Life
12 Snacks From CVS That’ll Make You The MVP Game Day Host
They have so many great options under $5.
Hot take: football was invented to get us, personally, through the winter. That may not be 100% factual, but it sure feels true when it’s freezing and dark and spring is roughly 800 years away. What’s a girl to look forward to? Game day, that’s what.
While the temps are still low, there’s no better feeling than gathering with friends for a couch- and vibes-based activity that’s best enjoyed with snacks. And lest you worry that prepping to host will be stressful, remember this: you don’t actually have to cook — like, at all.
Enter (drumroll, please) the snack bar. The snack bar is a grazing board of the stuff your guests actually want to eat, and it’s easily assembled with favorite bites you can grab at your local CVS. Pick up a mix of healthy, salty, and sweet for juuust the right balance, then display them cutely to create a winning spread. And while you can stock up ahead of time if you want to, this method is also conducive to hail mary hangs that come together at the last minute.
Kimberly Anne, content creator and co-founder of Pearl Society, swears by this snacking format — and she has the key for making it your easiest hosting hack. “My biggest secret is understanding who’s coming,” she tells Bustle. “Some people want something salty and crunchy, others want something sweet, and some prefer lighter options. When there’s a mix, no one has to search for something they’ll like. It makes the whole spread feel thoughtful without being complicated.”
Sold? Same. Head to your local CVS to get started on your own crowd-pleasing snack bar, but don’t walk out the door without checking out these sweet and savory options for your game-day spread.
A Protein-Packed Starter
Get your party started with this garlicky jerky. Rich and smoky with a subtle hint of horseradish, the flavor is distinctly craveable. Bonus: this snack is an excellent source of protein, which you’ll need to keep your energy up (because screaming at the TV does count as a workout).
Something Slightly Salty
There’s nothing like mindlessly shoveling popcorn into your mouth while you gab — and when the popcorn is really good? All the better. This variation is made with just a touch of oil and a hint of sea salt, so there’s no reason not to go absolutely ham.
A Variation On A Football Favorite
No wings needed; these killer bite-sized snack bites bring the buffalo to your hang. They’re made with nuts, seeds, and whole grains, but pack a serious game-day worthy punch.
A Can’t-Miss Mix
Salty and sweet go together like touchdowns and end zone celebrations. Add both to your board with this trail mix, which blends crunchy nuts, chewy raisins, and M&Ms to create the perfect handful.
A Fan Favorite
OREOs: you know them. You love them. Have you considered them for game day? In my humble opinion, you absolutely should. Not only are they canonically delicious, they’re famously fun to eat — and even offer conversation fodder as everyone reveals their favorite way to OREO.
A Plant-Based Protein Option
And now for something just a touch more sophisticated. A bowl of roasted, sea salted cashews brings plant-based protein to the party that’s just as craveable as any cracker. It also adds a certain je ne sais quois to your board. A salted nut? You shouldn't have!
A Cheesy, Crunchy Cracker
When was the last time you had a Cheez-It? If your answer isn’t “yesterday,” it's been too long. Spoilers ahead: the crunchy, cheesy taste is actually even better than you remember, and these may just be the hit of the night.
A Homestyle Treat
A homemade vibe minus homemade labor has entered the chat. Everyone’s favorite puffed rice cereal marshmallow treat goes perfectly with the rest of your snack board, but adds a unique texture and throwback feel to mix things up.
Grownup Veggie Straws
You may know a kid who loves veggie straws, and let me tell you: they're onto something. After all, a snack that’s made with potato, spinach, and tomato — but eats like a light, crunchy chip — is nothing short of revolutionary. Stock up or risk running out.
A Classic Done Right
Ah, pretzels. The ultimate “classics are classics for a reason” snack that you just can’t quit. These ones are mini, making them even easier (and more fun) to eat, and their crunch level is pleasingly high. Set them out next to some hummus and watch as they magically disappear.
Turkey Jerky That Really Hits
Add another source of game day-themed protein to your offerings with these turkey jerky sticks. But be warned: the sriracha honey flavor packs a delightful punch that’ll get your guests talking.
The Candy Everyone Forgot They Love
Round out your board with a serving of nostalgia, straight up. These real fruit gushers not only pair well with the rest of your spread, they add an element of fun that’s hard to compete with. Pro tip: keep a handful close by during any particularly tense moments for a sweet distraction.
