Is the Most Important Part of July 4th Cookouts . . . Corn?

It doesn’t get any more American than this:  According to a new report, the most important part of Independence Day celebrations is:  Corn.  (???)

Instacart released some data on what America is ordering for their July 4th gatherings and cookouts . . . based on data from last year’s holiday . . . and the demand for YELLOW CORN is up 380%, compared to the yearly average.

I’m not sure if that says more about the importance of corn on Independence Day . . . or the LACK of interest in eating corn at any other time of the year.

The other products that surge the most over July 4th are:

2.  Charcoal

3.  Potato salad

4.  Baby back ribs

5.  Hot dog buns

6.  Canned baked beans

7.  Bratwurst

8.  Frozen beef burgers

9.  Watermelons

10.  Beef patties.

As for the hamburger / hot dog debate, most of America is ordering more HOT DOG buns.  That’s 31 states, from California . . . across Middle America . . . all the way to New York and Massachusetts.

The 19 states that order more hamburger buns are in the corners:  The Northwestern U.S. . . the Northeastern U.S. . . . the Southeastern U.S. (including Florida) . . . plus Alaska and Hawaii.

The top adult beverage of choice is:  Light lagers, which isn’t surprising considering the hot, outdoor, summer vibe.

Hard seltzers are second, followed by vodka . . . canned cocktails . . . Mexican-style lagers . . . rosé wine . . . tequila . . . IPAs . . . and other lagers.

And as for condiments, hot sauce was #1 out West . . . ranch dressing was the main order in the Midwest . . . the Northwest and Northeast are making sure they have enough mayonnaise . . . and barbeque sauce was #1 in the South.

Ketchup, mustard, and relish may be too common to stand-out . . . but that said, ketchup was #1 in five states, including Florida and Massachusetts . . . mustard was #1 in three, including Colorado and South Carolina . . . and relish was significantly important in one:  Texas.

(Instacart.com has the full report.)