(LOOTPRESS) – Hosting a Super Bowl watch party will cost fans a little more this year, but economists say the price increase remains modest compared to broader grocery inflation.
According to a new Super Bowl food cost report from Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute, feeding a group of 10 people for the big game is expected to cost about $140, up from $138 last year. That represents a 1.6% increase compared to 2025.
The report, led by Wells Fargo’s agricultural economics team, analyzed pricing data from Circana and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Despite the increase, analysts say Super Bowl food costs are rising more slowly than overall grocery prices. Recent government data shows grocery prices climbed 2.4% in December, meaning game-day spreads are increasing at a slower pace.
Economists also point out that rising wages are helping offset higher food costs. Average hourly earnings have increased 3.8%, reaching $31.99, according to the report.
What’s Driving the Price Changes?
Chicken Wings
Fresh chicken wings are actually cheaper this year, with prices down 2.8% from last year. Wells Fargo attributes the decline to increased domestic production, as U.S. broiler producers expanded output by 2.2% in 2025, helped by lower feed costs.
Shrimp
Shrimp prices have moved in the opposite direction, climbing 8.1% to an average of $9.10 per pound at the retail level. The increase comes as a global shrimp surplus has diminished and imports return to more typical volumes and pricing.
Beef
Beef continues to be one of the most expensive items on the Super Bowl menu. Prices are averaging $10.08 per pound, reflecting ongoing supply challenges and elevated demand, according to USDA data.
Fresh Vegetables
Vegetable prices are also trending higher. Cherry tomatoes are up 2%, celery has increased 2.6%, and broccoli and cauliflower are up 4%. Analysts note that produce prices are highly volatile. Last year’s unusually large harvest pushed prices down, but tighter supply and stronger demand have since driven prices back toward more typical levels.
Dips and Salsas
Party staples like salsa and onion-flavored dips are also seeing modest increases, rising 1.7% and 1.5%, respectively. Wells Fargo cites higher labor costs as a key factor, noting that food manufacturing wages — the largest component of food production costs — are up about 4% year over year.
Bottom Line
While Super Bowl food prices are edging higher, economists say the increases remain manageable, especially when compared to broader inflation trends and rising wages. For many fans, hosting a watch party in 2026 may still be a better value than eating out — even if the grocery bill is slightly higher than last year.
