Super Bowl Grocery Prices: What’s Cheaper and What’s More Expensive This Year

1. Hosting Costs Are Nearly Unchanged

If you’re hosting a group of 10 this Super Bowl Sunday, you’re in luck. According to Wells Fargo’s Super Bowl Food report, the average cost to host a gathering will remain virtually flat, increasing by just 0.1% compared to 2024. That means you’ll spend around $139 for a table full of fan-favorite snacks and dishes. ESHOOTS.com / Pexels

2. Avocado Prices Soar, But Homemade Guac Is Still Cheaper

Avocado prices have surged by 11.5%, making it one of the biggest price jumps among Super Bowl staples. Despite this increase, Wells Fargo still recommends making guacamole from scratch rather than opting for pre-made options.

“Convenience of prepared foods comes at a price, and labor costs make prepared guacamole less of a bargain even with the increased fresh avocado price,” the report notes. With tortilla chips and potato chips down in price, you can save by pairing your homemade guac with affordable sides. Bonus: you control the flavor and freshness when you make it yourself. Foodie Factor / Pexels

3. Cherry Tomatoes Lead the Price Increases

Cherry tomatoes experienced the sharpest price hike, climbing 11.9% compared to last year. While these bright, bite-sized vegetables are a favorite for salads and dips, their rising cost might make you reconsider whether they’re a necessary addition to your spread.

Red bell peppers also saw a significant price increase of 7.4%, adding to the cost of veggie platters. If you’re looking to save, consider focusing on more affordable produce options like celery or broccoli, which are both down in price this year. monicore / Pexels

4. Chicken Wings Got Pricier

No Super Bowl party is complete without chicken wings, but this year, they’ll cost you more. Prices for fresh chicken wings rose by 7.2%, driven by continued demand and lingering supply chain pressures.

If wings are a must-have for your gathering, consider buying in bulk or pairing them with cheaper protein options like shrimp (which has seen a price drop) to keep costs in check. Sergio Arreola / Pexels

5. Celery and Broccoli Prices Drop

For those looking to add fresh, healthy options to their Super Bowl table, celery and broccoli are great choices this year. Celery prices have dropped by 8.4%, while broccoli is down 7.2%.

This makes veggie platters a more budget-friendly option, especially if paired with dips that have also become more affordable. Plus, with increasing interest in healthier eating trends—partly influenced by the popularity of GLP-1 drugs, as noted by Wells Fargo—your guests might even appreciate the lighter options. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

6. Shrimp Is the Best Bang for Your Buck

Frozen shrimp prices have fallen by 4%, making it one of the most cost-effective proteins to serve at your Super Bowl party. After experiencing a pandemic-era surge in prices due to supply chain challenges and increased demand, shrimp has become more affordable this year.

Wells Fargo suggests incorporating shrimp into your game day menu for both savings and versatility. Consider serving it chilled with cocktail sauce, adding it to tacos, or grilling it with a flavorful marinade. Shrimp offers a crowd-pleasing option that feels indulgent without breaking the bank. Deane Bayas / Pexels

7. Chips and Dips Are Cheaper

Chips and dips are a staple of any Super Bowl gathering, and this year, they’re more affordable than ever. The prices of tortilla chips, potato chips, nacho cheese dip, and salsa have dropped by 0.7% to 5.1%. Onion-flavored chip dip, while slightly pricier, only increased by 1.5%, which is still below the rate of inflation.

With these savings, you can stock up on a variety of options without exceeding your budget. Whether your guests prefer classic potato chips or spicy salsa, there’s room for everyone’s favorite snacks. Snappr / Pexels

8. Beer and Wine Prices Keep Rising

If alcohol is on your game day menu, be prepared to spend slightly more. Beer and wine prices have risen by 2% for the second consecutive year. While this increase isn’t dramatic, it can add up if you’re stocking a full bar.

For non-alcoholic options, Wells Fargo recommends choosing two-liter bottles of soda over 12-ounce cans to stretch your dollar further. Edward Eyer / Pexels

9. Healthier Eating Is on the Rise

A notable trend in this year’s report is the growing consumer preference for healthier foods, influenced by the popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications, used for weight loss and diabetes management, are changing eating habits over time, with many users opting for lighter and more nutritious options.

Grocers are responding to this shift by promoting vegetables and launching wellness programs, making it easier to find affordable produce for your Super Bowl spread. With prices for celery, broccoli, and cauliflower down, it’s a win-win for your wallet and your guests’ health goals. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

10. Inflation Slows for Food Prices

While food prices rose 2.3% in 2024, they are expected to increase at a slower pace in 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts food-at-home prices will rise by just under 1%, offering relief to consumers after years of inflationary pressure.

This deceleration is a stark contrast to 2022, when food prices jumped by 9.9%, the fastest increase since 1979. The stabilization of prices this year provides an opportunity to host a Super Bowl party without feeling the pinch of skyrocketing grocery costs. Kaboompics.com / Pexels