Consumers are sauce swapping, forgoing the traditional red for vodka or white sauces.
Last Updated: June 1, 2026
CUSTOMIZE. PERSONALIZE. CREATE WINS.
When it comes to pizza, consumers want one thing: their pizza, their way. Customization reigns supreme, and comes in all shapes, sizes and crusts. Operators positioned to accept build-your-own and customizable pizza options can create big wins, and Rich’s pizza portfolio makes it easy to bake personalized moments for each consumer right into your menu.
2026 Pizza Trends Across the United States
NORTHEAST
MIDWEST
Mixing styles to create hearty, high-value pizzas. Think Detroit-style crust topped with BBQ chicken.
SOUTHEAST
Toppings are getting increasingly protein-heavy, with offerings like pulled pork and fried chicken.
CENTRAL
It’s all about boldness and spice. Hot sauces and salsa bases topped with smoked meats or chorizo.
WEST
Emphasis on “finish-your-own”. Adding fresh toppings like arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar after the pizza is baked.
SOUTH
Sweet and savory. Hot honey and sweet BBQ sauces share a crust, while fruits and meats combine for the toppings.
PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER.
Guests want pizza whenever they can get it. As you change your toppings to match the season, you’ll also want to change your toppings to match every daypart.
IT STARTS FROM THE TOP.
Your guests want options, and plenty of them. Offering plenty of veggie, protein, and even sweet toppings are ways you can create tasty wins. Local heirlooms do especially well on summertime menus.
KNOW YOUR CHEESE.
Sure, you can offer the usual mozzarella or provolone, but guests will jump at the chance to add specialty cheeses like burrata, gorgonzola and more.
SAUCE IS THE BOSS.
Tomato sauce is still the king, but indulgent alternatives like garlic parmesan and alfredo sauce can turn heads. Plus, heat is turning up pizza menus everywhere.
TRUST IN THE CRUST.
Perfectly baked with just the right amount of crunch. Whether it’s gluten-free, plant-based, traditional or Detroit style, provide plenty of options for your guests to personalize the pizza of their dreams.
Personalize Your Profits.
Blue Cheese, Pear and Lavender Pizza
Taste the indulgence, bite after bite. Blue cheese crumbles and pear slices are laid over the crust, with grated parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of lavender on top. Once baked, a drizzle of hot honey is added to provide each bite with the perfect combo of sweet heat.
DISCOVER YOUR EDGE.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pizza is always sauce, cheese, then toppings and baked. Right? Wrong! In the Ohio Valley, it’s common to add the cheese and pepperoni after baking.
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LET’S TALK PIZZA.
Let us know how we can help with your Pizza needs.
Still not sure what you need?
Contact a pizza expert1 – Datassential, Keynote C-Store 2026 2 – Datassential, Global Pizzas & Flatbreads 2026 3 – Good Housekeeping, Top Food & Nutrition Trends 2026 4 – Datassential, World of Pizza 2025
