Is the Food at a Super Bowl Party More Exciting Than the Game? Survey Ranks Top Menu Items

January 26, 2025 journo

Less than half of Americans actually care which football team wins the Super Bowl—but a large majority will be gathering with friends for the annual big game.

According to a new survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, one in four respondents are more interested in the food being served than watching the game on February 9th.

54% of those polled believe the food spread has the power to make or break the entire experience. In fact, the food was voted to be more exciting than the commercials by 38%, and more anticipated than the halftime show by nearly half.

Conducted by Talker Research, the survey aimed to rank the best foods to pair with football across a variety of categories.

When asked to name the top food necessary to have on hand for a successful watch party, buffalo or hot wings came out on top with 49% choosing them. Barbecue took second place with 37% of the vote and seven-layer dip was the must-have, according to 36%.

Six in 10 respondents said they participating in a game day party—either hosting or attending. If hosting, more than half were planning the menu weeks in advance.

According to the survey, the menu should be a mix of sweet and savory snacks, with necessary players to include nachos (30%), cookies or brownies (25%) and potato chips (24%).

Chicken tenders or nuggets (22%) and pizza (20%) also made the top 10 foods people would want on their plate.

Commissioned by TUMS, the survey also found that some big game food favorites often come with a price: heavy snacking on spicy foods like buffalo wings, hot chili, and jalapeño poppers, can lead to consequences like heartburn, indigestion, or upset stomach. Nearly one in four experience occasional heartburn from such foods, and some even bring antacids to the party.

GOT A PRE-GAME RITUAL? A Third of American Sports Fans Believe Their Pre-Game Ritual Increases Chances Their Team Will Win

But, watch out, because you may get heartburn from your team’s performance—especially if you’re rooting against the Kansas City Chiefs, as they try to three-peat as three time world champs.

MORE: Most Americans Say the BEST Part of the Super Bowl is Not the Actual Game