GlobeNewswire·Oct 12, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

National Pizza Month Survey: Americans Will Go to Great Lengths for the Perfect Pizza

New research from Smithfield Culinary reveals that 46% of U.S. pizza consumers consider toppings the most important component of a great pizza, surpassing crust, sauce, & cheese.
30% of respondents prioritize crust, while only 13% prioritize sauce & 11% prioritize cheese.
Quality of toppings is valued over quantity, with 37% citing quality as the key factor compared to just 18% for quantity.
79% of pizza consumers have made special efforts, such as detours or day trips, to try a specific pizza, with 25% traveling 25 miles or more.
25% of pizza consumers seek out regional pizza styles while traveling.
82% of Gen Z consumers have engaged in friendly debates about the best pizza style.
45% of consumers say a preference for pineapple on pizza could be a romantic red flag.
59% of consumers reported someone stealing a slice from their meat-topped pizza after they ordered a veggie pizza.
27% of consumers identify as "Meat Maximalists," an appetite that spans all generations.
93% of consumers believe pepperoni will never go out of style.
Sausage is the favorite pairing for pepperoni at 49%, followed by extra cheese (30%), bacon (27%), & mushrooms (27%).
The survey was conducted online between Sept. 3–10, 2026, among 2,000 U.S. adults who order pizza at least once per month.