The Super Bowl has become more than just a championship football game—it's an annual cultural event that revolves as much around food as it does sports.
As millions gather for watch parties, Super Bowl Sunday has evolved into an unofficial food holiday, where snacks and desserts take center stage alongside the action on the field.
While buffalo chicken dip dominates the appetizer scene, a state-by-state analysis of Google search trends highlights from Coffeeness reveals not only national favorites but also regional preferences that make the Super Bowl menu a true reflection of America's culinary diversity.
Newsweek spoke to Professor Ken Albala, an American food historian, who said that "this all seems so random! I don't think there's any logic to it."
He added: "The only rational pattern I can see is tiramisu in places with Italian communities like NY, Chicago, Boston. Rice crispy treats in the west, is a pattern but I can't imagine why. And I've never seen strawberry shortcake here in California. Bizarre. I would have guessed Jello for Utah and Iowa, or at least ice cream."
Strawberry Shortcake Takes the Top Spot
Strawberry shortcake emerged as the most popular Super Bowl dessert in 14 states, making it the nation's top-searched sweet treat for the big game. While it may seem like an unexpected choice for a winter sporting event, its light and refreshing appeal, combined with its nostalgic flavor, makes it a standout favorite. The combination of soft cake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream provides a contrast to the heavy, savory dishes that dominate most Super Bowl spreads.
Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Close Second
Coming in as the second most popular Super Bowl dessert, peanut butter blossoms were the top search in 13 states. These classic cookies, known for their soft peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss, are beloved for their simplicity and nostalgic charm. Their popularity during the Super Bowl reflects their status as a sharable, crowd-friendly dessert that's easy to bake in large batches.
Banana Bread: The Unexpected Favorite
One of the more surprising entries in the top rankings is banana bread, which was the most-searched Super Bowl dessert in six states. Banana bread is popular both for its affordability, and accessible recipe, making it an unsurprising addition to the list.
Tiramisu's Growing Popularity
Tiramisu, the Italian dessert made of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, topped the charts in five states and the District of Columbia. The growing prevalence of the desert is unsurprising, given how popular the desert is on social media (the #tiramisu has five million posts on Instagram.)
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and Rice Krispie Treats Tie for Fifth Place
Chocolate-covered strawberries and Rice Krispie treats are tied as the most popular dessert in five states each. Their popularity could be attributed to their connection to Valentine's Day, which typically falls within days of the Super Bowl. The combination of fresh fruit and rich chocolate also makes them a slightly lighter dessert option for game-day indulgence.
Meanwhile, Rice Krispie treats were the top choice in five states. The nostalgic, no-bake treat is not only easy to make in large quantities, but also highly customizable, allowing fans to incorporate team colors or additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or peanut butter.
Regional Specialties Add Local Flavor
While national favorites dominated the rankings, several unique desserts emerged as single-state favorites, showcasing America's diverse food culture. Notable examples include buckeyes in Ohio, a nod to the state's beloved chocolate-and-peanut-butter confection, and pineapple upside-down cake in West Virginia, reflecting local preferences that diverge from national trends.
These state-by-state Super Bowl dessert preferences highlight how regional identity plays a role in shaping game-day traditions. While some fans stick to timeless classics, others incorporate local flavors, making Super Bowl Sunday a true celebration of American culinary diversity.
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