Planning to host a Super Bowl party this year? Good news: Your grocery bill for snacks and drinks will be almost the same as last year. But if you’re leaning toward healthier options, you might notice some sticker shock.
According to a recent report by Wells Fargo, the total cost of Super Bowl essentials—think chips, guacamole, beer, and chicken wings—for 10 people is about $139. That’s just 10 cents more than last year. While the overall cost hasn’t budged much, the prices of individual items are all over the place.
For example, chicken wings, a game-day favorite, are up 7.2% due to higher demand. On the flip side, frozen shrimp is 4% cheaper this year, making it a more affordable option for your spread.
But here’s the catch: Healthier choices like veggies are getting pricier. Cherry tomatoes and avocados both jumped by more than 11% due to tough farming conditions in Florida, where hurricanes wiped out a chunk of the state’s crops. Peppers and carrots also saw smaller increases.
Interestingly, the rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 is also driving up veggie prices. People on these medications are eating more fiber-rich foods, which means higher demand for produce.
Luckily, some snack prices are dropping. Frozen pizza is down 3.7%, and tortilla chips, the perfect match for guacamole, are 1.4% cheaper. That means your chip-and-guac combo is only two cents pricier than last year.
To save money, experts suggest avoiding prepackaged foods, which are getting more expensive due to rising labor costs. Instead, try making your guacamole from fresh avocados or opting for two-liter sodas instead of cans.
So, whether you’re going all-in on wings or mixing in some healthier bites, a little planning can keep your Super Bowl party budget-friendly. Cheers to good food, good company, and maybe even a touchdown or two!