Fourth of July food by the numbers

Everything is big on the Fourth of July, especially our appetites.

As you gorge on barbecue, watermelon and beer, consider these mind-blowing food facts as we celebrate our nation’s birth.

FULL COVERAGE: PROUD AMERICANS

1. We like barbecues

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More than 74 million Americans are planning a barbecue for the Fourth.

2. It's all about outdoor cooking

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A whopping 87 percent of American own outdoor grills.

3. Hot dogs are king

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Americans consume 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July weekend.

4. We also like chicken

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Americans buy 750 million pounds of chicken leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations.

5. Red meat is not king

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By comparison, Americans buy only a measly 190 million pounds of red meat or pork in the lead up to Fourth of July.

6. We spend more on condiments than chips and dip combined

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Americans spend $203 million just on condiments for Fourth of July.  This is more than $92 million we spend on chips and $60.3 million we spend on dip.

7. We drink a lot of beer

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About 68.3 million cases of beer are sold over the Fourth of July weekend, which according to the Nielsen Company, accounts for over 5 percent of the national annual beer consumption.