NCC’s 2017 Wing Report, released today, estimates that Americans will eat 1.33 billion wings during Super Bowl LI weekend, as the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots battle for the Lombardi Trophy. 1.33 billion wings is enough to circle the Earth almost three times.

That figure is up 2 per cent, or 30 million wings, from 2016’s report – and up 6.5 per cent, or 80 million wings, from 2015’s report.

When it comes to levels of chicken wing consumption, the two competing Super Bowl regions are close. According to the NPD Group, the Northeastern US – Patriots Country – eats 12 per cent more wings on average than other US regions, while the South – Falcons Country – eats 13 per cent more.

Tom Super, NCC senior vice president of communications, said: “With two pretty dominant wing-hungry regions in the game, this year’s Super Bowl should be great for both football and chicken wing fans.”