Pizza Hut: 2024 Pizza Trends Show High Demand for Sweet & Spicy Flavors 

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.

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).