The Snacket: Help us to determine the ultimate snack food March Madness bracket-style
Vote in the first round of the Snacket and help decide the ultimate snack food
March Madness has officially begun. (Which, by the way, if you haven't signed up for our Expert Bracket Showdown, you can fill out your bracket here.) The greatest 48 hours in sports will start on Thursday and Friday as the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament gets underway in sites across the country.
But in order to properly watch all of that basketball, you'll need to fuel up. Snacks are an important part of tourney watching and the general party experience. What better way to determine the ultimate snack food than by creating the ultimate snack bracket. Thus, we present to you "The Snacket." It may sound a little weird, but it tastes amazing.

Like the NCAA Tournament, there are four 16-snack regions composing of 64 snacks total: the Salty Region, Sweet Region, Healthy Region and the Other Region. Salty is home to a lot of your usual suspects: chips, pretzels, popcorn and the like. You might even argue this will be the hardest bracket from which to advance. The Sweet Region isn't much easier, though. Cookies, candy and pastries are all-time favorites worthy of advancing on their own merit. But this is a single-elimination game and only one can rise above the rest.
The other two regions are Healthy and the great catch-all: Other. Healthy snacks aren't weird (you're weird!) if you're looking for all fuel and no guilt. That doesn't mean it has to be a bland region. Trail mix has a little bit of everything to satisfy all your snacking needs. The ceiling is high for other items like yogurt or oatmeal when you add something to them, like fruit. The Other Region is what's left over, but it's hardly a region of misfits. Pizza rolls? What other snack has been so accurately memed? And give me peanut butter or Nutella any day of the week.
Let's get started. First-round voting will take place on our Cover 3 Podcast Twitter account, so be sure to follow on Twitter if you're not already and vote immediately as soon as each round commences. You can find the
Salty Regional

(1) Tortilla Chips and Dip: The true blue-blood of the Salty Region. The possibilities are endless.
(16) Butter crackers: They're 19-14 and only in because they won a mid-major conference tourney.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 1 Tortilla Chips & Dip vs. No. 16 Butter Crackers
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(8) Cracker Sandwiches: Maybe not a first choice, but could make a run given the combination of textures and flavors.
(9) Cereal Snack Mix: A bit of a niche snack, this one has a strong transition game as it's perfect on the run.
Salty Regional: No. 8 Cracker Sandwiches vs. No. 9 Cereal Snack Mix #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(5) Popcorn: Wildly addicting, popcorn could have been a higher seed. Watch out for those un-popped kernels though.
(12) Corn Nuts: A mid-major snack with a serious cult fan base.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 5 Popcorn vs. No. 12 Corn Nuts #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(4) Pretzels: A fan favorite, pretzels can be consumed en masse without feeling like a whale afterwards.
(13) Pork Rinds: They're not for everybody, but those who love them really love them. A possible 13-4 upset here.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 4 Pretzels vs. No. 13 Pork Rinds #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(6) Cheese Puffs: The flavoring is what gives this snack its potential to make a Final Four run.
(11) Pita Chips and Hummus: The dip is what makes a first-round upset possible. Hummus has a bunch of possibilities.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 6 Cheese Puffs vs. No. 11 Pita Chips and Dip #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(3) Corn Chips: They're good by themselves, but even better on something, like sandwiches or chili.
(14) Onion Snacks: These may not be highly seeded, but they're a classic. And a surefire cause of dragon breath.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 3 Corn Chips vs. No. 14 Onion Snacks #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(7) Cheese Crackers: If you want a bit more crunch than cheese puffs.
(10) Bacon: It's great and all by itself, but probably best as a complementary piece in this context.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 7 Cheese Crackers vs. No. 10 Bacon #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(2) Potato Chips: Could have been a No. 1 seed, but sodium levels were a bit too high.
(15) Veggie Sticks: Good luck not getting blown out by chips.
SALTY REGIONAL: No. 2 Potato Chips vs. No. 15 Veggie Sticks #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
Sweet Regional

(1) Cookies: There's so much variety that there's always something for everyone. And it's Girl Scout Cookie SZN.
(16) Cotton Candy: It's March Madness, not a carnival.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 1 Cookies vs. No. 16 Cotton Candy #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(8) Pastries: Go down to the bakery and grab a dozen or four. They're addicting, just watch the mass consumption.
(9) Animal Crackers: They're not just for your kid's lunch anymore. Seriously, parents know what's up.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 8 Pastries vs. No. 9 Animal Crackers #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(5) Sour Candy: Do you remember how many lemon Airheads you tried to fit in your mouth at once as a kid?
(12) Churros: A genuine favorite of the mid-major sweets. Throw some ice cream on it and you might have a 12-5 upset.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 5 Sour Candy vs. No. 12 Churros #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(4) Packaged Mini Cakes: Had some unexpected losses in the regular season, but this is a Final Four caliber snack.
(13) Vanilla Wafers: Probably not as great by themselves as they are on something like banana pudding.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 4 Packaged Mini-Cakes vs. No. 13 Vanilla Wafers #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(6) Marshmallow Rice Treats: Maybe the only snack that's just as fun to make as it is to eat.
(11) Pudding/Gelatin: This is going to make me sound 80 but: butterscotch pudding or get out.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 6 Marshmallow Rice Treats vs. No. 11 Pudding/Gelatin #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(3) Fruit Snacks/Gummies: Like Animal Crackers, parents know the value of fruit snacks.
(14) Toaster Pastries: They're primarily for breakfast, but you ever just grab one out of the pantry at, like, 3 in the afternoon?
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 3 Fruit Snacks/Gummies vs. No. 14 Toaster Pastries #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(7) Mini Donuts: These might not be good enough to make a Final Four run, but the Sweet 16 is a real possibility.
(10) Graham Crackers: What are you, 2 years old?
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 7 Mini-Donuts vs. No. 10 Graham Crackers #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(2) Coated Chocolate Candy: Crunchy, sweet and can be consumed by the handful. They're dangerous.
(15) Ice/Fruit Pops: When the key ingredient is the color followed by a random number like 32, you know it's the good stuff.
SWEET REGIONAL: No. 2 Coated Chocolate Candy vs. No. 15 Ice/Fruit Pops
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
Healthy Regional

(1) Trail Mix: A medley of texture, flavor and color. This is a strong No. 1 seed.
(16) Rice Cakes: I mean, do you like choking on dry snacks?
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 1 Trail Mix vs. No. 16 Rice Cakes #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(8) Protein/Fiber Bars: You have to be careful. These aren't always as healthy as they claim.
(9) Oatmeal: If we're talking instant oatmeal, it shouldn't even be in the Healthy Region.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 8 Protein/Fiber Bars vs. No. 9 Oatmeal #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(5) Yogurt: What kind are we talking about here? Fruit? Or just plain yogurt?
(12) Pickles: I've never understood just eating a whole pickle, but people love 'em. A 12-5 upset possible here.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 5 Yogurt vs. No. 12 Pickles #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(4) Fruit and Berries: Look, they have natural sugars and they're good for you.
(13) Edamame: Throw some sea salt on those bad boys and go to town. Criminally under-seeded snack.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 4 Fruit & Berries vs. No. 13 Edamame #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(6) Celery, Carrots and Dip: The dip offsets any of the health benefits of the veggies, which I guess is the point?
(11) Dried Peas/Snap Peas: Easy to eat and you can blow through a bunch of them quickly.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 6 Celery, Carrots & Dip vs. No. 11 Dried Peas/Snap Peas #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(3) Granola and Bars: Granola bars are good on the go, but especially legit with yogurt.
(14) Cucumber Slices: They're not the most flavorful unless you add salt, but they're actually good for you!
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 3 Granola & Bars vs. No. 14 Cucumber Slices #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(7) Raisins and Dried Fruit: Chewy and sweet is a good combination.
(10): Olives: Never been a fan myself, but put 'em with a meat and cheese spread and you're in business.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 7 Raisins & Dried Fruit vs. No. 10 Olives #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(2) Nuts: There are so many different kinds, with varying flavors and levels of crunch. Hard to go wrong.
(15) Kale Chips/Seaweed: We're not quite at the point where this is a widely eaten snack.
HEALTHY REGIONAL: No. 2 Nuts vs. No. 15 Kale Chips/Seaweed #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
Other Regional

(1) Fries, Tots, Rings: The No. 1 overall seed. No explanation needed.
(16) Cottage Cheese: Get out.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 1 Fries, Tots, Rings vs. No. 16 Cottage Cheese #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(8) Sunflower Seeds: Oddly addicting and even better when flavored.
(9) Muffins: Not a traditional snack, but name a person who doesn't like them?
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 8 Sunflower Seeds vs. No. 9 Muffins #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(5) Jerky, Dried Meat: Salty, savory and portable. It's meat on the go!
(12) Hardboiled eggs: They taste great and would be seeded higher if they didn't smell like a sewer.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 5 Jerky, Dried Meat vs. No. 12 Hard-Boiled Eggs #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(4) Rolled Cold Cuts: Could you pound an entire tray of roast beef, ham and turkey? This snack is Elite 8 worthy.
(13) Applesauce: There's nothing wrong with applesauce, but ... it's applesauce. Going against meat.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 4 Rolled Cold Cuts vs. No. 13 Applesauce #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(6) Shakes, Smoothies: When you're hungry and thirsty, this snack could make a Sweet 16 run.
(11) Bagel Chips: These have the crunch you crave and are perfect with dips and spreads. Is that enough to advance?
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 6 Shakes, Smoothies vs. No. 11 Bagel Chips #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(3) Cheese: It comes in many forms: string, sliced and soft. It goes well with so many items, but it's great on its own.
(14) Dry Cereal and Bars: Another snack that's probably underrated, but this is a tough first-round matchup.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 3 Cheese vs. No. 14 Dry Cereal & Bars #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(7) Nut Butters: They're not great for you unless you go super organic, but eating a whole container in one sitting is possible.
(10) Instant Soup/Ramen: A great college snack, this one still holds weight once in a while.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 7 Nut Butters vs. No. 10 Instant Noodle Soup/Ramen #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW:
(2) Pizza Rolls/Bagels: On one hand, they're an epic snack. On the other, their filling is hot lava. Near No. 1 seed.
(15) Espresso Beans: Not a conventional snack by any means, but good for something different.
OTHER REGIONAL: No. 2 Pizza Rolls/Bagels vs. No. 15 Espresso Beans #TheSnacket
— Cover 3 Podcast (@Cover3Podcast) March 20, 2019
VOTE BELOW: