Whole Foods Market is the MVP of Your Big Game Party 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/31/20

Panic mode! Are you ready for the Big Game? Recently, we started to think about what would make the ultimate Super Bowl Party for our readers. Beyond watching the game on the biggest TV we could find, we found that Whole Foods Market is the one-stop shop for what we think are winning recipes, easy grab-and-go prepared foods for all diets, as well as simple drink ideas and beverages for all ages. We took some time to talk to the Whole Foods Market Culinary Coordinator, South Region, Jason Hovan, about his MVPs that can give you the best party possible.

But first, this doesn’t need to be one of those days you slave in the kitchen. Just so you know, we’re a bunch of rookies in the Attaway household, and will be going with classic guacamole and Sirachamole with 365 Everyday Value Organic Yellow Corn Tortilla Rounds and an assortment of fresh veggies for vegans and dairy-free friends. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a mix of wings, a virtual who’s who of chicken flavors? And our most valuable player of the evening is definitely going to be the loaded baked potato pizza! Good for kids and adults, a like. Take a look at the below for some more options for anyone on your list.

Touchdown-Worthy Staples – All meeting the grocer’s champion-worthy Quality Standards

• 365 Everyday Value Organic Dips – Salsa Con Queso, French Onion and Spinach
• 365 Everyday Value Organic Yellow Corn Tortilla Rounds, Salted – Perfect for pairing with one of our organic dips!
• 365 Everyday Value Sodas and Mixers, 6-packs – Ginger Ale, Cola, Root Beer, Cherry Vanilla Crème

For the Rookie, Fully-Prepared Foods – Let Whole Foods Market do the work!

• In-House-Made Fresh Guacamole – Keep an eye out for delicious variations like Kaleamole or Sirachamole, available in select stores in the Produce department
• Fully-Cooked Chicken Wings – Available in spicy-sweet Honey Black Pepper, Barbeque, Buffalo and Korean-inspired Gochujang sauces in our Prepared Food department
• Pretzel Platter – Comes with sweet, Bavarian-style mustard and can be found in our Bakery department
• Turkey, Beef or Vegan Meatballs – Available in our Prepared Food department
• Loaded Baked Potato Pizza – You can pick up a slice on the Hot Bar or order a whole pie!

In talking to Jason Hovan, we found that there are deals and sales right now on many things you’ll need for game day. We asked a few specific questions about is ideas on beverages, prepared foods, and everything in between and here’s what he said below. The highlights include $3.99/lb chicken wing sale(!), they have an everything bagel pull-apart loaf that is good with any dip, while dips, salsa, guacamole and produce are 35% off! They have a ton of Vegan options like a 12-pack of vegan cookies, plant-based substitutes for a ton of items like meatballs, as well an array of desserts beyond the cookies. And what’s the big game without beer? They have a huge selection of local beer, seltzers, wine, and mixers. Here’s the entire conversation for more ideas.

What do you feel makes the best Super Bowl Party food and drink-wise for the person who wants everything done for them, and how can Whole Foods Market help?

• • You can’t go wrong with wings, seafood, and beer. The best part about Whole Foods Market is that we have already seasoned, precooked and oven ready items that you can buy. Additionally, we have a lot of great options for local and domestic beer in our specialty department.
    • If you want to buy premade items and cook them at home, our meat case has great deals on pre-seasoned wings and grilling items like pre-seasoned burgers, meatballs, steaks, and kabobs.
    • We also have a great deal on our hot bar in the prepared foods area where all of the food is already cooked. We have a $3.99/lb chicken wing sale 1/29 – 2/4 with a variety of flavors like Classic Buffalo, Roasted Garlic BBQ, and some possible choice flavors like Korean Pimento Scallion, Gochujang, Honey Black Pepper Garlic. There will be meatballs packed by the pound, which act as a great appetizer.
    • In the seafood department, we have tons of value added items like crab cakes, crab legs, shrimp, and smoked salmon. You can easily assemble some cooked seafood options at the seafood case. There are some take and bake items like puff pastry wrapped appetizers, a number of premade seafood salads and dips (my favorite is the smoked salmon dip). Shrimp cocktail platters can also be found premade in the prepared foods area.
    • My all-time favorite is the garlic everything bagel pull apart loaf, which is available for a limited time. It would go great with any of the seafood dips in the seafood department. Some other great options in bakery are pretzel bite platters with a mustard dipping sauce, football cookies or a 12 pack of vegan cookies if you have guests with a special diet.

What are you recommendations for Super Bowl food and drink from Whole Foods Market and what differentiates them from other sources?

• • • From 1/29-2/4, our produce department has 35% off made-in-house dips, salsas and guacamole all of which are made fresh in house daily with the highest quality ingredients. We have a great variety of chips and snacks to dip with in the grocery aisle, as well.
    • In our specialty department, I recommend the below options to build a great snacking table at your party
      • My Three Sons Pimento Cheese
      • Pub Cheese-Pick one or all three: Horseradish, Cheddar Jalapeno and Cheddar
      • Cheese Cubes
        • Seaside Cheddar
        • Drunken Goat
        • Black Creek 3yr Cheddar
      • Creminelli Mini Salamis
      • Naturalissima Paninos (Salami Cheese roll-ups)
      • Olives and Antipasti Bar

Can you pick these up whenever or do any of these require advance order?

• You can pick these up anytime, no pre-order required!

What do you recommend for people allergies and intolerances or those who are vegan or dairy free?

• • No matter what allergy or diet restriction you have, Whole Foods Market strives to delight, surprise and satisfy our customers with quality, variety and value. From gluten-free frozen items in grocery and vegan dessert options in bakery to plant-based items in the chef’s case, Whole Foods Market has offerings for everyone.

In terms of cocktails with mixes, or wine and beer, what would you recommend for Super Bowl parties?

• • In the specialty department, we have a great selection where you can find the below.
    • Artista Margarita and/or Strawberry Margarita 1.5L-ready to drink!
    • Bell’s Light Hearted Ale 6pks
    • Local Beer is always a great addition! We have a wide selection of local beers in the specialty department.
    • White Claw 12pk Variety Seltzer
    • Heineken 0.0 non-alcoholic 6pks
    • Underwood Pinot Noir, Rose or Pinot Gris

Now, grab your team jersey and enjoy. You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood.