Americans prepping for Super Bowl parties received a rare bit of good news this week: the classic game-day spread won’t require selling a kidney. According to the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, feeding 10 fans with all the usual suspects—wings, chips, dips, veggies, pizza, guac, and a cooler of drinks—now averages $140.
That’s up a modest 1.6% from last year’s $138, a gentler hike than the overall grocery inflation rate of 2.4% reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The increase feels almost apologetic in a world where prices usually sprint ahead like overcaffeinated quarterbacks. Stronger harvests and boosted production kept the damage low, leaving hosts with extra cash for that questionable fourth-quarter prop bet.
Meanwhile, average hourly wages climbed 3.8% to $31.99, meaning your paycheck grew faster than the grocery bill—finally, a stat line worth cheering.
The real drama unfolds on the field of individual items. Chicken wings, the undisputed MVP of Super Bowl menus, dropped 2.8% thanks to more birds and cheaper feed. Hosts can now pile the platter higher without guilt.
Tortilla chips slipped 0.7%, frozen pizza eased 0.6%, and avocados—guardian of the guacamole galaxy—fell enough to keep the dip from becoming a luxury item. Red bell peppers and carrots also joined the bargain bin, down 3.1% each.
Yet not every player cooperated. Shrimp prices spiked 8.1%, turning the fancy seafood tray into the spread’s diva. Beer edged up 1.3%, wine nudged 0.5%, and veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and cherry tomatoes decided to flex with increases from 2% to 4%. Potato chips and nacho cheese dip stayed flat at 0%.
The result is a menu where strategy matters more than ever. Load up on discounted wings and chips while treating shrimp like a luxury import. The average party still lands cheaper per person than many restaurant tabs, and with wages outpacing food costs, the average fan can afford to host without rationing the salsa.
In short, this year’s Super Bowl spread proves inflation can occasionally fumble. Hosts everywhere can now focus on the real priorities: yelling at the television, perfecting the victory dance, and pretending the celery sticks are there for health reasons.
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