These 3 Super Bowl Foods Have Skyrocketed in Price, Says New Report
If you're headed out for a Super Bowl party this weekend, you're not alone. Ninety million people plan to throw or attend a party on Sunday, up from 62.8 million last year, according to USA Today. And as we reported earlier this week, snacks and beer are going to be a big part—if not the most important part—of the festivities.
However, you and your fellow football fans are in for some serious sticker shock this year. According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics via USA Today, prices for the three most popular Super Bowl foods—wings, guacamole, and beer—are higher than they were last year and in recent history.
What's to blame for the high prices? The usual: labor shortages, widespread supply-chain issues, inflation, and, of course, consumer demand.
Keep reading to find out how much your favorite Super Bowl snacks and drinks will cost ya. And next, don't miss 6 Things You'll See at Costco This Year.
Avocados for all that guacamole will be pricey and hard to find.
Guacamole is the #1 dip served during the Super Bowl, but you may have to go to a few stores to find avocados in stock—and be ready to pay up for 'em. As USA Today notes, avocado prices at the beginning of February were "significantly higher in price than last year," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's retail report. (Plus, we all know how hard it is to find a ripe avocado.)
Eat This, Not That! reported on this shortage in January, citing lackluster growing conditions in California, the rising cost of soil and fertilizer across the globe, water issues, and labor shortages. As a result, avocados are appearing in 75% fewer markets.
The USA Today report also notes that the average price of a Hass avocado has increased from 78 cents to $1.25, a 58% increase from last year. In addition, Bloomberg reports that wholesale prices of avocados from Mexico are also reaching their highest February price in nearly two decades.
If you're looking for a dip alternative, we've got plenty, check out: 10 Tastiest Homemade Dip Recipes.
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Chicken wings will be in short supply.
USA Today also reports that the ongoing chicken wing shortage will continue to affect grocery store supply. In addition, prices are up 12% versus last year.
In general, chicken prices are higher across the board. The Consumer Price Index showed an almost 12% increase in the price of chicken versus January of last year.
As a result, chicken wing sales the week before the Super Bowl are down with almost half as many stores offering discounts as they did last year. CBS Los Angeles also found that since hands are needed to produce chicken wings, labor shortages have also driven down the availability. Cauliflower wings, anyone?
Beer production hit by supply chain shortages.
Although beer prices have remained low overall, considering skyrocketing inflation, beer manufacturing has faced aluminum shortages that have affected beer sold in cans, according to the Beer Institute. Mashable reported on a Bloomberg article that noted a 48% increase in aluminum prices in 2021, which has caused a 13% shortage of products sold in cans on shelves—including beer and soda.
Bottled beer is not immune to the issue either. According to Supplychaindive.com, beer that is sold in brown bottles has been particularly affected by this issue. In addition, prices for beer ingredients have increased due to supply chain issues.
Potato chips appear to be okay… for now.
While there have been reports of potato shortages around the world, leading some fast-food restaurants to ration fries, this has been mainly seen overseas. As of now, potato chips and tortilla chips, which 99% of households will be consuming during the Super Bowl, according to Instacart, will be in good supply.
If you're looking for some healthy Super Bowl ideas check out our 20 Best Super Bowl Snack Recipes.
