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Third of Americans hope party hosts will have antacids on hand for the smorgasbord

NEW YORK — The Super Bowl may be America’s premier sporting event, but for many viewers, the real competition is happening on the buffet table, not the football field. A recent national survey reveals that less than half of Americans (48%) actually care which team emerges victorious, while a quarter of respondents are more invested in the snacks than the game itself.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of TUMS, found that food isn’t just a sideline attraction – it’s often the main event. A majority of respondents (54%) believe the quality of the game day spread can make or break the entire experience. In fact, the survey shows that food generates more excitement than both the traditionally popular commercials (38%) and the halftime show (47%).

When it comes to must-have game day foods, traditional favorites still reign supreme. Buffalo and hot wings lead the pack, with 49% of respondents considering them essential for a successful watch party. Barbecue (37%) and seven-layer dip (36%) round out the top three, creating a trinity of classic game day fare that Americans can’t do without.

The survey also revealed that game day hosting is serious business, with six in ten Americans planning to either host or attend a party for the big game. For those taking on hosting duties, the menu planning is no last-minute affair – more than half of hosts start mapping out their food lineup at least a month in advance.

A winning game day spread requires a careful balance of flavors and options. While spicy and savory items dominate the top spots, sweet treats haven’t been benched. The ideal snack roster includes a mix of nachos (30%), cookies (25%), and potato chips (24%).

When asked to create their perfect game day plate, respondents drafted a dream team of barbecue (34%), wings (33%), seven-layer dip (24%), and brownies (22%). Rounding out the top choices were chicken tenders or nuggets (22%), nachos (21%), and pizza (20%).

In the specialty category of spicy foods, wings once again claimed victory with 50% of the vote, followed by jalapeño poppers (29%) and chili (24%). However, these crowd-pleasers often come with a price. The survey found that many viewers experience some digestive discomfort during the game, with 22% reporting heartburn, 16% suffering from indigestion, and 17% dealing with related stomach issues.

The culprits behind these game day afflictions are well-known but beloved nonetheless. Buffalo wings top the list of heartburn-inducing foods at 37%, followed by buffalo chicken dip (25%), barbecue (24%), chili (23%), and jalapeño poppers (22%). Despite knowing the potential consequences, Americans aren’t ready to bench these favorites – while 43% say they would avoid these foods due to potential digestive issues, slightly more (44%) are willing to risk it for the taste.

The commitment to potentially problematic foods has led to some preparation on the part of viewers. Nearly one-third hope their party host will have antacids available, while a quarter of guests take matters into their own hands by bringing their own relief. Interestingly, it’s not just the food that can cause digestive distress – one in seven respondents report getting heartburn from watching their team’s poor performance, and 17% say missing an important play due to a bathroom break can trigger similar symptoms.

The Super Bowl has evolved into something much bigger than a sporting event. It’s become an unparalleled cultural phenomenon where the food served is just as crucial as the points scored. Whether viewers are cheering for their favorite team or their favorite dip, one thing is clear: game day food has become an essential player in the American sports experience.

“The data clearly shows that game day has evolved beyond just a sporting event into a full-fledged culinary celebration,” says a spokesperson for TUMS. “What’s on the table has become just as important as what’s on the field.”