Shoppers Will Pay More for Snacks for the Big Game in 2024. This Popular Snack Will Cost 60% More Than in 2023

Sunday's game is almost here, which means it's time to start planning what party snacks you'll serve when you gather with friends and family to watch the big event. Remember to consider the cost of ingredients when selecting what foods to prepare for the game to keep your spending in check.

Going into credit card debt when buying party must-haves is never a good idea, so you'll want to keep your budget in mind as you shop for food and other party supplies. Unfortunately, some popular party snacks will cost more than they did last year. Here's what you need to know before this weekend.

This tasty snack item will cost shoppers 60% more

Several popular football game snack essentials will cost more in 2024 compared to 2023. But one snack item has a much higher average price tag this year, and the answer may surprise you. What is it? Tater tots! While I don't think of this as a party snack, this information is worth knowing if you are thinking about preparing tater tots this weekend.

According to a Pattern study, the average price of tater tots increased by 60% from January 2023 to January 2024. The 2023 average price was $3.40 per bag of frozen spuds, while the average price this year is $5.44.

The study examined the average change in pricing for the most commonly purchased football game snacks from January 2023 to January 2024. Pattern used Amazon for pricing data.

Other snacks have also increased in cost since last January. Some food products are individual ingredients used in recipes, while others are pre-made party essentials. The study found that this year, consumers will pay 12% more overall for party foods.

Here's a breakdown of some other average price increases for your favorite football-gathering food essentials:

Keep this in mind as you draft your shopping list for the upcoming game. Switching up your menu this year may be beneficial if you're on a budget and want to keep costs affordable.

Five tips to save money on food costs for your football gathering

If you're sad about the price increase of tater tots, I have some good news: You can still avoid overspending as you fill your cart with game day food essentials. Here are some tips.

1. Stick to what's on sale: Review the sales flyers for the retailers near your home before you assemble a grocery list. Buying on-sale items can help you keep more money in your bank account. Many retailers will have popular snack foods at a discount.
2. Shop at low-cost retailers: Some of the above prices shocked me, but I don't buy grocery items on Amazon. To get a better deal, consider shopping at other retailers. Retailers like Aldi may have much cheaper prices than Amazon.
3. Stick to generic essentials: Unless it's on sale, you'll usually pay more for a name-brand find. Consider sticking to generic essentials to get a better deal. Your party guests won't know if you used generic or name-brand mayonnaise in your recipe.
4. Don't ignore store loyalty programs: Many retailers have free loyalty programs. In addition to earning rewards when you shop at their stores, you can benefit from other perks like member-exclusive discounts and digital coupons. Don't forget to use these programs to maximize your savings.
5. Get rewarded when you shop: While rewards credit cards won't provide a direct discount on your shopping bill, they can help you earn rewards when you swipe your card for payment. Check out our list of the best cash back credit cards to learn how to earn cash back rewards when you shop.

For additional ways to save money, review our free personal finance resources.