As football fans gear up for this year’s Super Bowl, the price of feeding hungry partygoers remains surprisingly steady compared to last year, with just a slight increase of 0.1%.
A report by Wells Fargo reveals that classic game-day staples like chips, chicken wings, beer, and guacamole for ten guests will cost an average of $139, a mere dime more than in 2024, reported CNN Business.
Yet, while the overall price tag is stable, individual item costs vary widely.
Chicken wings, a perennial favorite, have risen 7.2% due to growing demand. However, frozen shrimp, another popular choice, has become 4% cheaper, offering a potential alternative for those seeking variety on their party platters.
Health-conscious eaters will face higher prices for fresh produce this year, with some items seeing significant jumps.
Due to adverse weather conditions that reduced harvests in key growing regions, cherry tomatoes, and avocados have climbed by 11.9% and 11.5%, respectively. Hurricanes in Florida, which accounts for most of the country’s tomato production, have devastated nearly 40% of crops. Other party staples, such as bell peppers and carrots, have also seen moderate price increases, reflecting environmental factors and shifting consumer preferences. This surge is partly driven by Americans increasingly prioritizing nutrient-rich foods, a trend linked to the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs that encourage higher fiber intake.
Despite higher costs for fresh vegetables, there are some opportunities for savings when it comes to processed and frozen foods. Prices for frozen pizzas, for instance, have dipped by 3.7% this year. Similarly, while avocados are pricier, tortilla chips—a guacamole essential—are slightly cheaper, down 1.4% from last year.
Alcoholic beverages are another category seeing incremental price increases, with beer and wine up by 2% overall. However, those hosting on a budget can cut costs by opting for larger formats, such as two-liter soda bottles instead of individual cans. Bulk purchasing continues to be one of the simplest ways to save money while ensuring guests have plenty to enjoy.
The Wells Fargo report noted that consumers are becoming “food fluent,” learning to navigate fluctuating grocery prices while balancing indulgence with nutritional value. This year’s trends reflect a delicate tug-of-war between traditional comfort foods and the rising popularity of healthier, more sustainable options.