Game Day Eats

Unveiling Our Game Day Eats Trend Report

Sports and food bring communities together–from forming friendships over matching team jerseys to finding common ground amongst a shared meal, the integral role both play in our lives is more prevalent now than ever. Though we can’t physically be in stadiums together rooting for our favorite teams, or at concession stands getting another order of nachos, the shared love of sports and food continues to connect us. With the biggest American football game of the year just days away, today DoorDash unveiled its Game Day Eats Report, detailing top food trends on game days throughout the 2020–2021 NFL season to help you “homegate” in style.

Leveraging order data on Football Sundays from September 13, 2020 to January 10, 2021 and a national general population survey* of 1,000 Americans, we bring you DoorDash’s Game Day Eats.

Top 20 Game Day Eats Nationwide

1. Mozzarella Sticks
2. Boneless Wings
3. Chips & Salsa
4. Caesar Salad
5. Pepperoni Pizza
6. Fried Pickles
7. Chocolate Chip Cookies
8. Philly Cheesesteak
9. Egg Rolls
10. Curly Fries
11. Cole Slaw
12. Churros
13. Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
14. Sweet Tea
15. Taco Salad
16. Chili Cheese Dogs
17. Root Beer
18. Chicken Pot Pie
19. Salmon
20. Flan

Game Day Food Favorites Per State

The DoorDash Customer on Game Day

• Victory May Be Sweet, but Dessert Makes Game Day even Sweeter: As Americans braced themselves for their team’s hopeful victory during Wildcard Weekend this year, we saw an increase in dessert items ordered compared to Wildcard Weekend 2020. Brownies, Churros, Banana Pudding, Flan, and Chocolate Chip Cookies were amongst the most ordered items on DoorDash on game days. Top desserts on the rise include Churros (464% increase), Brownies (405% increase), Banana Pudding (307% increase), Flan (252% increase), and Chocolate Chip Cookies (241% increase).
• Homegating Done Right: Tailgating looks different these days, and sports fans are transforming their homes into stadiums on big game days. 93% of Americans plan to watch the Big Game this year and 91% plan to make special preparations by putting up special decorations, wearing a team jersey, or buying special food or drinks–which 78% of Americans plan to do. 45% of sports fans rank their team winning AND great food and drinks as the top factors that enhance their Big Game experience.
• Game Day Eats: Game Day isn’t complete without food and drinks according to 93% of Americans who say both are an important aspect of the Super Bowl viewing experience. In fact, 86% intentionally order extra food for the Big Game. The best time to place your order for game time? 32% of Americans surveyed prefer to place their order well before the game starts; 42% just before the game; 20% for halftime and 6% after the game ends. Water breaks? Yes, please. Fans plan to stay hydrated during this year’s Big Game by drinking soda, seltzer, and beer. Food connects us on game day, even when we’re apart. 93% say they would discuss, share, or show game day food and drink during a virtual game day chat.

Football fans (or lovers of the half-time show) can check out our Game Day Eats carousel in-app for a wide selection of options in your area including national favorites and local heroes like Krazy Hog BBQ and All Star Hot Wings ahead of the big game. No matter what you order, you’re guaranteed to be a winner.

Top 10 Game Day Foods Per State

ALASKA

1. Hot Fudge Sundae
2. Pepperoni Pizza
3. Boneless Wings
4. Onion Rings
5. Meatball Sub
6. Fruit Punch
7. Honey Mustard
8. Pho
9. Fried Zucchini
10. Cheese Curds

ALABAMA

1. Spicy Chicken Sandwich
2. Sweet Tea
3. Brownies
4. Chicken Quesadilla
5. Bacon Strips
6. Country Fried Steak
7. Meatloaf
8. Fried Pickles
9. Strawberry Lemonade
10. Mozzarella Sticks

ARKANSAS

1. Texas Toast
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
3. Bacon Cheeseburger
4. Chips & Guacamole
5. Corn Dog
6. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
7. Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
8. Loaded Baked Potato
9. Mexican Coca-Cola
10. Fried Mushrooms

ARIZONA

1. Lemonade
2. Create Your Own Pizza
3. Orange Chicken
4. Curly Fries
5. Churros
6. Chili Cheese Dog
7. Chips & Salsa
8. Caesar Salad
9. Tiramisu
10. Pretzels

CALIFORNIA

1. Margherita Pizza
2. California Roll
3. Chilaquiles
4. Chicken Tenders
5. Green Beans
6. Macaroni & Cheese
7. Aguas Frescas
8. Create Your Own Ice Cream
9. Potstickers
10. BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

COLORADO

1. Crab Rangoons
2. Spaghetti & Meatballs
3. Garlic Knots
4. Horchata
5. Chicken Fajitas
6. BBQ Meatballs
7. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
8. Traditional Wings
9. Shrimp Scampi
10. California Roll

CONNECTICUT

1. Salmon
2. Chicken Tikka Masala
3. Edamame
4. Buffalo Chicken Wings
5. Empanadas
6. Tuna Sandwich
7. Cornbread
8. Carrot Cake
9. Root Beer
10. Hot Dogs

WASHINGTON D.C.

1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
2. Steamed Dumplings
3. Philly Cheesesteak
4. Steak Frites
5. Brussel Sprouts
6. French Onion Soup
7. Plantains
8. Collard Greens
9. Orange Soda
10. Crab Cakes

DELAWARE

1. Crab Dip
2. Steak Quesadilla
3. Chili
4. Cheese Pizza
5. BLT
6. Cheeseburger Spring Rolls
7. Beef Jerky
8. Arnold Palmer
9. Banana Nut Bread
10. Pretzel Sticks

FLORIDA

1. Fried Rice
2. Ribeye Steak
3. Chicken & Waffles
4. Calamari
5. Key Lime Pie
6. Flautas
7. Baby Back Ribs
8. Strawberry Banana Smoothie
9. Cole Slaw
10. Chicken & Dumplings

GEORGIA

1. Macaroni & Cheese
2. Nachos
3. Southwestern Eggrolls
4. Banana Pudding
5. Edamame
6. Spicy Tuna Roll
7. Country Fried Steak
8. Chili Dog
9. Diet Coke
10. Fried Okra

HAWAII

1. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
2. Curly Fries
3. Palabok Fiesta Noodles
4. Acai Bowl
5. Thai Milk Tea
6. BBQ Chicken
7. Carne Asada Pizza
8. Red Velvet Cake
9. Elotes
10. Stuffed Mushrooms

IOWA

1. Cheese curds
2. Potstickers
3. BBQ Macaroni & Cheese
4. Chili Con Queso
5. Supreme Pizza
6. Cajun Chicken Pasta
7. Macadamia Nut Cookies
8. Mongolian Beef
9. Chili Cheese Dog
10. Fruit Punch

IDAHO

1. Cheeseburger
2. Corn Dog
3. Chow Mein
4. Limeade
5. Steak Stroganoff
6. Buttered Noodles
7. Potato Wedges
8. Stuffed Jalapeño
9. Grilled Cheese
10. French Dip

ILLINOIS

1. Chicago-style Hot Dog
2. Create Your Own Pizza
3. Rib Sandwich
4. Cheddar Jalapeño Sliders
5. Cheese Fries
6. Root Beer
7. Sugar Cookies
8. Baked Beans
9. Tamales
10. Brussel Sprouts

INDIANA

1. Chimichangas
2. Breadsticks
3. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
4. Fettuccine Alfredo
5. Reuben Sandwich
6. Queso
7. Apples
8. Meatloaf
9. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
10. Strawberry Shortcake

KANSAS

1. Elotes
2. Pad Thai
3. Bacon Cheeseburger
4. Tater Tots
5. Crab Rangoons
6. Strawberry Lemonade
7. Grilled Cheese
8. Cinnamon Rolls
9. Texas Toast

KENTUCKY

1. Fried Chicken
2. Baked Potato Soup
3. Cheese Quesadilla
4. Naan
5. Potato Skins
6. Apple Pie
7. Meatball Sub
8. Sweet & Sour Chicken
9. Taco Salad
10. Cheese Sticks

LOUISIANA

1. Southwestern Eggrolls
2. Chocolate Shake
3. Gumbo
4. Rotisserie Chicken
5. Beignets
6. Pepperoni Pizza
7. Berry Lemonade
8. Creme Brulee
9. Hot Wings
10. Thai-style Ribs

MASSACHUSETTS

1. Scallion Pancake
2. Clam Chowder
3. Fish & Chips
4. Bottled Water
5. Meatballs
6. Chicken Piccata
7. Roast Beef
8. Shrimp Scampi
9. Carrot Cake
10. Seaweed Salad

MARYLAND

1. French Fries
2. Crab Dip
3. Cinnamon Rolls
4. Apple Juice
5. Philly Cheesesteak
6. Greek Salad
7. Chili
8. Fried Calamari
9. Baked Ziti
10. Cannoli

MAINE

1. Pretzels & Beer Dip
2. Fried Chicken Sandwich
3. Garlic Knots
4. Apple Fritter
5. Chicken Pot-Pie
6. Pork Dumplings
7. Chicken Fajitas
8. BBQ Brisket Tacos
9. Hot Chocolate
10. Chips & Salsa

MICHIGAN

1. Coney Island Hot Dog
2. Potato Wedges
3. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
4. Chicken Tikka Masala
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae
6. Patty Melt
7. Pesto Cavatappi
8. Reuben Sandwich
9. Fried Rice
10. Orange Soda

MINNESOTA

1. Cheese Curds
2. Beef Brisket
3. Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
4. Miso Soup
5. Baguettes
6. Veggie Samosa
7. Chimichangas
8. Snickerdoodle Cookies
9. Kung Pao Chicken
10. Peach Juice

MISSOURI

1. Toasted Ravioli
2. Limeade
3. Grilled Cheese
4. Egg Drop Soup
5. Baja Fish Tacos
6. Pepperoni Pizza
7. Brownies
8. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
9. Caesar Salad
10. Potato Salad

MISSISSIPPI

1. Fried Okra
2. Sweet Tea
3. Loaded Baked Potato
4. Popcorn Chicken
5. Catfish
6. Steak Tips
7. Fresh Baked Rolls
8. Chicken Salad Sandwich
9. Fruit Salad
10. Cheesecake

MONTANA

1. Cheeseburger
2. Cinnamon Rolls
3. Veggie Spring Rolls
4. Onion Rings
5. BBQ Macaroni & Cheese
6. Spicy Ramen
7. Root Beer
8. Beef Burrito
9. Gyro
10. Cobb Salad

NORTH CAROLINA

1. California Roll
2. Philly Cheesesteak
3. Build Your Own Salad
4. Caramel Sundae
5. Ribs
6. Fruit Punch
7. Hushpuppies
8. Lasagna
9. Green Beans
10. Wonton Soup

NORTH DAKOTA

1. Fried Pickles
2. Pretzel Bites
3. Cauliflower Wings
4. Beef & Potato Burrito
5. Apple Turnover
6. Build-Your-Own Burger
7. Egg Rolls
8. Potato Wedges
9. Tortilla Soup
10. Chips & Guacamole

NEBRASKA

1. Tater Tots
2. Chicken Teriyaki
3. Chili
4. Horchata
5. Taco Pizza
6. Poke Bowl
7. Ribeye Steak
8. Mozzarella Sticks
9. BBQ Burger
10. Baguette

NEW HAMPSHIRE

1. Pad Thai
2. Spicy Tuna Roll
3. Chicken Parmesan
4. Froyo
5. Garlic Knots
6. Chocolate Milk
7. Sweet Potato Roll
8. Chicken Noodle Soup
9. Nachos
10. Chicken Tenders

NEW JERSEY

1. Hoagies
2. Gummy Bears
3. Hot Chocolate
4. Acai Bowl
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
6. Empanadas
7. Stir-Fry
8. Chicken Penne Pasta
9. Salmon
10. Buffalo Chicken Wrap

NEW MEXICO

1. Huevos Rancheros
2. Mushroom Swiss Burger
3. Sopapillas
4. Orange Chicken
5. Fried Zucchini
6. Cole Slaw
7. Enchiladas
8. Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
9. Tuna Sandwich
10. Pretzels

NEVADA

1. Country Fried Steak
2. Aguas Frescas
3. Mongolian Beef
4. Fried Corn
5. Churros
6. Margherita Pizza
7. BBQ Chicken
8. Shrimp Tempura
9. Chicken Tacos
10. Lettuce Wraps

NEW YORK

1. Oxtail
2. Fried Calamari
3. Chicken Noodle Soup
4. Mashed Potatoes
5. Cornbread
6. Pepperoni Pizza
7. Seaweed Salad
8. Ginger Ale
9. Spicy Chicken Sandwich
10. Baklava

OHIO

1. Pulled Pork
2. Hot Fudge Cake
3. Pesto Pasta
4. Lobster Bisque
5. Apple Juice
6. Potato Skins
7. Buttermilk Biscuits
8. Baby Back Ribs
9. Chicken Wontons
10. Miso Soup

OKLAHOMA

1. Fried Okra
2. Taco Salad
3. BBQ Sandwich
4. Fettuccine Alfredo
5. Garlic Fried Rice
6. Potato Salad
7. Grilled Kabobs
8. Cheese Curds
9. Molten Chocolate Cake
10. Fortune Cookies

OREGON

1. Chicken & Chips
2. Tuna Sandwich
3. Poke Bowl
4. Yakisoba Noodles
5. Root Beer
6. Deep Dish Pizza
7. Meatballs
8. Avocado Roll
9. Flan
10. Chips & Guacamole

PENNSYLVANIA

1. Philly Cheesesteak
2. Pretzels & Beer Dip
3. Cannoli
4. Rotisserie Chicken
5. Philadelphia Roll
6. Cajun Shrimp & Chicken Pasta
7. BLT
8. Sesame Chicken
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies
10. Greek Salad

RHODE ISLAND

1. Pickles
2. Clam Chowder
3. Buffalo Chicken Fingers
4. Scallion Pancake
5. Corned Beef Hash
6. Baked Scrod
7. Eclair
8. Shrimp Scampi
9. Lobster Roll
10. Ginger Ale

SOUTH CAROLINA

1. Meat Loaf
2. Naan
3. Potato Salad
4. Sweet & Sour Chicken
5. Lemonade
6. Ribeye Steak
7. Chicken Pot Pie
8. Banana Pudding
9. Pollo Fundido
10. Apple Turnover

SOUTH DAKOTA

1. French Fries
2. Cinnamon Roll
3. Cauliflower Wings
4. Chili Cheese Dog
5. Chicken Tikka Masala
6. Ribs
7. Tortilla Soup
8. Vanilla Milkshake
9. Chicken Quesadilla
10. Grilled Cheese

TENNESSEE

1. Fried Pickles
2. Iced Tea
3. Buttermilk Chicken
4. Refried Beans
5. Hamburger
6. Tiramisu
7. Breadsticks
8. Meatloaf
9. Southwestern Eggrolls
10. Fried Mushrooms

TEXAS

1. Fried Avocado
2. Banana Pudding
3. Texas Toast
4. Chips & Queso
5. Corn Dog
6. Chicken Flautas
7. Cole Slaw
8. Aguas Frescas
9. Baked Potato
10. Kung Pao Chicken

UTAH

1. Scones
2. Potstickers
3. Fried Chicken Sandwich
4. Edamame
5. Key Lime Pie
6. Root Beer
7. Nachos
8. Steak Burrito
9. Fried Rice
10. BBQ Macaroni & Cheese

VIRGINIA

1. Chili
2. Biscuits
3. Tater Tots
4. Hot Dog
5. Chicken Parmesan
6. Baby Back Ribs
7. Egg Rolls
8. Hummus
9. Fruit Punch
10. Sugar Cookies

VERMONT

1. Boneless Wings
2. Beef Samosas
3. Garden Salad
4. Calzone
5. Lo-mein
6. French Onion Soup
7. Mozzarella Sticks
8. Vindaloo
9. Sweet Potato Tempura
10. Brownies

WASHINGTON

1. Potato Chips
2. Curly Fries
3. Biscuits & Gravy
4. Peach Cobbler
5. Macaroni Salad
6. Seattle Roll
7. Chicken Kabob
8. Fruit Punch
9. Jalapeño Cheddar Bites
10. Pretzel Bites

WISCONSIN

1. Boneless Wings
2. Pad Thai
3. Apple Pie
4. BBQ Meatballs
5. Chimichangas
6. Veggie Spring Rolls
7. Chicken Tikka Masala
8. Chili Cheese Dog
9. Corned Beef Hash
10. BBQ Macaroni & Cheese

WEST VIRGINIA

1. Onion Rings
2. Chicken Tenders
3. Spinach & Artichoke Dip
4. Hot Fudge Sundae
5. Caesar Salad
6. Pepperoni Pizza
7. Chicken Parmesan
8. Baked Potato Soup
9. Traditional Wings
10. Iced Tea

WYOMING

1. Bacon Cheeseburger
2. Potato Chips
3. Chips & Salsa
4. Dumplings
5. Cole Slaw
6. Garden Salad
7. Chorizo Burrito
8. French Fries
9. Banana split
10. Calzone

*This sample of 1,000 US adults (21 years or older) who all self-identify as sports fans was surveyed between January 8, 2020 and January 9, 2020. The margin of error is 3.1% and gender was weighted evenly in the sampling process. DKC Analytics conducted and analyzed this survey with a sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile web along with the desktop web.

Game Day Eats was originally published in DoorDash on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.