Hot Honey Pizza
and Wings to Roll Out Nationwide This Month
PLANO,
Texas, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick
off the New Year, Pizza Hut is revealing its latest research on
pizza trends and top predictions of what's to come in the pizza
category for 2024. Pizza Hut has led the way with culinary
innovation and iconic pizzas since 1958, from the Original
Pan® Pizza to Original Stuffed Crust® to its
latest category innovation, Pizza Hut Melts®. The
leading pizza destination continues to push boundaries, always
staying on the pulse of the latest trends and consumer behaviors to
introduce new creations for customers. With sixty years of pizza
expertise, the Pizza Hut culinary team is releasing its latest
pizza trend discoveries, revealing the behaviors and insights of
pizza lovers of all ages nationwide and forecasting its pizza
predictions for 2024.
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.
One huge trend to spotlight is that the demand
for sweet and spicy pizza offerings will remain high this coming
year. To jump on this trend, Pizza Hut is bringing hot honey
offerings nationwide starting Feb. 1
for a limited time at select participating locations. The Hot Honey
Pizza starts with your choice of crust, topped with marinara sauce,
cheese, classic pepperonis AND crispy cupped pepperonis with a
drizzle of sweet sauce infused with red habaneros and a touch of
honey. Hot Honey Wings are available
in traditional bone-in or boneless coated in sweet heat flavors.
The Hot Honey Pizza starts at $11.99
and the Hot Honey Wings (6 count) starts at $5.99.- prices, participation and availability
may vary.
Rachel Antalek,
Pizza Hut's new Chief Food Innovation Officer says, "At Pizza Hut,
our commitment to modernizing flavors is at the forefront of our
brand identity. We lead trends and go bigger on flavor, as
exemplified by the tremendous success of our Hot Honey test, which
exceeded guest expectations. This bold innovation not only elevates
our pizza experience but also opens up exciting opportunities to
showcase our wings. Get ready for a flavor revolution that goes
beyond pizza, truly embodying the spirit of Pizza Hut
innovation."
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).
*According to market research firm
Datassential on Today.com
About Pizza
Hut®
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was
founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas
and since then has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in
innovation with the creation of icons like Original® Pan
and Original® Stuffed Crust pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut
pizza was the very first online food order. Today, Pizza Hut
continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with
over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital
orders. Pizza Hut is committed to providing an easy pizza
experience – from order to delivery – and has Hut
Rewards®, the Pizza Hut loyalty program that offers
points for every dollar spent on food any way you order. Hut
Rewards is open to U.S. residents 16+. See applicable terms
at https://hutrewards.pizzahut.com/terms/. A global leader in the
pizza category, Pizza Hut operates more than 19,000 restaurants in
more than 100 countries. Through its enormous presence, Pizza Hut
works to unlock opportunity for its team members and communities
around the world.
For more information, visit www.pizzahut.com. You
can remain up to date on what's happening at Pizza Hut by following
us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and subscribing to
our YouTube channel.
Press Contact
ALISON BROD MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS
pizza@abmc-us.com
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SOURCE Pizza Hut