Burgers, Wings Top List Of ‘Good Luck’ Sports Foods — What Brings Bad Luck?

Photo by Aleisha Kalina from Unsplash

NEW YORK — If you’re looking to give your team every edge before the Super Bowl, a new poll finds burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs are the “good luck” gameday foods for sports fans. Meanwhile, keep away from deviled eggs and garlic bread, which many believe are bad omens.

The survey of 2,000 sports fans finds that 44 percent have food-focused superstitions when it comes to a big game, with 85 percent of those only ever eating or serving certain dishes on gameday. Pizza, popcorn, and chips also bring positive energy, but mozzarella sticks, salsa, and queso dip seem to have the opposite effect.

The study, commissioned by brioche brand St Pierre and conducted by OnePoll, reveals that when it comes to other superstitions, 79 percent will carry out strict rituals ahead of a game to help improve the chances of a good result. Of these, 34 percent must sit on the same part of the sofa for any game when watching at home, while 40 percent will wear a “lucky outfit.”

To avoid cursing their favorite team, 32 percent will refuse to watch a match with specific people they deem “unlucky.”

“It seems people take sport and their superstitions very seriously – so much so that almost three-quarters of fans believe the outcome of the game could depend on it,” says spokesperson Kayleigh Swift, U.S. Brand Manager for St. Pierre, in a statement. “We are big believers that food is more than a meal on your plate – it helps make memories, bring people together – and – judging by the results of this research, it helps sports teams win titles!”

More than seven in 10 (71%) of those who are religious with their rituals have gone as far as refusing to watch the game until they have been performed. Seventy-four percent believe the outcome of a previous sporting event is determined by whether they took part in their pre-event ritual, or not.

Of the 58 percent who label themselves superstitious when watching their favorite team play, half are this way because of their parents, while 43 percent developed it themselves. Another 38 percent will eat a specific type of food as part of their sporting ritual, and 32 percent of those who have ever hosted a Super Bowl party say serving the correct food was their highest priority.

While 69 percent agree that snacks are almost as important as the event itself. Making sure the game is displayed properly and having a good mix of friends around is also on the list of must-haves for a successful gathering.

It also emerged that almost half (48%) admit they have attended a Super Bowl party for the food and drinks only – while having no particular interest in the game itself. Another 37 percent prefer to socialize rather than watch the teams play, and exactly three in 10 only take an interest in it because of the famed halftime show.

“With Super Bowl just round the corner, it’s been great to get an insight into what people think about the build-up and the social gatherings which take place all over the country,” adds Swift.