Ever wonder what other people are eating on their pizzas? Well, you aren’t the only one. Serious research has actually gone into discovering the most popular pizza toppings, crusts, and trends in America. Although at first mention that may seem like a silly thing to invest research time and money into, considering what a huge part pizza plays in American life and diet, this is actually important marketing information.
How Much Pizza Are We Talking About?
Recent surveys show that 93% of Americans will eat pizza within a month’s time. It is a go-to for parties, busy weeknight family dinners, or weekend splurges. The truth is there is really no bad time for pizza. Forty percent of Americans say they eat pizza weekly.
Pizza is pizza, but pizza can be so many things. Veggie pizza, meaty pizza, gluten-free, cheese only, personal pizza, party-size pizza, frozen, gourmet, delivery, carry out, homemade. There is pretty much no end to the ways you can customize this favorite food. People love getting creative with their toppings, and pizza parlors have spent years inventing and reinventing pizza trends.
Despite the many variations, there are some tried and true pizza toppings that people keep coming back to over and over. So, if you have ever wondered what are the most popular pizza toppings, you’re about to find out.
Top Pizza Toppings
It is estimated that 62% of people do prefer some type of meat on their pizza while only 38% prefer just veggies. Of course, there are plenty of people who mix it up and include both meat and veggies.
Pepperoni – As you probably guessed, pepperoni is the number one favorite meat topping. It is the great-grandfather of pizza toppings. Would you believe that Americans can eat 250 million pounds of pepperoni in a year, and most of that is on our favorite pizzas?
Extra cheese – More cheese, please. The second most popular topping is just more cheese. Regardless of what toppings are chosen, extra cheese is often included in most pizza orders.
Mushrooms – Surprisingly high on the list at number three is mushrooms. The combination of meat, cheese, sauce, and mushrooms entices even non-mushroom eaters to often include this topping on their pie.
Onions – Kicking up the flavor at number four is onions. Onions also go well with the savory ingredients of most pizzas. Onions are often put with other veggies toppings to create a flavorful crunch.
Sausage – Sausage, in all its many varieties, is number five. Sausage can add a lot of extra flavor and protein to a pizza while also bringing more of an Italian vibe. It goes well with green peppers and black olives. You can order your sausage sweet or spicy at most pizza joints.
Black Olives – Not everyone’s favorite, but black olives did make the list at number 6. There isn’t really much reason to argue over olives though, because they can easily be picked off by the pickier eaters. Olives are usually included in most supreme orders.
Green peppers – Obviously, people are not just concerned with meat and cheese when ordering a pizza, as green peppers made the list along with several other veggies. Green peppers are often added to meat toppings.
Pineapple – You knew it was probably coming, but pineapple also made the list although only at number 8. Pineapple has long caused pizza debates among friends and family. Either you love it or you don’t as simple as that. It is not as easy to pick off as olives, as the pineapple taste will linger even once the sweet fruit has been eliminated.
Spinach – Last but not least, spinach made the list. Spinach pizzas have grown in popularity in the last few years. Spinach tends to go better on white pies or veggies pizzas. A great way to sneak in a few extra veggies and still have your pie and eat it too.
Just cheese – No toppings at all is also a popular choice, as many people are just fine with a plain cheese pizza. Younger children seem to prefer this simple option that comes with no surprises, just hot cheesy goodness.