The Super Bowl is more than just the championship game for professional football teams; it’s also the second-largest food consumption day of the year, right after Thanksgiving. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans devour vast quantities of food during this much-anticipated event, making it imperative to explore what people are actually eating on Super Bowl Sunday.
Recently, Coffeeness, which is primarily known for its coffee machine reviews, decided to dig deep and find out which foods were truly the favorites across the United States for this major occasion. Analyzing search volume data from December 2023 to March 2024, they looked at approximately 1,300 food types and around 300 dessert-oriented keywords, focusing on trends leading up to and following the big game itself.
Let's break down some of the findings. First up, savory foods. It seems there’s no contest when it coming to America’s favorite Super Bowl dish. The iconic Buffalo chicken dip has claimed the top spot by a landslide, favored by 29 states including Minnesota, South Carolina, and Kansas. Coffeeness reports, "Buffalo chicken dip is America’s favorite Super Bowl food by a landslide.” This spicy cheese dip has become synonymous with Super Bowl gatherings, echoing across living rooms and parties nationwide.
Hot on its heels are baked potatoes—a favorite particularly on the West Coast. Coffeeness notes, “Baked potatoes reign supreme on the opposite side of the country,” with states like California, Oregon, and Washington leading the search results. It’s clear this comforting staple can be dressed up or down, catering to diverse crowd palates.
Another interesting trend emerges from the southern staple: fried green tomatoes. This dish has its roots deeply embedded in Southern cuisine and is the third most popular dish on the map, claiming favor among states such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. Fried green tomatoes are known for being crispy and flavorful, making them ideal snacks for the big game. Coffeeness states, "Fried green tomatoes claim the third-most states on the map.” Specifically, the firm texture of green tomatoes helps them withstand the frying process, setting them apart from their red counterparts.
Now, switching gears to the sweeter side of things—desserts! Not surprisingly, the perennial favorite, strawberry shortcake, dominates this area. According to Coffeeness, fourteen southern and western states, including Texas and Florida, prefer the classic combination of cake, strawberries, and whipped cream at the end of their game day feasts. They observe, "Strawberry shortcake dominates the map,” highlighting its deep-seated appeal during these celebrations.
Meanwhile, peanut butter blossoms, the delightful cookies topped with chocolate, have earned the second spot among favorite desserts, chosen by thirteen states, including South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Coffeeness captures this sentiment well, stating, “Peanut butter blossoms are selected by 13 states.” This dual-textured treat adds to the festive atmosphere of Super Bowl Sunday.
Finally, rounding out the top three desserts is the classic banana bread. A hit particularly with residents of Alaska, Hawaii, and other states like Maine and Washington, banana bread’s ripe versatility and homemade charm make it quite the crowd-pleaser on this unique day. With its comfort-food appeal, it's found favor across various regions, showcasing the scope of traditions enjoyed on Super Bowl Sunday.
With these findings, it’s evident how diverse America’s palate is when it embraces the Super Bowl as not just sports but also as culinary festivities. Those searching for the perfect spread come game day can certainly draw inspiration from these regional food preferences, be it indulging in spicy buffalo chicken dip or savoring sweet strawberry shortcake. The Super Bowl is not only about football; it’s also very much about food, and the diverse choices represented across the states reflect something uniquely American.