With football season well underway, basketball season starting up and the presidential election right around the corner, many students are preparing to gather around their TVs with lively debates over politics or teams, and of course, snacks. No election or sports party would be complete without big bowls of chips and dip, so try adding some culinary variety to your party with these unique and delicious options.

Mediterranean Greek Yogurt Dip 

(Trader Joe’s, $2.99)

This dip has a Greek yogurt and feta cheese base and a healthy dose of spices, so it is both creamy and flavorful without being heavy or overpowering. The light and tangy dip tastes great on plain tortilla chips and would also be a perfect match for wheat crackers and pita chips.

Sabra Spicy Guacamole 

(Westside Market, $3.99)

Typical guacamole is already fresh and flavorful, but this kind has a spicy kick that contrasts the creaminess in a surprisingly delicious way. Gallatin freshman Victoria Marino found the dip unusual but tasty. “I like that it has chunks of avocado in it,” she said. “It tastes very natural.” Try this guacamole for an interesting twist on a classic.

Stonewall Kitchen Black Bean Salsa 

(Space Market, $6.59)

Rather than tomato-based, this salsa is mostly black beans and corn, giving it a garden-fresh taste. It is just spicy enough without being intolerable, and the corn has a hint of sweetness. This would be the perfect dip for any sort of corn chips.

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Hummus 

(Agata & Valentina, $3.99)

Hummus is a slightly more exotic dip option, but can run the risk of being too bland or heavy. This style, however, is topped with sun-dried tomato pesto, which adds amazing flavor and cuts some of the heaviness. This dip is good for not only chips or crackers, but also for vegetables, if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Greek Tzatziki 

(Westside Market, $4.99)

For those unfamiliar with tzatziki, it is a creamy dip made with yogurt, cucumbers and herbs. “The distinct dill flavor reminds me of my mother’s herb garden,” CAS freshman Tanner Nelson said of the natural taste. This dip in particular is very light, with more cucumber than yogurt, giving it a fresh quality. Use something sturdy, like pita chips or vegetables, to hold the sizable cucumber chunks.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 print edition. Ariana DiValentino is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].