25+ Best Tailgate Snacks, Food Ideas & Drinks for Game Day

Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or your living room, you need easy, crowd-pleasing snacks and drinks that score big. We’ve rounded up game day favorites that are portable, make-ahead friendly, and help you earn points with the Fetch app. Ready to host your best tailgate yet?

What is a tailgate party?

A tailgate party is a pre-game gathering typically held in a stadium or concert venue parking lot. You’ll find fans grilling, sipping cold drinks, playing games, and enjoying festive snacks before kickoff. And yes, you can totally tailgate from your backyard or even your couch!

What makes a good tailgate snack or food option?

Game day foods should check these boxes: easy to prep, travel well, require little equipment, and satisfy a hungry crowd. Bonus points if they pair well with beer or seltzer and earn you Fetch Points.

• Chips and dip combos: Tortilla chips & salsa, pita chips & hummus, or potato chips & ranch.
• Meat & cheese trays: DIY or deli grab-and-go trays work great.
• Packaged snacks: Think trail mix, snack mixes, or pretzels.
• Grill-ready items: Hot dogs, burgers, or veggie skewers.
• Drinks: Iced tea, soda, Gatorade, or beer.

Easy tailgate snacks (no cooking required)

• Chex Mix or Gardetto’s
• Tostitos and salsa or queso
• Stacy’s pita chips
• Oreos or Famous Amos cookies
• Peanuts or cashews
• Lunchables for kids (or adults!)
• Rold Gold pretzels
• Cheetos or Doritos

Best tailgate foods for grilling or hot serving

• Applegate hot dogs or sausages
• Pre-made hamburger patties
• Beyond or Impossible burgers
• Ball Park buns
• Foil-wrapped veggie packets

Make-ahead tailgate food ideas

• Mini sandwich sliders
• Walking tacos (Doritos and toppings)
• Mac and cheese cups
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Brownie bites or cookie bars

Must-have tailgate drinks

• Brisk iced tea
• Bubly sparkling water
• Gatorade
• Pepsi or Coca-Cola
• Mug Root Beer or Dr. Pepper
• Miller Lite or High Life
• Simply Spiked mixed drinks
• Topo Chico or Vizzy seltzers
• Blue Moon or Redd’s Apple Ale

Tailgating pro tips: how to earn rewards on snacks with Fetch

Here’s how to score rewards for your game day grocery run:

• Favorite offers: Tap the heart next to your favorite offers on chips, soda, and snack brands to build your Fetch shopping list.
• Look for boosts: Earn more when you buy participating brands with a flame next to them.
• Use Fetch Shop: Shop through the app and earn points per dollar at places like Sam’s Club and Target.

Bonus: printable tailgate food and drink checklist 

Use this ultimate tailgate shopping list to make sure your cart is game-day ready. From buns to beer, it’s all covered!

Download the Fetch app & score tailgate rewards

Find deals on tailgate must-haves and earn rewards every time you shop using the Fetch app. Whether you’re buying snacks or beer, snap your receipt and watch the points roll in.