MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Business Wire) — With the NFL® playoffs in full swing and the Super Bowl® fast approaching, the majority of football fans say they feel no guilt about snacking down heartily as they watch their favorite teams try to make it to the Super Bowl, according to the third annual SUPERVALU® Snack Down Survey by Harris Interactive.
“Whether fans are looking for some simple ideas to make their offerings healthier or want to spice up their standard game-day fare, our family of stores can help them put together a party menu their guests will remember.”
The majority of respondents readily acknowledge that few, if any, snacks they eat during games would be considered healthy or good for them. The survey also found that 54 percent of fans say they don’t confine their snacking to any special time but will eat throughout the game. Another 12 percent say they start snacking before the game as a warm-up, and 9 percent report that “I load up my plate at kickoff.”
And what will these millions of fans be eating? Their favorites are dips and spreads (32 percent) followed by chicken wings (23 percent), both up slightly in popularity from last year. Tied for third place at 14 percent were pizza and salty snacks such as chips, peanuts, pretzels or popcorn.
Nearly three-quarters of the fans say they plan to prepare and serve food and snacks to others at their home during the run-up to the Super Bowl and during the big game.
When asked what current or former NFL player they would most like to have at their Super Bowl party, former San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana topped a long wish list of NFL greats, followed by current quarterbacks Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos, Aaron Rodgers of the Packers, Tom Brady of the Patriots, Peyton Manning of the Colts, and former quarterbacks Terry Bradshaw, Brett Favre and Joe Namath. While 12 of the top 13 choices nationally were quarterbacks, Pro Football Hall of Fame® wide receiver Jerry Rice was the sole non-quarterback among the top picks. The region where people lived had a strong influence on the fans’ choices for favorite guest.
“As the most-watched televised event in the United States, the Super Bowl has become a big occasion for people to gather together with family and friends to enjoy the action and share food,” said Blaine Bringhurst, SUPERVALU’s vice president of grocery. “Whether fans are looking for some simple ideas to make their offerings healthier or want to spice up their standard game-day fare, our family of stores can help them put together a party menu their guests will remember.”
Paula Deen Reveals She Had Diabetes (VIDEO)
CDC: Binge Drinking A Bigger Problem Than Previously Thought
ConAgra To Buy Del Monte Canada
Follow Food Manufacturing On Twitter