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.
One state prefers Veggie. Of course, it’s MA. I hate my state.
ranch on pizza?
where are the anchovies?
tastes good and very nutritious
Huntington NY. Village Pizza whatever they call it now. Same oven for what? 100 years
Supreme in my home state of Georgia. It happens to be my favorite.
I love eating pepperoni, but having it all by itself on a pizza is pretty lame to me.
I propose a minimum of 5 years in federal penitentiary for those who put pineapple on pizza.
What? no fish stick and banana pizza? WTF??
We always order Supreme at Little Caesars...............
One state prefers Veggie. Of course, it’s MA. I hate my state.
...Tofu is likely #2. I lived in Boston at one time.
BACON!!
PING!
Half the family likes it.
The other half are of the opinion that it is an affront to the pizza lords.
The People’s Republic of Maryland prefers pepperoni?? Who’d a thunk it?
Meat lovers, skip the pepperoni. Sometimes I eat a veggie... I make all my pizza from scratch.
1) End cut of prime rib w/ horseradish.
2) Smoked sausage.
They got New Mexico wrong.
The “spice” in New Mexico pizza has little to do with pepperoni. It has everything to do with the state’s obsession with green chili.
Should you not be aware, green chili is a condiment made of...green chilis. It has the consistency of slimey, chunky catsup. Red chili is also very popular, but not so much on pizza. New Mexicans put green chili on pizza, hamburgers, eggs, etc, etc.
If you go to an Italian restaurant in NM, you will more than likely see several dishes “enhanced” with green chili. Fettuccini Alfredo with green chili is very popular.
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