Current Events in February 2026

• The cost of popular Super Bowl snacks are likely going to cost you a little more this year than in years past.

• Recent data found that where you are in the country could impact the final cost of your Super Bowl party.

• Consumers who shop smart can make the most of their money when hosting the Super Bowl this year. 

As fans gear up for Super Bowl parties, the cost of filling the snack table is sending a mixed message: some staples are cheaper than a year ago, others are pricier, and where you shop still matters a lot. 

New pricing data from Datasembly, which tracks grocery prices nationwide, shows modest overall inflation for a typical Super Bowl spread — but notable regional differences in Seattle, Boston, and Santa Clara.

Across a basket of popular game-day items — from tortilla chips and salsa to frozen pizza, wings, and beer — prices this year rose about 1.5% overall, to roughly $80.49, compared with $79.27 last year. That relatively small bump masks bigger swings at the item level.

Snack chips and dippables offered some relief. Tortilla chips fell more than 5% nationally, while tater tots dropped more than 8%, with especially steep declines in Seattle. Chunky salsa also edged lower overall. Those decreases helped offset higher prices for items like burgers, queso, and soda.

Proteins and prepared foods were a mixed bag. Beef chuck burgers (a six-count pack) climbed more than 3% year over year, while frozen buffalo wings dipped about 2.6% nationally — though shoppers in Seattle saw prices jump more than 8% for wings, according to Datasembly. Frozen Supreme pizza posted a modest increase overall, with little variation across the three cities.

Drinks and dips leaned higher. Mini-can six-packs of cola rose more than 9% nationally, and French onion dip increased more than 7%. Beer prices were mostly flat, with slight increases in Boston and declines in Seattle and Santa Clara.

Regional trends

Regional trends underscore how local markets shape the Super Bowl bill. Seattle shoppers generally saw lower prices for snacks and chili but higher costs for wings. Boston posted notable declines for chips and salsa, while Santa Clara tended to run hotter on prepared foods and chili.

Bottom line: hosting a Super Bowl party this year won’t break the bank, but smart shopping — and knowing which items have cooled or heated up — can still make a noticeable difference. Datasembly’s data suggests that mixing brands, watching weekly specials, and tailoring menus to local price trends remain the best ways to keep kickoff costs in check.

• FHFA and Fannie Mae have eliminated rigid minimum credit score floors (like 620) for conventional mortgages.

• Lenders now can use newer credit score models (including VantageScore 4.0 as well as Classic FICO) and take a more holistic view of borrower risk.

• Credit scores still matter, but underwriting focuses more on overall financial profiles than on single score cutoffs.

In a major modernization of mortgage underwriting standards, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has ushered in rule changes that remove traditional minimum credit-score requirements for conventional mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — a shift industry officials say could expand homeownership opportunities while maintaining risk controls.

For decades, borrowers seeking a conforming conventional mortgage — the most common type of home loan in the United States — typically needed a minimum credit score of around 620 to qualify for purchase by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That numeric floor acted as a bright-line eligibility rule in automated underwriting systems. 

Under the new FHFA-directed guidelines — effectively implemented for loans submitted after Nov. 16, 2025 — these rigid score thresholds have been removed. Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU) no longer requires a set minimum credit score to generate an “approve/eligible” finding, instead weighing a borrower’s full financial profile — including credit history, income, assets, and payment patterns — in a more nuanced risk assessment. 

A different view of creditworthiness 

The FHFA’s revamp reflects broader changes in how credit risk is measured in mortgage markets. Previously, lenders had to submit a borrower’s Classic FICO score to the GSEs; now the rule allows lenders to deliver loans scored with either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0, with future plans to adopt additional models such as FICO 10T. 

The newer models incorporate alternative data — like rent and utility payments — which can better assess credit for borrowers with limited traditional credit histories. 

For borrowers, removing the minimum score requirement doesn’t guarantee approval at any score, but more applicants — particularly those with “thin” or non-traditional credit files — may now see their overall financial strength considered more thoroughly. Credit scores remain important, but they are one of multiple inputs analyzed in automated underwriting systems. 

For lenders and originators: The change signals a shift away from single-metric cutoffs toward layered risk evaluation. Many lenders still set internal minimums or overlays, and private mortgage insurers may maintain their own score thresholds. Clear documentation and robust underwriting remain critical.

What it means for home buyers

Market analysts say the FHFA changes could modestly expand mortgage access, particularly for first-time buyers, younger borrowers, and those with alternative credit histories. However, they caution that broader credit evaluation places greater emphasis on the quality of documentation and risk management practices across the industry.

As the mortgage sector adapts, the changes reflect a key policy evolution — one that balances expanded access with prudent risk assessment in the nation’s housing finance system.

• Restaurants are adding smaller, protein-focused meals as drugs like Wegovy change how people eat, and these items often cost less than full-size entrées.

• You can save money by ordering a side of grilled protein with veggies instead of a full combo meal.

• Even when not on a medication, choosing smaller portions means less food waste and a lower total at the register.

Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound are shrinking appetites nationwide and big restaurant chains are adjusting.

NBC News recently reported that instead of giant plates and bottomless sides, more menus now feature lighter portions, protein add-ons, and snack-size meals. Even if you’re not on a GLP-1 medication, this shift can help you eat better and spend less.

Here’s how to take advantage.

Look for 'lighter,' 'fit,' or 'protein' sections

Many big-name chains are adding smaller, or more protein-packed meals, to their menus.

And they're using health-focused wording to grab the attention of those who don’t eat big meals anymore.

Examples:

• Chipotle sells high-protein sides that work as small meals.
• Shake Shack now offers lettuce-wrapped burgers on what they call their Good Fit Menu.
• Subway has smaller protein-focused wraps they call Protein Pockets.
• Smoothie King features high-protein, no-sugar smoothies they actually call GLP-1 Smoothies.
• Olive Garden now offers 7 existing dishes with smaller portions, all at lower prices.
• Panera Bread – They’ve been leaning heavily into their “You Pick 2 Combos” which acts like a mini-meal at a lower price.
• Jack in the Box has new Protein Bowls and Jack Wraps on the menu for those looking for less food that’s high in protein. Some of the bowls deliver up to 35 grams of protein.

Savings tip: These smaller meals often cost $3–$7 less than full-size entrees.

Order protein 'sides' as your main meal

Many chains built for big portions now sell single servings of chicken, steak, or eggs as protein add-ons.

So, instead of dropping $12–$15 on a combo meal, you could order this:

• A side of any grilled protein.
• Add a side salad or veggies.

You’ll often cut the price nearly in half while still getting full.

Don’t automatically 'size up'

For decades, upsizing or “Super Sizing” was marketed to consumers as the best bang for your buck. That’s clearly changing.

With smaller appetites trending right now, restaurants are making these changes:

• Adding half portions
• Offering smaller bowls
• Selling snack-size wraps

Pro tip: Get in the habit of asking, “Do you have a smaller portion option?” Many locations do if you ask, even if it’s not clearly on the menu.

Be careful with 'protein' drinks

High-protein smoothies and shakes sound healthy but can pack more calories than a fast food meal.

Specifically, watch for the following:

• Large serving sizes (20 oz+)
• Added nut butters, syrups, or sweeteners

A smarter order: Choose the smallest size, skip add-ins, and pair it with real food instead of drinking all your calories.

Use the trend to fight food waste

Restaurants are responding to people eating less and you don’t have to be on a GLP-1 to join the trend.

Smaller portions mean:

• Less overeating
• Fewer leftovers tossed
• Lower bills

Even if GLP-1 meds aren’t part of your life, the smaller-meal movement can help your wallet.

The bottom line

The era of “bigger is better” at chain restaurants seems to be fading.

Smaller, protein-packed meals are becoming normal and they’re often cheaper and easier to portion control.

The good news is you don’t need a prescription to benefit. Just start ordering like someone who has a smaller appetite… and keep the extra cash in your pocket.