The Super Bowl will be different this year. No big parties or packed bars tuning in to cheer on their favorite teams or watch the latest and greatest commercials. Super Bowl watch parties will be smaller, and some big brands like Budweiser have decided to take a pass on the usual Super Bowl ads.
Why Is Budweiser Skipping the Super Bowl?
It’s hard to believe, but for the first time in 37 years, Budweiser won’t have an advertisement during the Super Bowl. We’ll miss seeing Bud’s famous Clydesdales, but the beer brand made the decision to sit out the NFL’s big game for a great cause. The company is redirecting the money they would have spent on Super Bowl ads to coronavirus vaccination awareness efforts instead. The goal? “Helping to safely bring America back together again soon.” We love this!
Even though Budweiser won’t be airing an ad during the Super Bowl, they are still running an ad online the week before. The emotional ad shines a light on stories of perseverance from the past year.
For the first time in 37 years, we aren’t running a commercial during the Super Bowl. Instead, we’re helping to safely bring America back together again soon. Watch to learn how. pic.twitter.com/vpfnqDoDMK
— Budweiser (@budweiserusa) January 25, 2021
Some of Bud’s planned airtime this year will be given to the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative’s Vaccine Education Initiative, which formed a partnership to educate the public about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
Who Else Is Sitting on the Bench?
Budweiser isn’t the only one skipping Super Bowl LV. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Audi, Avocados from Mexico and Hyundai have all announced that they won’t be buying ads during the Super Bowl. Coke shared that they plan on “investing in the right resources” and PepsiCo is choosing to focus on its sponsored halftime show starring The Weeknd.
What Brands Will Still Make an Appearance?
You can still expect to see Anheuser-Busch’s other brands, such as Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, during commercial breaks. Similarly, PepsiCo’s other brands, including Mtn Dew and Frito-Lay, will also air commercials during the game.
Some other food brands that will be making a Super Bowl appearance this year:
- Hellmann’s will be the first mayonnaise to advertise with a 30-second spot. (See how Hellmann’s did in our mayonnaise taste test.)
- Doritos will run an ad featuring Matthew McConaughey, Mindy Kaling and Jimmy Kimmel. 3D Doritos are absolutely on our game day snack list!
- Chipotle will waive delivery fees on its app and site for orders of $10 or more on Super Bowl Sunday. It will also donate $1 from every Super Bowl Sunday delivery order—including those made through third-party apps—to the National Young Farmers Coalition.
- Cheetos is also tapping into star power. In one of the only times working together since That ’70s Show, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have teamed up with Shaggy for the brand’s Super Bowl spot.
- M&M’s will debut a 30-second commercial.
- Pringles will also air a 30-second ad.
Did you know we tried every single Pringles flavor?! Here’s how they ranked.
Our Best Recipes for Super Bowl Snacks
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Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow party-goers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Hot wings got their start in Buffalo, New York, in a kitchen. Although there was no game on at the time, today spicy wings and cool sauces are traditional game-day fare. Cayenne, red sauce and spices keep these tangy buffalo chicken wings good and hot, just like the originals. —Nancy Chapman, Center Harbor, New Hampshire
Touchdown Brat Sliders
It's game time when these mini sausage sliders make an appearance. Two things my husband loves—beer and brats—get stepped up a notch with crunchy flavored chips. —Kirsten Shabaz, Lakeville, Minnesota
Stuffed Pizza Bites
After trying a similar dish at a local restaurant, I came up with my own version of pizza bites. This delicious recipe is easy and fun for potlucks or parties. —Sarah Gilbert, Beaverton, Oregon
Bacon Guacamole with Cotija Cheese
Take your game-day snack to a new level with this bacon guacamole. The bacon adds crisp, rich texture, while the cotija makes your guac extra creamy. If you’re feeling bold, use applewood smoked bacon for a more complex flavor profile. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Buffet Meatballs
I need only five ingredients to fix these easy appetizers. My grape jelly and ketchup meatballs make an appearance at almost every potluck and party. —Janet Anderson, Carson City, Nevada
Easy Puppy Chow
This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings
My neighbor once shared these slow-cooker sticky chicken wings with me at a potluck, and they have been a family favorite ever since. —Jo Vanderwolf, Lillooet, British Columbia
Slim Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
When you need a finger food ASAP, try this delicious take on deviled eggs. An incorporation of a classic brunch drink, it's perfect for any brunch party. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Buffalo-Style Chicken Chili Dip
Longing for that Buffalo wing thing without the bones? This do-ahead dip freezes well in individual containers, so you can pull them out when you want to spread a little cheer. —Brenda Calandrillo, Mahwah, New Jersey
Cheesy Meatball Sliders
These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the wonderful Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cowboy Beef Dip
A group of us in a foods class developed this recipe for the North Dakota's annual Beef Bash. We won the contest, and now my family requests this dip for all our special gatherings! —Jessica Klym, Killdeer, North Dakota
Savory Cracker Snack Mix
A Taste of Home recipe inspired this one! Because I love everything bagel seasoning, I decided to give this a try. A friend later suggested I make the mix more versatile with something other than oyster crackers, and now it's a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Football Cake Pops
My son loves football! For his eighth birthday, I made cake pops with a rich chocolate cake center and a yummy peanut butter coating. These are sure to be winners at parties, bake sales and sports-watching events. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, WV
Chili Nachos
The recipe for this creamy, chili-style dish was passed down through our church years ago. It's so warm and filling that we often prepare it when we take skiing trips to Colorado. It can be served over corn chips and eaten with a fork...or kept warm in a slow cooker and served as a hearty dip at parties. -Laurie Withers, Wildomar, California
Mozzarella Sticks
I'm particularly fond of these tasty mozzarella sticks because they're baked, not fried. Cheese is one of my family's favorite foods. Being of Italian descent, I cook often with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Black Forest Ham Pinwheels
Dried cherries are the sweet surprise alongside the savory ingredients in these delightfully different spirals. I roll up the tortillas and pop them in the fridge well before party time, and then I just slice and serve. —Kate Dampier, Quail Valley, California
Cajun Crab Poppers
My brother moved to New Orleans and I love visiting him and his family whenever I can. These easy jalapeno poppers are stuffed with crab, cajun seasonings and bacon. They're a little hot and spicy, just like a visit to New Orleans! —Elizabeth Lubin, Huntington Beach, California
Chicken Bacon Triangles
We host an annual Christmas party, and I whip up a new menu item every year. These golden chicken and bacon appetizers were an absolute hit. —Annette Fecht, Sorrento, British Columbia
Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Garlic Pizza Wedges
Our pastor made this for a get-together, and my husband and I just couldn't stay away from the hors d'oeuvres table. The cheesy slices taste great served warm, but they're still wonderful when they've cooled slightly. —Krysten Johnson, Simi Valley, California
Potato Chip Clusters
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super-easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
Dijon-Bacon Dip for Pretzels
With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina
Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Jerky is a portable, chewy snack. You can make your own with our recipe. The meat has a savory flavor and a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Buffalo Bites
Low-carb cauliflower Buffalo bites cook up fast in the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish. I serve them with a flavorful dip made with cottage cheese that's packed with protein compared to most dips. My teenagers happily eat their veggies with this recipe. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Spicy Honey Sriracha Game Day Dip
You can easily whip up this creamy, spicy and salty dip. I love dips for parties in the slow cooker—just turn the slow cooker to low once it is cooked and let your guests help themselves. No need to worry about the dip getting cold and having to reheat it. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Parmesan-Ranch Snack Mix
Every party needs a big bowl of snack mix! No one that I’ve made this for can have just one handful—they always come back again and again! —Tammy Landry, Saucier, MS
Mini Chicken Chimis with Jalapeno Cream Cheese
These zippy chicken chimi bites bring a little heat to any fiesta. Serve them on their own as appetizers, or with rice and black beans for a satisfying meal. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Simple Guacamole
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pit in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK
Taco Pinwheels
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Mini Burgers with the Works
I started preparing these mini burgers several years ago as a creative way to use up bread crusts accumulating in my freezer. They're delicious. —Linda Lane, Bennington, Vermont
Three Cheese Artichoke & Spinach Dip
Grated Parm, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, mayo and butter make this dip as decadent as it gets. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ultimate Candy Bar Cookies
I created these after Halloween, when I had way too much candy left over. You can make them with any mini chocolate candy, but if you use peanut butter cups, throw them in the freezer just before unwrapping so the chocolate won’t stick to the paper. —Tara John, Plymouth, Minnesota
Spanakopita Spring Rolls
I was inspired to turn original spanakopita into a hand-held hors d'oeuvre. I use wonton wrappers in place of phyllo dough, and now these are the biggest hit among my friends. —Jade Randall, Las Vegas, Nevada
Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Root Beer Cookies
When it's too difficult to take along root beer floats on a picnic, take these cookies instead! I've found the flavor is even better the next day. The hard part is convincing my family to wait that long before sampling them.—Violette Bawden, West Valley City, Utah
Ham Pickle Pinwheels
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Taco Meatball Ring
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer! —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Try these savory bites for a kickin' appetizer that's healthy, too! —Emily Tyra, Traverse City, Michigan
Queso Fundido
Dig in to this rich, warm one-skillet dip, topped with fresh tomato and green onions, and enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy kick from the chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Warm Spiced Nuts
I like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
Garlic-Parmesan Cheese Ball
This garlic cheese ball is one of our entertaining mainstays. It complements most meals and is so easy to prepare and dress up with a variety of garnishes. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Cilantro & Lime Chicken with Scoops
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and I wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla chip cups or any other savory crispy cup you like. Enjoy leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. — Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Dilly Mini Cheese Balls
??These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. —Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Peanut Caramel Brownie Bites
With their multiple decadent layers, these brownies are my family's absolute favorite. —Ella Agans, Birch Tree, Missouri
Air-Fryer Pickles
Like deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Quick Tortilla Pinwheels
Prepare these easy, cheesy rollups several days in advance if desired. Serve with your choice of mild or hot salsa or picante sauce. —Barbara Keith, Faucett, Missouri
Queso Baked Nachos
I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at our dinner table. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Four-Tomato Salsa
The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it's hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It's a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
Margarita Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas have never tasted so good as when they are filled with slightly sweet onions and peppers and topped with lime butter and salt, the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This version is the perfect recipe for a summer party—or a great way to bring a little bit of summer into the cold winter months. —Stephanie Bright, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole Sliders
This slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we can't have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
One of my favorite slow cooker recipes is this impressive buffalo chicken egg rolls appetizer. You can wrap the filling in egg roll wraps and bake, or, for a bite-size version, use smaller won ton wraps. —Tara Odegaard, Omaha, Nebraska
Parmesan-Pretzel Crisps
I usually have the ingredients on hand and it is so easy to make, guest's really think you have gone the extra mile. —Pauline Porterfield, Roxboro, North Carolina
Savory Potato Skins
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders
Score big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Southwestern Bean Dip
Just by using different types of beans, you can make this dip as spicy as you like it. My family could eat this as a complete meal. —Jeanne Shear, Sabetha, Kansas
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
These chewy peanut butter chocolate bars are the perfect no-fuss contribution to a potluck or bake sale. I've discovered the trick is to get them into the refrigerator to set up before they disappear! —Lorri Speer, Centralia, Washington
Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Poppers
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the hot pepper intolerant will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball
With the classic combo of ham and cheese, this spread is a year-round favorite at our house. For football parties, shape the mixture into a football and add strips of Swiss for the laces. —Michele Moore, Mooresville, Indiana
Party Pretzels
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cut the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Ranch Snack Mix
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Beer Dip
Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Tex-Mex Popcorn
Spicy Southwest seasoning makes this snackin'-good popcorn ideal for any fiesta. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Buffalo Wing Poppers
These buffalo chicken poppers combine the flavor of hot wings and jalapeño appetizers to make a snack greater than the sum of their parts. —Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience— I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and clean-up are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
My husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.
Cayenne Pretzels
These spicy pretzels were a huge hit at my daughter's graduation party. The longer they sit, the spicier they get! —Gayle Zebo, Warren, Pennsylvania
Beefy Taco Dip
This taco dip is actually a combination of several different recipes I received from friends. I just experimented until I came up with my favorite. It's always a hit, no matter where I take it. —Faye Parker, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Baked Spinach Dip Loaf
Any round loaf works as a serving bowl for this cream-cheesy dip, with spinach, cheddar, water chestnuts and, yes, bacon. Scoop the dip with the extra bread and veggies—then eat the bowl! —Frieda Meding, Trochu, Alberta
Mexican Chicken Wings
I make these spicy appetizers for parties and football games and never have any leftovers. The hot wings contrast nicely with the cool but zippy dip. When the wings run out, we use the extra cilantro dip on tortilla chips. —Barbara McConaughey, Houlton, Wisconsin
Soft Giant Pretzels
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This slightly spicy dip cleverly captures the flavor of buffalo chicken wings. Using canned chicken adds to the convenience. —Allyson, DiLascio, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, TennesseeThe post 6 Brands That Will Skip Super Bowl Commercials for 2021 appeared first on Taste of Home.
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