Super Bowl Sunday, traditionally a day of indulgence, is seeing a shift in snacking habits across the United States, with more Americans searching for healthier options, according to recent data.
An analysis of Google search data conducted by the blog Coffeeness reveals a growing interest in lighter bites and nutrient-dense snacks as fans prepare for the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots on . The data shows a clear divergence from solely seeking out traditional Super Bowl fare like chicken wings, burgers, and chips.
Leading the charge in healthy snack searches are hard-boiled eggs, topping the list in a surprising 27 states. This includes Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Fresh salsa options are also proving popular, with pico de gallo being the most searched healthy snack in 14 states: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Pistachios also garnered significant attention, ranking as the top healthy snack choice in California, Louisiana, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Texas.
The trend towards healthier snacking isn’t entirely unexpected, according to Shannon O’Meara, a registered dietitian with Orlando Health. She told Fox News Digital that Americans are becoming more intentional about their food choices, even during events traditionally associated with less healthy eating.
“Americans are beginning to move away from treating the Super Bowl as a full ‘cheat day,’ instead looking for ways to balance classic favorites with healthier choices,” O’Meara said.
O’Meara highlighted the nutritional benefits of choices like hard-boiled eggs and bean-based dips, noting they provide a good source of protein compared to more processed snack options. She also emphasized the importance of fiber, found in foods like beans and nuts, for promoting fullness and aiding blood sugar control.
For those aiming to maintain their New Year’s health goals while still enjoying the Super Bowl festivities, O’Meara recommends practicing mindful eating rather than strict restriction. “Try to eat your food during the game as one meal all together instead of spaced out,” she advised. Spacing out small portions throughout the game can lead to consuming more calories overall.
“If you want the chocolate chip cookie, that’s OK! Balance it out with some cowboy caviar so you can feel both full and satisfied,” O’Meara added.
While the classic Super Bowl spread isn’t disappearing entirely, the increasing popularity of healthier options suggests a growing awareness among Americans about the importance of balanced eating, even during celebratory events.
