By Jamie Martin
Chicken wings remain one of the most popular foods during the Super Bowl. Industry projections show Americans are expected to eat about 1.48 billion chicken wings during the big game. This marks an increase from last year and highlights the growing popularity of wings for sports gatherings.
"I think Bradley Cooper is wrong: Football is for food," said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. "Especially when it comes to the Super Bowl, where wings rule the roost. For football fans looking to add protein to their spreads at an affordable price, wings are king of Super Bowl menus."
To understand the size of this number, consider that laying the wings in a straight line would stretch across the country many times. The total amount could also circle the planet several times. Eating one wing every 30 seconds would take thousands of years, showing just how large the total supply really is. Moving all these wings would require thousands of trucks working together.
Retail data confirms strong demand during the playoff period. Across the nation, chicken wing sales increased sharply compared to the previous year. Sales rose in value, units, and volume, especially in markets connected to playoff teams. Some cities also showed higher per-person wing purchases, reflecting strong regional interest.
Affordability is another key factor. Retail prices for fresh chicken wings are slightly lower than last year. Increased poultry production and lower feed costs helped keep prices steady. U.S. chicken producers increased output to meet rising demand while keeping costs under control.
Despite increased production, cold storage supplies were lower than average before the Super Bowl. This suggests restaurants, grocery stores, and bars stocked up early to prepare for peak demand. Early planning helped ensure availability during one of the busiest food weekends of the year.
In summary, chicken wings continue to be an affordable and popular protein choice. With steady supply, lower prices, and strong consumer interest, wings remain a key part of Super Bowl traditions across the country.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: National