Posted on 01/24/2025 8:19:34 AM PST by Red Badger
(Credit: © Andrei Dzemidzenka | Dreamstime.com)
In a nutshell
* One in seven Americans demonstrate remarkable consistency in their pizza orders, maintaining the exact same selection for over five years, despite 57% expressing interest in trying new combinations.
* Regional preferences vary significantly, with New Mexico and Hawaii leading in spice adoption (58% each), while Michigan and South Carolina show the lowest tendency to add heat to their pizzas (31% each).
* Family pizza night traditions differ by state, with Louisiana families gathering most frequently (3.5 times monthly), while New York, despite its pizza reputation, averages only 2.8 family pizza nights per month.
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NEW YORK — When was the last time you tried something new on your pizza? If you’re like many Americans, it’s probably been a while. A new survey shows that one in seven people across the country have been ordering the exact same pizza for more than five years straight.
The nationwide study of 5,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Tabasco, revealed that most of us last switched up our pizza order about two years ago. And while 57% of people say they’d like to try new pizza combinations, they’re not sure where to start.
One way people are adding variety to their pizzas? Spice. Half of those surveyed believe that a little heat makes their pizza taste better. New Mexico and Hawaii lead the pack in spicing things up, with 58% of people in both states adding extra kick to their pizzas. California (55%) and Texas (53%) aren’t far behind.
On the flip side, Michigan and South Carolina seem to prefer keeping things mild — only 31% of people in these states add spice to their pizzas. Michigan, in particular, appears to be especially set in its ways, with 11% of residents saying they’ve never even tried a new type of pizza.
Results from pizza lovers survey (Credit: Talker Research)
When it comes to sticking with what they know, Indiana and Vermont take the crown. An impressive 95% of people in both states say they always order the same toppings.
“It’s interesting to see that Americans are stuck in their same-old pizza habits but are craving something new and exciting,” said Kate Neuhaus, Director of Global Marketing Communications at McIlhenny Company, in a statement. “This National Hot Sauce Day, we encourage pizza fans to light up their slices with a sauce that brings heat and flavor.”
Speaking of spice tolerance, the survey asked people to rate their love of heat on a scale of 1 to 10. New Mexico came in hottest at 6.1, followed by California at 5.7. Surprisingly, chilly Alaska ranked third at 5.6.
Pepperoni pizza
Pepperoni still reigns supreme as the most popular pizza in America. (Credit: © Anneleven | Dreamstime.com)
The survey also uncovered some quirky eating habits across the country. In Georgia, 40% of people start with the crust first. Over in Illinois, most people (53%) prefer using a fork and knife instead of their hands. And don’t try to convince someone from Minnesota to fold their pizza: 66% say they absolutely won’t do it.
How often are Americans eating pizza? Iowa residents lead the pack, averaging five pizza meals per month. Alaska (4.7 times) and North Dakota (4.9 times) aren’t far behind. When it comes to family pizza nights, Louisiana families get together most often, averaging 3.5 times per month. Connecticut (3.4) and Iowa (3.3) follow closely. Interestingly, New York, famous for its pizza culture, only averages 2.8 family pizza nights monthly.
Louisiana residents also take the crown for eating the most slices in one sitting, averaging 3.3 pieces. And across every single state, Friday night remains the undisputed champion for pizza ordering.
Heart-shaped pizza
No matter how you eat it, top it, or serve it, pizza is an American dinnertime staple. (Credit: © Alphaspirit | Dreamstime.com)
What kinds of pizza are people ordering? Pepperoni dominates in many states, including New York, Texas, and California. Meat lover’s pizza has a strong following too, while Supreme pizza tops the charts in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Montana. Massachusetts stands out from the crowd with its preference for veggie pizzas.
“It’s no surprise to us that Americans love pizza and eat it multiple times a month,” added Neuhaus. “Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian or Meat Lover’s, New York style or Chicago deep dish, a dash of hot sauce is the best way to make your pizza more exciting.”
America’s Favorite Pizzas: A State-By-State Guide The following data represents the most popular pizza varieties across all 50 states, according to a nationwide survey of 5,000 Americans conducted in December 2024.
NORTHEAST
Connecticut: Pepperoni
Maine: Meat Lover’s
Massachusetts: Veggie
New Hampshire: Pepperoni
New Jersey: Pepperoni
New York: Pepperoni
Pennsylvania: Pepperoni
Rhode Island: Pepperoni
Vermont: Pepperoni
MIDWEST
Illinois: Meat Lover’s
Indiana: Supreme
Iowa: Supreme and Meat Lover’s (tie)
Kansas: Supreme
Michigan: Meat Lover’s
Minnesota: Pepperoni
Missouri: Meat Lover’s
Nebraska: Meat Lover’s
North Dakota: Supreme and Pepperoni (tie)
Ohio: Pepperoni
South Dakota: Supreme and Pepperoni (tie)
Wisconsin: Meat Lover’s
SOUTH
Alabama: Supreme
Arkansas: Supreme
Delaware: Pepperoni
Florida: Pepperoni
Georgia: Supreme
Kentucky: Meat Lover’s
Louisiana: Meat Lover’s
Maryland: Pepperoni
Mississippi: Meat Lover’s
North Carolina: Meat Lover’s
Oklahoma: Supreme
South Carolina: Pepperoni
Tennessee: Pepperoni
Texas: Pepperoni
Virginia: Pepperoni
West Virginia: Meat Lover’s
WEST
Alaska: Pepperoni
Arizona: Meat Lover’s
California: Pepperoni
Colorado: Pepperoni
Hawaii: Supreme
Idaho: Meat Lover’s
Montana: Supreme
Nevada: Meat Lover’s
New Mexico: Pepperoni
Oregon: Meat Lover’s
Utah: Meat Lover’s
Washington: Meat Lover’s
Wyoming: Meat Lover’s
Analysis of Preferences:
Pepperoni leads as the most popular choice in 19 states
Meat Lover’s follows closely as the favorite in 18 states
Supreme pizza ranks third, winning in 9 states
Three states reported ties between Supreme and Pepperoni
Massachusetts stands alone in preferring Veggie pizza
One state (Iowa) showed equal preference for Supreme and Meat Lover’s
Methodology
Talker Research interviewed 5,000 Americans across all states on behalf of Tabasco. The online survey was conducted between December 23 and December 31, 2024, gathering insights about pizza preferences and eating habits from coast to coast.
Why, what’s your favorite?
(I used to like that garlic butter that came with Papa John’s - until I found out it’s not butter...)
I find it odd that the durvey uses the term “Supreme”. I have only used that term used at Pizza Hut, which (at the time) had Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, Onions, Green Peppers on a Supreme Pizza. Pizza Hut also had the Super Supreme that added Ham/Canadian Bacon, Black Olives, Pork pellets and Beef pellets.
Most ma and pa pizza places called a loaded pizza the “special”.
i am in the anchovie onion side... or the lonely man pizza, as i call in the order.
I'm of the strong belief that people who openly disdain Hawaiian-style pizza with pineapple, have never tasted pizza with pineapple. This is now Trump's America--we have choices and can eat whatever we like.
They asked him if he wanted it cut into 6 slices or 8 slices.
He told them, "Better cut it into 6. I don't think I could eat 8."
Perhaps an urban legend.
Yes! Scallop butter soy sauce pizza. Now, this next one I've actually eaten:
This one is sausage and thick-sliced bacon with meat sauce. You want meat lovers' pizza, you got it! Yum!
Then you got Seaweed pizza, Shirako pizza (this is politely called "cod milk" - it's actually cod sperm), tiny shrimp, cod roe with broccoli, and squid ink. Double squid ink, please!
‘Hawaiian’ pizza was apparently invented in Canada by a man of Greek descent...
And, AND, none of these pander to those pineapple pervies!!
Neener, neener!
I’m pretty sure Veggie Pizza is illegal in North Carolina.
Little Caesars uses it as well...........
#1 was a (bad) joke. I make pies with crumbled smoked sausage or beef burger at least 1ce/ month. 2=4 dinners.
Husband loved a good white pizza with anchovies - as is served in his Italian community in Pennsylvania - high quality anchovies ONLY. Pizzas were baked in 1500 degree coal-fired ovens - not my favorite, too crispy, they tear up your mouth.
Hate most pepperoni, too greasy for me but do like jalapeno peppers, which is common in California.
Specialty pizza menu at one of my favorite places in NYC
The Crisera
Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, Grilled Chicken & Bruschetta, Topping w/ Balsamic Reduction Drizzle
The Badda Bing
Dried Bing Cherry, Bacon, Béchamel, Pecorino, Gorgonzola, Fresh Mozzarella, Scallion & Orange Blossom Honey
Bianca’s October Sky
Roasted Butternut Squash, Fresh Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Caramelized Onion, Rosemary, Roasted Jalapeño,
Stracciatella & Orange Blossom Honey
The Lazy Sunday
Tomato Sauce, Pecorino, Stracciatella, Meatball Crumble, Sausage Crumble & Onion
The Boston Clam
Fresh Calms, Bacon, Roasted Jalapeños, Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino, Roasted Garlic & Parsley
San Gennaro
Margherita Topped w/ Spicy Sausage Crumble, Red Onion & Hot Cherry Peppers
Hotter Than July
Tomato Sauce, Pecorino, Fresh Mozzarella, Long Hots, Provel Cheese, Spicy Sausage Crumble & Spicy Calabrian Soppressata
Ciro’s Special
A Traditional Sicilian “Sfingione” – Sweet Onion, Anchovy Flavored Tomato Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino & Toasted Breadcrumbs
The White Album
Béchamel, Pecorino, Ricotta, Provel, Roasted Garlic & Arugula
Purple Rain
Béchamel, Smoked Mozzarella, Wild Mushrooms, Scallion, Red Onion & Baby Peruvian Peppers
The Popeye & Olive Oyl
Smoked Mozzarella, Baby Spinach, Béchamel, Pecorino, Red Onion & Baby Peruvian Peppers
The Scampi
Roasted Garlic, Shrimp, Butter, Lemon, White Wine, Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino & Parsley
The Nuttin’ Honey
Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, Pecorino, Béchamel, Fried Eggplant, Sliced Almonds & Honey
Pistachio Pesto Pie
Fresh Mozzarella, Béchamel, Pecorino, Pistachio, Pesto & Sausage Crumble
The Vodka
Homemade Vodka Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella & Pecorino Romano Topped w/ Basil
The Buffalo Soldier
Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano & Fried Chicken, Tossed in Buffalo & Blue Cheese
The Abbey Road
Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, Bechamel, Pecorino & Artichokes Hearts or Artichoke Marsala
The Don Cesar
Béchamel, Fresh Mozzarella & Black Pepper, Based in Cesar Dressing & Topped w/ Fresh Romaine Lettuce,
Sliced Grilled Chicken & Pecorino Romano
The Garden Pie
Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Raw Onions, Mushrooms, & Fresh Spinach
And of course all the old standard pies and toppings...
I like lots of ingredients. Load it up. Not a huge fan of sausage generally but depending on the blend it can be very good, too.
My ‘go to’ is Pepperoni, Onions, and Mushrooms.
I prefer softer crusts to the rock hard variety.............
Who can afford pizza anymore. A good pie is more than a good steak. They are averaging about $45 for a large here.
I do like making my own though.
Me too bro
My rib too fortunately
Our kids are all meat lovers
I prefer new work pizza
Drippy
Heavy cheese
Anchovies
Red pepper flakes
I’m good
Like any Rays or Sal’s al over the five boroughs
There is no better pizza in America than made there
You find what u can but still aside from the Chicago deep pan guys this is America’s pizza to aim for
I cotton to 35 dollar hipster pizza from Brooklyn or East Nashville about like I do a 28 dollar truffle infused Waygu burger on brioche bun
I’ve eaten Hawaiian Pizza once, in Europe...but not in Greece.
Visited Greece a couple years ago; I'm a fan of their cuisine! I have no problems trying new things...we have a local pizza place in the Indy suburbs--they make a Detroit-style Hawaiian pizza, with just a hint of chili sauce...delicious!
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