HONOLULU (KHON2) — Super Bowl LIX is set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 2. It is one of the biggest events of the year in the United States; and every year, fans come together to celebrate the game with food, friends and excitement.
In Hawai‘i, where the love for sports and food runs deep, game day treats often come from a surprising source: Costco.
Will Hobson, content editor at NFLYFF, shared insights about the most popular game day food items in Hawai‘i, and what Costco shoppers are picking up as they prepare for the big day.
Hobson explained that his team has been digging into the food trends around the Super Bowl, especially focusing on Costco’s game day items.
“We wanted to find out which Costco food item was the most popular in every state across the U.S.,” Hobson said.
The results are in, and Hawai‘i’s number one choice for game day food is a bit of a surprise: Coca-Cola.
“It was crazy to us that Coca-Cola was the top pick in Hawai‘i,” Hobson admitted. But this wasn’t the only popular item on the list.
Hawai‘i’s game day food favorites also include Costco pizza, Costco hot dogs and a few other unique treats.
This combination of classic comfort foods and refreshing drinks has made Costco a go-to place for game day purchases in Hawai‘i.
“Costco pizza and hot dogs are popular everywhere, but what’s interesting in Hawai‘i is the addition of items like mango salsa and Nutella biscuits,” Hobson said.
These items speak to Hawai‘i’s unique culinary culture that mixes popular American favorites with a tropical twist.
While Coca-Cola took the top spot, other items weren’t far behind. Hobson noted,
A new spin on Game Day foods
Costco, ever the innovator, has also introduced new items this year to cater to changing tastes.
“There’s definitely a shift toward healthier options, like four-cheese pizzas and even chickpea-based pizza crusts,” Hobson shared. “People are really starting to care about what they eat, even on game day.”
While the NFL is known for its larger-than-life athletes and big flavors, Hobson noted that more health-conscious choices are becoming popular, even for the Super Bowl.
“It’s a bit different from the traditional NFL food, but people are adapting,” added Hobson. “It’s a cool change.”
Despite the health-conscious trends, some classic favorites are still the star of the show.
“Costco’s pizza slice and taquitos are still some of the most popular items on the menu,” Hobson said.
Why Costco?
It’s clear that Costco holds a special place in many Hawai‘i residents’ hearts, especially when it comes to game day.
“Everyone loves Costco, and it’s no surprise that people are turning to them for their Super Bowl needs,” Hobson said. “Seeing how people in different states put their own twist on game day food is really interesting.”
With a wide variety of affordable, tasty options, Costco has become a key player in the game day food scene by offering everything from snacks to full meals.
The bulk-size packaging and family-friendly options make it the perfect stop for game day preparation, especially in a place like Hawai‘i where gatherings often involve extended families and large groups of friends.
Looking ahead to Super Bowl LIX
As the Super Bowl approaches, fans across the U.S. are finalizing their plans for the big game on Feb. 2.
In Hawai‘i, that means picking up a few bottles of Coca-Cola, grabbing some Costco pizza and hot dogs and perhaps adding a side of mango salsa for a local touch.
For Hobson, the most exciting part is seeing how the game day food culture continues to evolve.
“We’re always curious about what people will choose to eat for the Super Bowl. It’s not just about the food. It’s about the tradition and the fun people have around it,” he said.
Whether you’re in Hawai‘i or another state, the Super Bowl is an event that brings people together; and food plays a huge role in making that happen.
For those in Hawai‘i, Costco’s offerings are sure to be a big part of the celebration. And no matter which teams are playing, there’s one thing that’s for sure: Game day food is a win for everyone.