Americans Expected to Consume 1.48 Billion Super Bowl Wings

Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.

Roasted chicken wings in barbecue sauce with sesame seeds and parsley in a baking tray on a dark table_Photo by Vasiliy via AdobeStock_247268324.jpg

Photo by Vasiliy via Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Americans are projected to eat 1.48 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl LX, slightly higher than last year, underscoring strong seasonal demand for poultry as the game anchors winter food consumption. The National Chicken Council estimates wing consumption will rise by about 10 million wings year over year, reinforcing poultry’s role as a staple protein during major sporting events.

Retail data show that demand has already surged during the NFL playoff window. Over the past four weeks, wing unit sales rose nearly 20 percent nationally, with dollar sales up more than 11 percent. Regional trends were especially strong in Seattle and Boston markets, while Los Angeles consumers led the field in per-capita wing purchases.

Prices remain supportive for consumers. Fresh wing prices averaged about $3.47 per pound, down nearly 3 percent from a year ago, aided by a 2.2 percent increase in U.S. broiler production during 2025 and lower feed costs. Despite softer prices, cold storage wing inventories entering December were among the tightest for the month in more than a decade, signaling early stock-building by retailers and foodservice.

Production gains have helped ensure availability without pressuring margins across the supply chain.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
Rather than making “cuts” to SNAP, as has been claimed, the One Big Beautiful Bill merely modifies the program’s funding structure.
How many burgers could you buy instead of a house?

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
Nutrition policy shifts may influence retail demand across agriculture.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.