Supervalu customers tackle cravings during Super Bowl

MINNEAPOLIS — During the Super Bowl, football fans look forward to guilt-free snacking and will fumble on healthy eating goals for the day, according to the 2011 Supervalu Snack Down Survey by Harris Interactive.

Topping the list of go-to snacks during the Super Bowl include dips and spreads, up from last year to 30%, followed by chicken wings (22%) and pizza (17%). Chips and other salty snacks, such as peanuts, popcorn and pretzels, dropped to fourth place (14%). Rounding out the category were hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst at 9%. Places to purchase these items, the retailer's survey found, were local supermarkets (80%), followed by discount stores, mass merchants or warehouse clubs (42%); restaurants, caterers, gourmet food stores or delicatessens (9%); and convenience stores (5%).

The survey also found that the amount fans plan to spend on foods and snacks dropped, compared with last year: Half of those hosting a party plan to spend $50 or less, versus $100 or less in 2010.

“It’s clear from the survey that fans are betting on finding convenient and affordable foods to serve at their playoff and Super Bowl parties,” said Julie Dexter Berg, Supervalu’s chief marketing officer. “We recognize that shoppers will be looking for some simple ideas to round out their game-day party menus.”