Pizza Hut's culinary experts predict 2024 will be a year of spicy flavors and toppings, layers and layers of flavor, and thin crust continuing to reign supreme, among several other trends explored in their latest report.
One huge trend to spotlight is that the demand for sweet and spicy pizza offerings will remain high this coming year. To jump on this trend, Pizza Hut is bringing hot honey offerings nationwide starting Feb. 1 for a limited time at select participating locations. The Hot Honey Pizza starts with your choice of crust, topped with marinara sauce, cheese, classic pepperonis AND crispy cupped pepperonis with a drizzle of sweet sauce infused with red habaneros and a touch of honey. Hot Honey Wings are available in traditional bone-in or boneless coated in sweet heat flavors. The Hot Honey Pizza starts at $11.99 and the Hot Honey Wings (6 count) starts at $5.99.- prices, participation and availability may vary.
Rachel Antalek, Pizza Hut's new Chief Food Innovation Officer says, "At Pizza Hut, our commitment to modernizing flavors is at the forefront of our brand identity. We lead trends and go bigger on flavor, as exemplified by the tremendous success of our Hot Honey test, which exceeded guest expectations. This bold innovation not only elevates our pizza experience but also opens up exciting opportunities to showcase our wings. Get ready for a flavor revolution that goes beyond pizza, truly embodying the spirit of Pizza Hut innovation."
Pizza Consumption Habits Across the U.S.
- On average, individuals indulge in pizza three times a month, with North Dakota leading the way at 3.5 times per month. The quantity consumed is approximately 8 slices monthly, varying across states, with Wisconsin taking the lead at 10 slices.
- When ordering, 47% prefer large pizzas, contributing to an annual consumption of 288 slices per person, equivalent to 480 gallons or a large, six-person hot tub filled to the brim.
- North Dakota, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin top the charts as the states with the highest pizza consumption.
Sauce Preferences and Crust Choices
- The experts at Pizza Hut predict thin crust will continue to grow in popularity as consumers look for lighter styles of pizza to enjoy in addition to their more indulgent pizza favorites.
- In terms of crust, Pizza Hut's recent survey found the most popular types of pizza crust are thin crust (28%), stuffed crust (20%) and thick-crust (14%).
- Some states prefer stuffed crust: Arkansas (28%), Kentucky (27%), Louisiana (26%), Mississippi (24%), Montana (30%), Nebraska (28%), North Carolina (23%), Oregon (23%), South Dakota (27%), Tennessee (23%), Utah (25%), Washington (22%), West Virginia (28%) and Wyoming (30%).
- More people in New Mexico prefer deep dish than in Illinois (21%, compared to 17%).
- Hawaii was also found to be more fond of pan dish pizza than Michigan (24%, compared to 7%).
- Dipping sauces play a significant role in enhancing the pizza experience. Ranch is the most popular (38%), followed by garlic sauce (27%), hot sauce (8%), and others. Some states, like New York, stand out for preferring hot sauce.
Pizza Styles, Seasonings and Toppings
- Sweet and spicy pairings on menus are up 38% in the last year, and hot honey is projected to outpace nearly all other culinary and beverage flavors by 2027*. Pizza Hut predicts spicy flavors will continue to grow in appeal, especially with Gen-Z's favoring hot sauce.
- New York (35%) topped the charts as the most popular pizza style. Parmesan (55%) is the preferred seasoning, except in New York, where garlic salt is favored (29%). Respondents lean towards savory (52%), hearty (34%), and spicy (27%) flavor profiles.
- Pepperoni reigns as the preferred meat topping (42%), with exceptions in states like Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, which favor sausage.
- Pizza lovers also shared they'd be willing to try several unusual fruit and veggie toppings on their pizza that they usually wouldn't go for: pineapple (44%), chili peppers (21%), artichokes (16%), potatoes (15%) and pickles (14%).
- Peppers overall are IN, according to Pizza Hut. From roasted sweet peppers to bold, spicy peppers
- Toppings that should be banned include: fish (23%), beets (21%), blueberries (15%), plums (14%) and kiwis (14%). 10% wouldn't ban anything.
Pizza Habits and Preferences
- Survey participants shared diverse preferences and habits. A significant percentage (31%) plans to eat more pizza in 2024. Nearly half (47%) are likely to order a pizza for personal enjoyment alongside group orders.
- Surprisingly, 25% are open to trying a pizza-flavored cocktail.
- Fridays (47%) emerge as the most popular day for pizza orders, while 52% believe pizza is a better meal than a snack.
- Cold leftover pizza is a popular choice for 74% of people.
- 23% frequently pair wings with their pizza orders, with New Mexico leading in this trend.
Survey Methodology
This random double-opt-in survey of 5,000 American adults was commissioned by Pizza Hut between December 22, 2023 and January 5, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
*According to market research firm Datassential on Today.com
About Pizza Hut®
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas and since then has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in innovation with the creation of icons like Original® Pan and Original® Stuffed Crust pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut pizza was the very first online food order. Today, Pizza Hut continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders. Pizza Hut is committed to providing an easy pizza experience – from order to delivery – and has Hut Rewards®, the Pizza Hut loyalty program that offers points for every dollar spent on food any way you order. Hut Rewards is open to U.S. residents 16+. See applicable terms at https://hutrewards.pizzahut.com/terms/. A global leader in the pizza category, Pizza Hut operates more than 19,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. Through its enormous presence, Pizza Hut works to unlock opportunity for its team members and communities around the world.
For more information, visit www.pizzahut.com. You can remain up to date on what's happening at Pizza Hut by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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SOURCE Pizza Hut
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