Updated on April 1, 2024.
No matter who you root for during the big game, snacks are usually part of the lineup. Here are five healthy snacks that look and taste like the beloved originals—made with smart swaps to help reduce calories and fat..
Buffalo wings
Traditional buffalo wings are deep-fried, smothered in a spicy butter-based sauce, and served with blue cheese dressing. That typically adds up to 350 calories, 12 g of fat, and 1,160 mg sodium per serving. To trim those numbers down, swap the wings for lower-fat chicken tenders. Marinate the tenders in nonfat buttermilk, dredge them in a combo of flour and cornmeal, and bake them in the oven instead of deep frying. Trade full-fat sour cream for reduced-fat in the blue cheese dressing.
Save up to 93 calories, 16 g fat, and 778 mg sodium
Pizza
Boxes of pizza are a convenient game-day standby. But the toppings and crust you choose can have a big effect on the calories you take in. A single slice of popular delivery deep-dish pepperoni pizza can contain 366 calories, 16 g fat, and 668 mg sodium. Add even more toppings and the numbers can go up even further. Instead, order a thin-crust veggie option, which nearly all the national pizza chains offer.
Save up to 166 calories, 6.5 g fat, and 313 mg sodium
Chips and dip
French onion dip and potato chips are classic snack-tray fare. But a typical serving can contain nearly 300 calories, 23 g fat, and 580 mg sodium. Give your chips and dip a makeover by using reduced-fat sour cream and ultra-creamy, fat-free Greek-yogurt.
To reduce sodium, skip the pre-packaged onion soup mix in favor of a flavorful combo of fresh chopped onions, a little onion powder, and kosher salt. Go for baked tortilla chips, which are lower in calories, fat, and sodium than regular fried—and even baked—potato chips. Even better, serve that dip with fresh vegetable spears (think carrot, cucumber, and celery) instead of chips.
Save up to 99 calories, 16 g fat, and 260 mg sodium (with baked tortilla chips)
Brownies
Brownies are a delicious way to celebrate your team's victory (or console yourself after their loss). But classic brownies can top 400 calories and 25 g of fat each (and who really has just one?). Lighten these numbers by subbing in unsweetened applesauce for most of the butter and oil in traditional recipes.
Save up to 290 calories and 19 g fat, depending on the recipe
Beer
To many beer lovers, light beers don't have the flavor or kick of full-strength brew. But regular lager has about 153 calories per 12-ounce bottle, which adds up fast. If you must imbibe and want to cut calories, go for a light brew. Cut your alcohol intake even further, while staying hydrated, by sipping water throughout the game. As much as possible, try to to cap your alcohol intake at two drinks per day for men, one for women.
Save up to 102 calories per bottle, depending on the beer
