Super Bowl Party Planning: How to Manage Rising Food Costs
The Super Bowl is not just a game; it’s an event that brings people together to celebrate, cheer, and indulge in delicious food. For Tod Steward, a Seattle resident, hosting a Super Bowl party has become a cherished tradition. However, this year, he is facing a dilemma due to rising food costs.
Tod is known for his mouthwatering steaks that steal the show at his annual gathering. “The only time I use my grill that’s outside on my deck is for my Super Bowl party,” Tod shared in an interview with CNN. His friends even joke about it, with one of them taking the responsibility of cleaning and firing up the grill since Tod rarely uses it throughout the year.
Tod’s steaks are prepared with a special seasoning mix that he has perfected over the years. After marinating the meat overnight, he grills it to perfection just in time for kickoff. However, this year, Tod is hesitant about buying steaks due to soaring prices. He has been meticulously tracking the prices at his local QFC supermarket and might have to make a last-minute decision on whether to opt for more affordable alternatives like hamburger meat, hot dogs, or chicken breasts.
The situation is further complicated for Tod as he was recently laid off from his tech job. “I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but reality is reality,” Tod expressed. “Steak prices are high. I can much more afford hot dogs and buns, and I’m pretty sure I won’t lose some friends over it. At least I hope I don’t.”
While Tod grapples with his party planning predicament, it’s worth noting that grocery prices have experienced some fluctuations over the past year. According to a Wells Fargo Super Bowl Food Spending Report, grocery prices increased by 1.3% in December compared to the previous 12 months. However, this is a significant improvement from the 11.8% increase witnessed in 2022.
The report also highlights that while some game day dishes have become more affordable, several popular snack items and drinks have seen price hikes. For instance, the cost of fresh chicken wings has decreased by 5% compared to last year, while frozen wings are down by 11%. On the other hand, steak and ground beef prices have risen, with sirloin steak experiencing a 2.3% increase and ground beef soaring by nearly 12%.
Shrimp, however, is a cause for celebration as prices have dropped by an average of 6.4% per pound due to a robust global supply. On the snack front, brand-name chips and ready-made dips have become pricier, with tortilla chips witnessing a 6% increase and potato chips rising by 5%. In the beverage department, canned soft drinks have become more expensive due to higher aluminum prices, while bottled versions have seen a slight decrease.
To navigate these rising food costs, seasoned Super Bowl party host Amy Larson from San Francisco shares her tricks. Amy starts comparison shopping a week or two in advance and often finds affordable options in the international aisle. She also prefers making items from scratch whenever possible to save money. Additionally, she takes advantage of sales and buys meat in bulk when there are good deals, storing them in her freezer for future use.
While Tod waits to make his final food purchases, he has already stocked up on sides such as chips, salsa, sour cream, and potatoes for his famous baked potatoes. He also encourages guests to bring appetizers if they wish and has implemented a BYOB (bring your own beverage) policy to alleviate some of the financial burden. However, he admits that even his alcohol budget might need trimming due to higher prices.
In conclusion, hosting a Super Bowl party can be a delightful and memorable experience, but rising food costs can present challenges. By employing strategies like comparison shopping, buying in bulk during sales, and exploring alternative options, hosts can manage their budgets without compromising on the enjoyment of the event. Whether it’s savoring mouthwatering steaks or relishing affordable alternatives like hot dogs and chicken, the Super Bowl remains a time to come together, cheer for your favorite team, and indulge in good food with friends and loved ones.
