Often, what we put into our shopping carts can provide a peek into our true selves, even if it's just a grocery run via third-party app Instacart. With Instacart keeping a watchful eye on our nation's summer spending, it has released a study illustrating our favorite selections for Fourth of July cookouts. Additionally, the revealing data finally settles the age-old debate of whether hot dogs or burgers are the ultimate cookout favorites.

Using the "Flavors of the Fourth" report, Instacart has scrutinized the data collected during the week leading up to July 4, 2023, contrasting it with the same time span in 2022. The analysis serves not only to spotlight the stars of our summer barbecues but also to highlight evolving trends across food and drink categories - shedding light on what's in vogue and what's slowly fading away.

Don’t let the surge in corn popularity take you by surprise. This list doesn't rank the top-selling items but showcases the goods that see a significant jump in sales around Independence Day. For instance, hot dogs may not feature on the list not because they aren't favorites, but because Americans buy them consistently, regardless of the season.

And, speaking of hot dogs, they've managed to secure victory over hamburgers when it comes to America's favorite cookout food, says Instacart. This conclusion was reached not by comparing meat sales, but bun sales. The logic? Though many of us might have frozen burgers or sausages in our freezers all year round, a rise in bun sales indicates when we're planning to actually cook and consume them. Hot dog buns' sales surpassed those of hamburger buns in 32 states, leaving the latter preferred in a handful of states in the Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast. "Hot dogs and hamburgers are staple choices for Fourth of July celebrations because of their uncomplicated preparation and ever-present popularity," said trends expert at Instacart, Laurentia Romaniuk. "At backyard gatherings, people value easy preparation, effortless serving, and universally appealing options. Hot dogs stand out due to their convenience – they don't even need a plate!”

As for the accompanying condiments, Instacart's data offers intriguing insights. The usual suspects - mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, relish - are all counted for, but none outshine ranch dressing, which continues to rule 19 states, particularly in the Midwest and Central Plains, as well as in Idaho and Utah. Mayo also made a decent appearance, though that doesn't necessarily mean it's squeezed directly onto hot dogs and burgers; it's often utilized in side salads popular on Fourth of July, reinforcing the need to store any mayo-based dishes properly in the summer heat

While these staple food items dominate Instacart’s report, the list of distinct dishes for your Independence Day cookouts could be endlessly innovative, offering an opportunity to impress your guests with something a little more unique.