Celebrate the Fourth of July with Some Sizzling Stats from Mintel

29% of Americans attended a Fourth of July celebration within the past two years, 18% made a special dish. When it comes to Labor Day, 14% went to a party at a friend’s and 11% made special food.

29% of Americans participated in Memorial Day festivities within the past two years — 10% cooked, baked or served a special food, 12% attended a party or event at someone else’s home.

23% of Americans bought special holiday foods for the Fourth of July in the past two years and 19% picked up alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, 24% purchased special holiday foods to celebrate Labor Day compared to 12% who purchased liquor. Memorial Day seems to net the least food and booze purchases, with 12% and 10% respectively.

28% of Americans have hosted a summer holiday party in the past to commemorate the Fourth of July, Labor Day or Memorial Day.

Gas or charcoal? 50% of Americans own a gas grill, 36% prefer the charcoal variety.

80% of U.S. grill owners agree that grilling is an enjoyable way to cook while 59% of grill owners say grilling is the easiest way to prepare food.

53% of American grilling fans believe food prepared this way is healthier than other cooking methods.

50% of U.S. grill users cook veggies on the grill, compared to just 6% who prepare fruit that way.

During the height of outdoor grilling season, the average U.S. grill owner uses their grill about three days a week.

Hamburgers are the most popular barbecue choice with 91% of American grill owners reporting that they have prepared them, followed by steak (85%), chicken (85%) and hot dogs (84%).

Grilling alone? 27% of US hot dog lovers would be interested in single-serve franks.