Sporked’s Guide to the Best 4th of July Food and Drinks

You don’t have to only eat red, white, and blue foods on Independence Day. (Does anyone actually like flag cakes or are they just for the ‘gram?) In our opinion, the best 4th of July food is simple and summery. We’re talking hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream—but not just any of those 4th of July foods, the best of the best. It’s America’s birthday, after all. And the best way we know how to honor this great country of ours is with a truly superb vegan hot dog or a sublime popsicle. We’ve taste tested all the best 4th of July food ideas and now we’re sharing them all with you. 

Best Hot Dogs

The 4th of July might be America’s birthday, but it’s also National Hot Dog Day, which is equally  important, if you ask us. Find the best hot dogs to grill up, steam, boil, or eat straight from the package.

Best Vegan Hot Dogs

Vegans and vegetarians should be allowed to celebrate National Hot Dog Day, too (as Joey Chestnut would tell you). We found the best plant-based dogs that even meat-eaters will love. 

Best Hot Dog Buns

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—subpar buns ruin the hot dog experience! We love our readers and don’t want that for you, so you can always trust Sporked to steer you in the right direction in the bun department.

Best Frozen Hamburger Patties

Hey. Hey, you. You should be entertaining your friends, NOT standing in the kitchen covered in raw ground beef making hamburger patties! Buy the best frozen burgers for your 4th of July BBQ instead.

Best Pulled Pork

Pulled pork sandwiches may not be a classic July 4th food, but variety is a good thing, especially if you can add something to your spread with minimal effort. Make sandwiches with these smoky, savory grocery store pulled pork options, and you’ll be spoken of in hushed tones (in a good way) at the potluck.

The Best Hamburger Buns (Gluten Free Ones, Too)

Whether you’re serving burgers, sloppy joes from the crock pot, or pulled pork sandwiches, you need the right hamburger buns for the 4th of July BBQ.

Best BBQ Sauces

There are all sorts of BBQ sauce styles and all sorts of opinions about which style is the best. We’re equal opportunity BBQ sauce enjoyers here at Sporked, as long as it tastes great.  

Best Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is a classic condiment in general—but on the 4th? It’s the MVP—it goes on and in everything. Hot dogs? Mustard. Potato salad? Mustard. Macaroni salad. Mustard (we need tang people). Looking for the best mustard? Sporked has your back.`

The Best Store Bought Potato Salad

The people have spoken (okay, we have spoken) and they insist on creamy salads at the gathering. Potato salad is a must—and it makes a pretty damn good hot dog condiment, too.

The Best Grocery Store Coleslaw

Don’t serve soggy slaw at the BBQ. We found grocery store coleslaw that’s crisp and tasty and perfect for topping pulled pork sandwiches or eating alongside BBQ chicken.

Best Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad isn’t exactly complex. It has to have some tang, some creaminess, and a fresh crunch from a decent amount of veggies, but it’s actually kinda hard to execute when you’re prepping for a full day of grilling. These grocery store mac salads are pretty damn good for when you inevitably realize you need another side to round out your spread this 4th.

Best Corn on the Cob Seasonings Beyond Salt and Pepper

Corn is an essential summer food—grilled or steamed or boiled. To take it over the top, slather it in the best butter and top it with one of these out-of-the-box seasonings. 

All the Chips You Need at a Cookout

Set up the ultimate chip table with this lineup of the best chips to serve at a cookout—from BBQ to spicy. 

Best Ice Cream

Whether you’re a mix-in freak or a vanilla purist, we have taste tested and determined all of the best ice cream you can buy. 

Best Frozen Desserts to Hold in Your Hand

Looking for an on-the-go treat? Here are the best cold and creamy desserts to snag, from Klondike Bars to mochi ice cream. 

Best Ice Cream Sandwiches

Do ice cream sandwiches deserve their own category on this list? Yes. They do. The cookie sandwich is an underappreciated delicacy, especially for the 4th of July. Think about it—on a day that’s basically about indulgence (and America, I guess), ice cream sandwiched between two dense, soft cookies is the perfect treat—way better than ice cream in a paper cup or a paper-like sugar cone!

What to buy at Costco for your Summer Parties

If you’re entertaining a big crowd, stocking up on the best 4th of July food at Costco just makes sense (or dollars and cents, as someone cornier than us would say). 

Delicious (and Easy) Desserts for the Grill

If you’ve never had a grilled mini pound cake slice from Entenmann’s, do yourself a favor and try it this Fourth. We’re talking fireworks in your mouth. 

Best Light Beer

I believe if you are over 21 you are required by law to hold a beer in one hand when you’re manning the grill on Independence Day. Make sure it’s a good one that won’t weigh you down. 

Best Non-Alcoholic Beer

Don’t do booze? Have friends who are taking a break from drinking? Having some NA beer on hand at the 4th of July party is a must.

Best Hard Lemonade

Not into beer? Try a spiked version of that all-American beverage, lemonade. There are better choices out there than when you last had a hard lemonade in college. (And if you’re looking for booze-free lemonade, we can recommend a few of those, too.)

Best Hard Seltzer

Some of us aren’t the biggest fans of beer. And that’s okay! This is a safe space! Hard seltzer is a great alternative. Our top picks are refreshing, fizzy, and just boozy enough for a full day of partying.

Best Lemonade

Those under 21 at the party need drinks, too! And lemonade is a crowd favorite, for sure. Our list comprises a pretty wide variety of lemonades, with flavored, sugar-free, and organic options—take your pick!