National Pizza Month Survey: Americans Will Go to Great Lengths for the Perfect Pizza
Key Highlights
- ➤46% of pizza consumers call toppings the most important component of great pizza
- ➤79% have made special efforts to try particular pizzas, including detours and day trips
- ➤25% have traveled 25 miles or more for pizza or a particular restaurant
- ➤27% identify as Meat Maximalists across all generations
- ➤93% say pepperoni will never go out of style
Expert Statements
Melina Piroso, Pizzaiola at The Pizza Bandit in Denver
“For pizza lovers, toppings aren’t playing a supporting role – they’re the star of the show. People build their whole pizzas around the toppings, and right now, we’re seeing a growing love for flavor-packed pizzas loaded with quality meat.”
Drew Calvert, Director food service marketing for Smithfield Foods
“The survey results uncover a clear opportunity for operators to upgrade their pizzas, and toppings are where they can set themselves apart most. Today’s consumers want bold flavors and high-quality ingredients, and the operators that deliver both will stand out and build customer loyalty.”
SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- October is National Pizza Month, and Americans have made one thing clear: when it comes to a great pizza, topping preferences rise to the top. New research from Smithfield Culinary reveals that 46% of pizza consumers say toppings are the most important component of a great pizza, far outpacing crust, sauce and cheese.
Smithfield Culinary’s latest Guest Check survey, conducted among 2,000 U.S. consumers who order pizza at least once per month, uncovers just how seriously Americans take their pizza. From pizza tourism to debates over the pizza styles, pizza provokes strong opinions, passionate preferences and ample loyalty across the country.
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