Super Bowl Sunday brings the entire nation to a standstill as approximately 100 million Americans gather to witness the pinnacle of the NFL season. This day is filled with festivities and traditions, but one aspect stands out above all else: the food. Super Bowl Sunday is known for its excessive consumption of food.
If you’re not one of the fortunate few who can afford a Super Bowl ticket, you’ll likely be enjoying the party atmosphere from the comfort of your living room. The excitement of the day is accompanied by a seemingly endless supply of food and beverages.
Super Bowl Sunday is a day where indulgence is encouraged. It’s a time when Americans can eat and drink to their heart’s content while watching the spectacle unfold. The debate over which party food is most suitable for the occasion is a topic of discussion in millions of households across the country.
Regardless of personal preferences, whether it’s chicken wings, pizza, nachos, or ribs, Americans spare no expense when it comes to their culinary choices on this sacred day.
It’s no wonder that the day after the Super Bowl, known as “Super Sick Monday,” sees a significant decrease in productivity. It is estimated that the nation suffers a loss of approximately $6 billion due to the physical toll of consuming an average of 2,400 calories per person. The combination of fatty and sugary foods, along with copious amounts of beer, leaves many feeling worse for wear.
An astonishing 70% of football fans consume four-and-a-half times more calories than their normal daily intake.
Super Bowl Sunday is only second to Thanksgiving in terms of food consumption. Although not an official holiday, it is treated as such by most Americans, with the food being just as important as the game itself.
One in seven Americans opt for takeout on this day, with pizza being the overwhelming favorite. Chicken wings, second only to pizza, have become synonymous with Super Bowl parties. They are easy to prepare, bite-sized, and perfect for those who don’t want to miss a moment of the action.
Approximately 1.33 billion wings are devoured each year during the Super Bowl, equivalent to about 700 million chickens.
Cheese is a crucial component of any Super Bowl party, whether it’s part of a dip for nachos or the star of a deli tray. On Super Bowl Sunday, a staggering 88 million pounds of cheese are consumed.
Grilling is also a popular choice on this day, with an estimated 14 billion hamburgers cooked nationwide. Additionally, 10 million pounds of ribs and 12.5 million pounds of bacon are purchased in preparation.
Dips are a favorite among hosts, with 32% of Americans planning to make some variation of dip last year. On average, eight million pounds of guacamole are consumed, along with 138 million pounds of avocados. Tortilla chips, pretzels, popcorn, and nuts are also popular snack choices, with millions of pounds consumed.
Finally, we can’t forget about beer, which is an integral part of many people’s Super Bowl experience. It is estimated that around 50 million cases of beer are purchased leading up to the game, totaling $1.3 billion in spending. On the day itself, approximately 325 million gallons of beer are consumed.