For many fans, the Super Bowl is as much about feasting as it is about football. The right snacks can elevate the game day experience, creating memorable moments around the snack table while everyone cheers for touchdowns or tunes in for halftime spectacles.
To get a clearer picture of the nation’s snacking habits, a survey of 3,000 Americans was conducted, asking about their preferred Super Bowl snacks, dips, drinks, preparation methods, and how much these foods matter to their game day rituals. Whether you’re invested in the score or just excited for the commercials, expect a day filled with irresistible bites and spirited celebration.
Key Insights into Super Bowl Snack Trends
– Buffalo wings reign supreme, topping the charts in 32 states as the most popular Super Bowl snack.
– Queso dip emerges as the nation’s dip of choice, favored in 18 states.
– Soda is the most preferred beverage, leading in 31 states (plus D.C.).
The Most Popular Super Bowl Snacks Across the Nation
Game day hosts and guests alike ramp up their snack game for the big event. Americans take their Super Bowl spreads seriously, with survey data showing snacks hold significant importance in the festivities.
Buffalo wings are the undisputed leader, dominating in 32 states including New York, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Their spicy, savory flavor and hands-on appeal make them a consistent hit from coast to coast.
Chips land in second place, claimed as the snack of choice by seven states, such as New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Washington. From salty potato chips to bold, cheesy varieties, there’s a crunch for everyone in the bowl.
Nachos take the third spot, taking center stage in five states: Colorado, Maine, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. Covered with cheese and an array of toppings, nachos are ideal for sharing—though few will want to.
Other noteworthy favorites include pizza, the number one choice in California, Michigan, and South Dakota, and cheese charcuterie boards, which lead in Iowa, Kansas, and Montana. Hawaii stands out for its preference for loaded potato skins.
When it comes to flavor profiles, the vast majority—84%—lean towards savory snacks, with not a single sweet topping the charts in any state. Homemade treats also have the edge, with 56% opting to make their snacks from scratch, compared to 44% who buy them ready-made. On average, fans spend nearly an hour (56 minutes) preparing their game day offerings, underscoring the importance placed on fresh and flavorful snacks.
Favorite Super Bowl Dips by State
Dips are a critical part of any Super Bowl spread, and regional preferences run deep. Survey results suggest that dips are valued nearly as highly as the snacks themselves.
Queso dip is the top pick in 18 states, winning hearts with its creamy, melted cheese goodness—especially in places like Texas, New Mexico, Kentucky, Washington, and Colorado.
Buffalo chicken dip follows closely, coming in second and leading in 16 states including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, and Florida. Its spicy, creamy texture makes it a favorite pairing for chips and veggies alike.
Seven-layer dip is a go-to in five states—Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Oregon, Louisiana, and Alaska—offering layers of flavor and a colorful presentation.
Both guacamole and ranch dip tied for fourth, with guacamole popular in California, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and South Dakota, while ranch takes the top spot in D.C., Kansas, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Velveeta cheese dip is most loved in Idaho, Mississippi, and North Dakota. In Nevada, salsa stands out as the preferred dip.
Super Bowl Drink Preferences: Soda vs. Beer
No matter the snack, the right drink is essential to wash it down. When asked about their beverage of choice for the Super Bowl, Americans showed a tilt toward more refreshing options.
Soda holds first place in 31 states and Washington, D.C., including large states such as California, Texas, and Florida. Beer, a traditional companion for wings and pizza, is still immensely popular, picking up the top spot in 20 states like Mississippi, Illinois, Massachusetts, Arizona, Alabama, and Oregon.
This year’s data suggests a gradual shift as more fans embrace soda over alcohol during the game, possibly in pursuit of a lighter, more inclusive celebration.
Summary
The Super Bowl has become a celebration of food as much as football. From the spicy kick of buffalo wings and the gooey delight of queso dip to the refreshing fizz of soda, the nation’s favorite snacks play an integral part in the day’s enjoyment. Whether chips or nachos, homemade or store-bought, fans agree: the real magic often happens at the snack table.
How the Data Was Gathered
This report is based on a survey of 3,000 Americans, with responses organized and analyzed by state to determine the leading Super Bowl snacks, dips, and drinks nationwide.
