Averaging around $7 million for 30 seconds of air time in 2023 and 2024, companies today often spend more on a Super Bowl commercial than most low-budget movies. However, unlike movies and television shows that air live, in theaters, and eventually on streaming services, these advertisements have one shot to be watched by millions of Americans before they are determined to be a huge flop or memorialized by Super Bowl commercial fanatics for years.
Like all other Super Bowl commercials, food Super Bowl commercials are made to be remembered. With only 30 to 90 seconds to catch the attention of viewers, advertisements will often utilize a celebrity, create a compelling story, or create a unforgettable catchphrase to push their product. Unlike regular ads, making the food look appealing is often put on the back burner in favor of a unique story for the Super Bowl , but staging can give some advertisements a leg up if they do it successfully.
Below are a few of our favorite food Super Bowl commercials of all time. None of them are short of cinematic masterpieces, and all of them are sure to leave you hungry.
Wendy’s “Where’s The Beef?” (1984)
Tbh, my family quotes this Wendy’s commercial on a regular basis some 40 years after it aired, so you know it’s good. Today, the fast food chain is known for some iconic and savage social media moments, but Wendy’s has been roasting its fast-food rivals since the 1980s. The fast-food chain’s popular 1984 Super Bowl ad created the phrase “Where’s the beef?”, which quickly became a national catchphrase that suggests something (ahem, Arby’s) has little or no substance.
Uber Eats “Don’t Forget Uber Eats” (2024)
This star-studded commercial has a celebrity for everyone, and each one seems to forget something crucial to their stardom: Posh Spice (aka Victoria Beckham) has never heard of the Spice Girls, country singer Jelly Roll is confused by his tattoos, and (my personal favorite) Jennifer Aniston is completely oblivious to former co-star David Schwimmer of her “Friends” fame. This Uber Eats ad, which focuses on forgetting something to “make room” for another memory, is not something we are likely to forget anytime soon — unlike the celebs’ misplaced memories in the commercial.
McDonald’s “The Showdown” (1993)
The vintage, sports movie feel of this commercial starring legendary Larry Bird and Michael Jordan draws you in immediately. The star power in this commercial, the hilariously absurd free throw game and Jordan’s sly comment to the viewers about how they might need to buy a Big Mac because “this is going to take a while,” make this an unforgettable Super Bowl commercial.
Budweiser “Wassup?” (1999)
The infamous “Whassup” commercial is casual and laid back, just like drinking a beer on game day. Perfectly capturing the brand’s target market and making a catchphrase that has lasted generations, Budweiser proves that ads don’t need to be major productions to be timeless.
Coca-Cola “Hey Kid, Catch!” (1979)
Arguably the most infamous food Super Bowl commercial of all time, Joe Greene and Coca-Cola might have started the era of cinematic food commercials. Not much was said in this simple scene, but the innocent exchange between Greene and his young fan had America in a chokehold, premiering over and over by popular demand.
Pepsi “Two Kids” (1991)
Dialogue cannot always stand the test of time, but the sexy, summer day captured with gritty quality in this Pepsi commercial, starring Cindy Crawford, is nostalgic regardless of the year. Like a scene out of The Outsiders or The Breakfast Club, this commercial’s aesthetic is timeless.
Snickers “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry: Betty White” (2010)
America’s sweetheart Betty White only had two lines in this commercial but her funny rapport with the other guys on the team struck the perfect balance between hilarious and heartwarming. In this post-Betty-White world, this ad remains a reminder of her sweet and gutsy nature.
The Farmer’s Dog “Forever” (2023)
Dog food commercials count as food commercials, right? There’s been a fair share of commercials involving dogs in the Super Bowl, but The Farmer’s Dog’s one last year might have been the best. This bittersweet story about the bond between a girl and her first dog leaves viewers wanting to do anything to ensure their dog has a long, healthy life.
Pepsi “Pepsi – Now and Then” (2002)
With song and dance numbers paired with unique costumes and sets, in this commercial Britney Spears took America through the decades with Pepsi. This jam-packed 90-second ad was a production like no other and its intricacies are still appreciated today.
Cheetos & Doritos Flamin’ Hot “Push It” (2022)
There’s no way to describe this advertisement without realizing how bizarre the entire situation is: jungle animals started to sing Salt N’ Pepa’s “Push It” after eating Flamin’ Hot Doritos and Cheetos. However, its incredible CGI coupled with the goofy animal performance separated it from all the other out-of-pocket commercials out there.
Planters “Baby Nut” (2020)
Nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions in 30 seconds, the death and rebirth of Mr. Peanut took viewers on a wild ride. The adorable baby Mr. Peanut, the idyllic countryside, and his nonchalant attitude make this a hilarious and heartwarming restart for Planters.