Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration.

According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers.

But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate.

In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre.  That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state.

And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.

Fueling the Festivities

From backyard fireworks to your drive to the lake, field corn powers much of the summer fun. Ethanol made from corn reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40–45% compared to fossil fuels, and about 98% of U.S. gasoline contains at least 10% ethanol.

Fireworks, too, rely on corn. The starch that helps fireworks explode in vivid color is made from field corn.  Roughly 350 bushels of corn are needed for just one season’s supply of starch.

Corn in Your Cup

Corn is also behind one of America’s fastest-growing summer spirits: vodka. Corn-based vodka sales increased 91% during summer holidays, according to Instacart. And in 2023, Illinois sold approximately 3.3 million 9‑liter cases of vodka, making it the fourth-largest vodka-consuming state in the U.S.

That cocktail in your hand? Very likely brought to you by Illinois corn.

A Crop That Does It All

Corn-based plastics used in cups, straws, and packaging offer a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products and often show up in picnic baskets and party setups. The versatility of field corn touches nearly every part of your summer celebration.

So while apple pie may be the symbolic staple of Americana, corn is the true workhorse, quietly powering your grill, your car, your cocktail, and even the grand finale fireworks.

From field to festival, corn proves time and again: it really might be more American than apple pie.