You Won't Believe These 5 Super Bowl Snacks Will Steal the Show in 2026—#3 is a Game-Changer!

As the Super Bowl approaches, food emerges as a highlight of the annual festivities, often rivaling the football itself. From nachos to pizza, these indulgent snacks are integral to the experience, but they can also lead to skyrocketing grocery bills. This year, preparing a Super Bowl menu for 10 guests is estimated to cost around $139, according to the Associated Press. For perspective, that’s equivalent to about 26 iced lattes at the Starbucks located at Boston University’s Warren Towers. With this in mind, Joan Salge Blake, a clinical professor of nutrition and health sciences at Sargent College and host of the podcast Spot On!, shares tips on how to enjoy the big game without overspending or compromising on nutrition.

Hosting a Super Bowl party can be a daunting task for college students, especially when it might be their first time. However, Salge Blake advises that there are effective strategies to keep both costs and nutritional value in check. One significant tip is to serve the main meal at kickoff instead of waiting until halftime, which can help prevent overspending on appetizers.

“The sooner you can start having a healthy diet, the better,” Salge Blake emphasizes, echoing her commitment to educating people about proper nutrition. For those looking to make their Super Bowl snacks healthier and more budget-friendly, she has compiled five delicious dish ideas that are sure to satisfy both the palate and the wallet.

A note on food safety: The Food and Drug Administration warns that perishable foods left out at room temperature for over two hours become unsafe to consume, so keeping food safety in mind is crucial during Super Bowl gatherings.

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce: Frozen shrimp can be an economical and nutritious option for your Super Bowl spread. Salge Blake notes that prices for frozen shrimp have decreased from last year, making it a viable substitute for fresh seafood. “People think that frozen food is not as healthy as fresh, and that’s not really true,” she states. To prepare, simply thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator and serve with store-bought cocktail sauce. If using raw shrimp, boil them until they turn pink, then chill and serve.

Veggie Pizza: Instead of splurging on an expensive pizza, consider buying a budget-friendly frozen option and topping it with roasted veggies. Salge Blake suggests visiting Trader Joe’s for their frozen pack of roasted peppers and onions. Alternatively, for those willing to tackle the kitchen, a homemade herbed garden pizza recipe is available on her Instagram, featuring a whole wheat crust and a variety of colorful vegetables.

Guacamalsa or Salsamole: With avocado prices up 11.5% from last year, making traditional guacamole can strain any budget. Salge Blake recommends mixing salsa with mashed avocado to extend the dip and maintain flavor without breaking the bank. This combo not only makes for a healthier dip but also adds extra veggies to the mix.

Turkey Chili: Salge Blake highlights beans as “the food for 2025” due to their protein and fiber content. Doubling up on beans in your chili can help cut costs while still providing a hearty dish. Her turkey chili recipe, which yields 10 cups, includes lean ground turkey, a medley of vegetables, and a variety of beans, making it both budget-friendly and nutritious.

Veggie Platter and Dip with a Cheaper Twist: While a veggie platter might seem simple, costs can climb with popular produce like red bell peppers and baby carrots. Instead, Salge Blake suggests using whole carrots cut into sticks and shopping grocery flyers for weekly discounts, known as “loss leaders.” She also recommends hummus as a healthy dip, which can easily be made at home with chickpeas, tahini, and spices.

For those craving something crunchy, consider whole grain chips or homemade pita chips brushed with oil and seasonings. Salge Blake notes that if 90% of your offerings are healthy, it’s perfectly fine to indulge in the remaining 10% without guilt.

With these budget-friendly and nutritious options, Super Bowl Sunday can be enjoyable without the financial strain, allowing fans to focus on the game, the halftime show, and of course, the memorable snacks that accompany the festivities.