This year’s Super Bowl LX is one of seconds: the second time the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots are matched up, and the second time Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny will take the stage at halftime. But, no matter the teams or performers, the number one contributor to the best watching experience is the right snacks.
With the Super Bowl to take place on Feb. 8 at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, 213.1 million adults plan to tune in, according to the National Retail Federation, and consumer spending for the day is projected to hit a record $20.1 billion. So, if you want to elevate that Super Bowl viewing, don’t miss out on these great game day snacks and drinks.
To start your viewing with a snap, the Lays Pure Spice Flavored Chip is a must. Their ruffled shape allows for maximum surface area of flavoring. Clinging to the ridges, the seasoning pools along each crevice. Delicious sweet barbecue with subtle smoky heat explodes in the mouth with each light crunch.
With mild spice still lingering on the tongue, the next must-have is the Seaweed-Flavored Turtle Chip. Airy and light, the four crackly layers of this corn-based snack produce the most satisfying crunch that will keep you going back for more. The seaweed flavor, not too overpowering, leaves you with a harmonious combination of umami, savory and salty.
Wash those salty snacks down with the bright red Hawaiian Sun Luau Punch. But to balance out the sweetness, mix with a crisp sparkling water. By no means does this drink taste like real fruit juice, but that classic artificial fruit taste is crucial to the finest Super Bowl Sunday experience. Wondering if you’re tasting orange, pineapple or cherry is half the fun.
It’s time to move on to a dessert-snack, and Mint Pocky is a surprising success. With a cocoa biscuit stick and mint cream coating, it emulates the taste of an Andes Mint. After cutting through the decadent chocolate layer in a split second before an airy snap of the biscuit, you are left still crunching as the slightly minty chocolate melts on your tongue.
While the snacks have been great so far, one to avoid is the Nongshim Honey Twist Snack. Despite the appetizing long twist and glistening honey glaze, the snack has nothing really to give. The subtle honey leaves you unsatisfied, and the puffed base becomes soggy immediately. Bland and disappointing, this one is a fumble.
Another pass is the Gunna Miss Mojita Sparkling Lemonade. The sugar substitute stevia leaves your tongue feeling weirdly heavy and with an awful metallic taste. Barely sour and barely fizzy, the drink disappoints and doesn’t even taste refreshing or lemony before the fake sugar hits.
On a sweeter note, a snack worthy of appearing on this special day is the Morinaga Hi-Chew. Each one just as vibrant and smooth as the next, the core flavors are grape, green apple and strawberry. The distinct crinkle of the individually wrapped treat is music to the ears. Sweet and concentrated, the fruit flavor explodes with the first chew and remains just as vibrant for the whole four minutes it takes to eat. It’s perfect to pop in and stay locked in on the game.
As the teams match up and the clock winds down, the game will come to a close. With a team coming in second, everyone can come out on top with a happy and full stomach. Memories made and money well spent, the real magic of the night starts with the snacks.
