Football's biggest night is Feb. 9, and whether you’re in it for the halftime show, the commercials, or the actual game, one thing we can all agree on is this: Game day snacks are the real MVPs.
According to a recent Instacart survey, 70% of Americans plan to watch, and half of those say the snacks are among their favorite parts of the event. But what are we noshing on? Instacart spilled all the details about what top snacks and dips are taking center stage in your living rooms on the big night, and even broke down the top dips, state-by-state. Find out below which dip takes home the trophy in your state. 👇🏽
Snack MVPs: America’s Game Day Favorites
Instacart analyzed purchase data in 2023 a week before the game, to determine what American's favorite snacks are during the championship game. Unsurprisingly, the holy trinity of tortilla chips, wings, and finger foods reign supreme. Tortilla chips, the ultimate team player, take the crown as the No. 1 snack, with their versatility making them perfect for a variety of dips.
And speaking of dips…
Top Dips by State: A Dip-Lover’s Dream
When it comes to dips, guacamole is the clear champ, claiming the top spot in 21 states. Cheese dips and salsa follow closely, taking over 16 and 12 states, respectively. Spinach artichoke dip wins hearts (and taste buds) in Iowa, proving that regional favorites still shine amid national trends.
Dip Zone Defense: Breaking Down State Favorites for Feb. 9
To get this information, Instacart calculated which dip category saw the greatest difference in the share of carts they appeared in for each state the week before the 2023 showdown.
Buffalo Chicken Dip: The Missing Play in the Lineup
As someone who lives in the northeast, I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight what seems to be missing from the list of top dips: Buffalo chicken dip! This creamy, spicy, cheesy concoction is a staple in my region, and we think it deserves a shoutout.
If your game day spread feels incomplete without Buffalo chicken dip, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but it's a common one in kitchens across the northeast. My advice? Make a double recipe if serving a crowd. This makes about three cups of buffalo chicken dip goodness.
 Veselova Elena | Canva |
Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or one 12.5 oz can of chicken, drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank's RedHot is my family's choice, but you do you)
- ½ cup blue cheese dressing (you can change this out for ranch ... if you must)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish if you want to go fancy
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, dressing, and ¾ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions, if desired. Serve warm, with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or crackers.
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Buffalo Sauce Stats: A Game Day Staple
Buffalo sauce gets its moment in the spotlight during the biggest football game of the year, with its biggest sales spike of the year happening the week before the game. Whether you’re slathering it on wings or mixing it into dips, buffalo sauce a surefire way to score big with your guests.
 Tatyana Cansaul | Canva |
Buffalo sauce insights from Instacart’s data:
- More than half of buffalo wing eaters prefer boneless wings for Big Game snacking
- Medium heat is the most popular choice for buffalo wings, followed by spicy hot. 🥵
Ready, Set, Snack!
No matter which NFL team you’re rooting for, the real winners will definitely be the snacks. From tortilla chips and guac to Buffalo chicken dip, game day spreads are a touchdown for taste buds nationwide.
Happy snacking, and may the best team (or dip) win.
