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

best hot dogs
Credit: Liv Averett / Albertsons / Instacart / iStock / Whole Foods

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

Best Vegan Hot Dogs
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / IKEA / Instacart

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 Frozen Hamburger Patties

best frozen burgers
Credit: Merc / Walmart / Instacart / Amazon

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.

The Best Hamburger Buns (Gluten Free Ones, Too)

best hamburger buns

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

best bbq sauce
Credit: Liv Averett / Lillie’s Q / Primal Kitchen / Walmart

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.  

The Best Store Bought Potato Salad

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

best coleslaw
Credit: Liv Averett

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 Corn on the Cob Seasonings Beyond Salt and Pepper

best seasoning for corn on the cob
Credit: Liv Averett / iStock / Target / Walmart

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

best chips for a cookout
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / Target / Walmart

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

best ice cream
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart / Target

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

best frozen desserts you can hold in your hand
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart / Target / Walmart

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

What to Buy at Costco for Your Summer Parties

what to buy at costco for summer parties
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / Amylu Foods / BevMo! / Delyse / Kevin’s Natural Foods

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

desserts for the grill
Credit: Liv Averett / iStock

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

best light beers
Credit: Liv Averett / Target / Total Wine / Walmart

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

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

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.)

Your Non-Food BBQ Checklist

your non-food bbq checklist
Credit: Liv Averett / Amazon / Target

You’re going to host a BBQ, you’ll need more than just food. This checklist will help. 

Best Beach Snacks

beach snacks
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Walmart / Instacart / Target / iStock

And if you’re skipping the BBQ and just heading to the coast or to a lake, you’ll still need snacks. We’ve got you covered. 


About the Author

Sporked Staff

The Sporked Staff tastes everything and anything. They are obsessive about groceries and finding the best of any type of food or drink, from frozen fried shrimp to Dijon mustard to gummy candy. And they're always on a hunt for the best new products. When they aren't eating professionally, they're eating recreationally. And often they're browsing grocery store aisles, just for fun.