If there is one thing gamers are just as passionate about as games, it’s probably snacks. I’m willing to bet that even 50 years ago, a bowl of cheese puffs or a plate of Twinkies was on the table next to the family’s new Magnavox Odyssey console. Add a glass of cold Mr. Pibb, and ‘70s kids were ready to crush a game of Table Tennis.
Today, almost 80% of gamers like to snack and enjoy a beverage while stacking up the headshots in an FPS or spinning to win at an online slot machine. When most people think about the food that accompanies a good gaming session, they mostly picture pizza and energy drinks. Those are the clichés, but what are modern gamers really nibbling on? Let’s find out!
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Group vs. Solo Gaming
I believe that what you’re snacking on ultimately depends on the game and how many people you’re playing with. Let’s say you like to play online slots on your phone or laptop. Just like regular slot machines, playing online slots requires only one hand and not much concentration. The machine does all the spinning and symbol matching, while you just make your wagers and click spin.
If you’re using your phone, you can hold your phone with one hand while snacking on a nut bar or a piece of fruit with the other. If you’re at home, you can have a spread of bowls for the perfect grazing experience.
If you like to play board games or RPGs in a group, you can show off your charcuterie-making skills. This is the time to bring out the cheese board, hummus dips, veggie sticks, and maybe even a homemade flatbread. How about a few dishes inspired by the world you’re playing in? You can even have a tasting flight of different sodas and other drinks.
From Caffeine to Electrolytes
The love gamers have for energy drinks is no secret. They are known to chug monster cans of Monster to fuel their all-nighters and keep their reflexes sharp for the next raid or event. This mass consumption of energy drinks has given birth to plenty of companies producing drinks and drink powders promising gamers invigoration and an instant recharge.
However, many are finding that the eventual crash from all that sugar and caffeine is not worth the temporary energy. They are switching over to healthier alternatives with cleaner ingredient lists. Think caffeinated sparkling waters with various flavours, kombucha, hydration mixes with added electrolytes, or even matcha for a more natural boost.
The latest trend is healthy sodas that promote gut health and contain natural sweeteners that don’t spike blood sugar levels. Gamers are also drinking more water to stay hydrated, which helps them maintain focus and cognitive function.
A Healthy Spin On The Classics
Chips, soda, and delivery pizza are staples for most game nights, but 56% of today’s gamers prefer healthier alternatives. Instead of a whole bag of flaming hot chips, they might reach for a bowl of spicy edamame or popcorn dusted with gourmet seasonings to satisfy their salty cravings.
Baked chips are replacing regular ones, and now even the crackers have added protein for the gains. Speaking of protein, there are endless flavors of coated nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc.).
Even pizza is getting healthyfied. In place of greasy pepperoni with extra cheese, gamers are ordering vegan pies or gluten-free crusts. Restaurants are now offering keto-friendly options for those who want to indulge for the night while still following their diet plan. Many gamers choose to go the homemade route and use sugar-free tomato sauces and more vegetable toppings, while making smaller pies.
The Everlasting Sweettooth
While salty snacks are always high up in the ranks of favorite snacks, everyone needs a little sweet treat to keep them going. Chocolate is a must; however, instead of bulky candy bars, gamers prefer bite-sized goodies like M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces. A plus, they are candy-coated, so they don’t leave a mess on controllers and keyboards.
Another phenomenon in the gamer snacking realm is sour candies. Instead of chocolate or peanut butter, some prefer the citric-acid bite of a Sour Patch Kid or Sour Gummy Worms. Some say the intense tartness gives them a rush that keeps them on edge while gaming.
That said, people are also turning to healthier sweet alternatives. Many popular gaming streamers are coming up with their own line of snacks, like vegan gummies or sugar-free cookies.
The Final Bite
While the stereotype of gamers existing on pizza and soda is somewhat true, I mean, who doesn’t like a stuffed crust and a crisp, fizzy drink, the truth is much more nuanced. Gamers enjoy salty, sweet, crunchy, tangy, and tart snacks, but studies show they also care more about their health.
Whether junk or super foods, whatever gamers are snacking on, you can bet it’s delicious.
