorite season for more than a third of Americans (36%) overall — and more than half of Gen Z (52%) — with many planning to make the most of it by soaking up time outside (66%) and hosting backyard parties and cookouts (46%), with Gen Z especially excited about backyard cookouts (59%).

Nearly two-thirds (61%) intend to fire up the grill at least once a week, with 69% saying theyre motivated by the mouthwatering aromas alone. Another 53% are aiming to improve their grill skills this year, reporting theyve already spent an average of three hours in the last month consuming grilling-related content. Top culinary goals for the season include perfecting ribs (28%), grilled chicken (27%), and brisket (25%).

When it comes to whats hitting the grates this summer, hamburgers (82%) and hot dogs (73%) remain the top choices, closely followed by steak (74%) and seafood (36%). A third of grillers say theyll cook “literally anything grillable.”

Financial considerations are also shaping how Americans eat this summer. Sixty-seven percent plan to be more budget-conscious, and three-quarters of those cutting costs (74%) say theyll cook more meals at home to save money. Popular strategies include shopping in bulk (42%), meal prepping (39%), and trying new recipes (39%), with most (77%) keeping a close eye on food prices.

The seasons marquee event, the Fourth of July, is expected to be the biggest day for grilling, with 56% of respondents planning to fire up their cooktops for the holiday. Classic fare will dominate the menu: hamburgers (68%), hot dogs (60%), and grilled chicken (45%) lead the list of mains, with ribs (35%) and sausages (30%) also making strong showings. On the side, Americans will be dishing out potato salad (56%), chips (51%), baked beans (50%), and deviled eggs (37%).

Expectations for a perfect Independence Day gathering go beyond the food. Nearly half (49%) say theyd be disappointed if staples like burgers and hot dogs were missing. Others would be bummed without fireworks (42%), great music (34%), or outdoor games (21%).

As Americans lean into the seasons rituals — from grilling everything under the sun to driving with the windows open and top down (58%) to chasing fireflies (24%) — the sights, smells, and flavors of summer remain as powerful as ever.