The Super Bowl means different things to different people. For some, it’s a chance to cheer on their favorite football team in the final game of the season, while others simply revel in watching the two best teams of the year face off (even if their team didn’t make it).
Some people watch for the fun commercials or the halftime show or just enjoy the general excitement with family and friends. Others like to join the party atmosphere at local sports bars or other establishments showing the game.
At any large gathering, one of the main draws is always the food, and the Super Bowl is an event where people tend to go all out with snacks and drinks.
Whether you have a restaurant and are looking to wow customers with a truly tantalizing spread or you’re a food manufacturer interested in cashing in on this eating extravaganza, you’ll want to explore the latest snack trends to offer consumers a hot take on faves like wings, nachos, and more.
What’s new and exciting in the world of Super Bowl foods?
Wings That Soar
There’s no food more quintessential to a Super Bowl party spread than wings, and the wonderful thing about chicken is there are endless ways to season and cook it. While you can never go wrong with the classic buffalo style, consumers always seem ready to try something new, and there are a few great options to explore.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is on fire at the moment, and wings can get the sweet–spicy treatment in all kinds of ways. Go for the hot honey vibe by pairing honey with a spicy component like chipotle or sriracha. Or try a Thai style with a spicy vinegar-based sauce.
You could opt for a huli huli. This Hawaiian chicken recipe draws sweetness from the inclusion of pineapple and brown sugar, while the bite comes from garlic, ginger, and sriracha. The addition of smoky flavors adds a whole other level of complexity to the dish.
If you want to offer something for the spice-free crowd, try tackling the Korean fried chicken trend. The ultra-light batter produces a crispy crust that’s as thin as an eggshell but incredibly delicious.
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A New Take on Nachos
Nachos can be a heavy affair, so if you want to go a bit lighter this year to appease a health-conscious crowd, skip the beef and pulled pork in favor of shrimp. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika will pop when the shrimp is seared, and you can pair it with a drizzle of honey for sweetness or even hot honey for extra heat.
Pile it atop a stack of corn chips and cheese (consider a fresh goat or feta cheese to counteract the saltiness) and add cilantro, jalapeños, roasted corn, and fresh guacamole.
Don’t forget the crema with salt and lime. Consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
Chips and Dips
Spicy flavors continue to dominate the snack food market. Pringles launched two Takis-inspired options in 2023 — the lime and chili Enchilada Adobado chips and the roasted habanero Meras Habaneras chips.
However, there also seems to be a push for crossovers, as with the Lay’s Flavor Swap lineup, including Kettle Cooked Ruffles with the popular All Dressed seasoning and classic chips featuring Cheetos Cheese or Cool Ranch Doritos flavoring.
In terms of dips, French onion, ranch, buffalo, and spinach artichoke are always popular. That said, Bitchin’ Sauce has taken the dip world by storm with its salty, tangy flavor and a recipe that’s vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.
Related: Super Bowl Foods, Snacks, and Beverages
Create New Interest in Fan Favorites
Nostalgic foods like wings, nachos, and chips and dip aren’t going anywhere, but when the Super Bowl rolls around, it’s time to pull out all the stops with new flavors that take these staples to the next level and pique consumer interest.
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