Frito-Lay Snack Index: Running Out of Snacks is Worse Than Losing the Super Bowl

With Super Bowl LVII just around the corner, consumers are looking forward to not only rooting for their teams, but also enjoying their favorite snacks alongside family and friends.

Frito-Lay – the ultimate snack authority – released its latest Snack Index to ensure there are no game day party fouls, as half of the country believes running out of snacks is worse than their team losing the Super Bowl.

Denise Lefebvre, senior vice president of R&D for PepsiCo Foods:
 

"The Super Bowl is about more than just football, it's about spending time with loved ones and snacking has become a big part of that ritual."

"That's why we invest in understanding what our consumers want, so they can have the right flavors, variety and snack styles to make their spreads a touchdown everyone can celebrate."

When it comes to planning the perfect Super Bowl gathering, Frito-Lay unearthed key insights to help party hosts set up their get-togethers and snack spreads for a win:

Recipe for a Perfect Party
 

• Stock up early and often: Nearly half of guests (49%) note running out of snacks as worse than their team losing the Super Bowl, with 3 in 5 guests (62%) preferring to make the dash for snack refills during commercials rather than miss any game time
• Get the party started: Nearly a quarter of people say the party should start at lunch or earlier, with millennials (36%) and Gen Z (26%) most eager for an early kickoff
• Add variety: Compared to previous years, 3 in 4 (71%) say they're more excited to try new flavors or variations of their favorite snacks in 2023
• Consider the guests: Millennials (61%) are the most eager to try new snack flavors, followed by Gen Z (57%) and Gen X (52%). On the other hand, baby boomers prefer to stick with tried-and-true classic flavors at 38%.

Perfecting the Snack Lineup
 

• Though loyal to their favorites, Americans are equally open to new flavor varieties. Half (50%) like to try new flavors rather than just keeping to their classics
• Gen Z notes a love for flavor "dust," with nearly 3 in 5 (59%) preferring snacks that leave remnants on their fingers, compared to just 40% overall
• An overwhelming 95% of Americans say at least some of their Super Bowl dishes will feature snacks served with the dish or as part of the recipe – visit MoreSmilesWithEveryBite.com for delicious game day recipes inspired by Frito-Lay and Quaker favorites!

No Matter What, We Win Together
 

• Looking for a great icebreaker? Try snacks. 59% of Americans have bonded over snack preferences with people they have struggled to make conversation with, including a partner's friends or family (27%), co-workers (24%) and even strangers in the checkout line (18%)
• Gen Z (79%) and millennials (72%) are the most likely people to have connected with another person over snacks, followed by Gen X (61%) and baby boomers (42%)
• Only 3 in 10 Americans have got into an argument over snack flavors