PIZZA TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2024.

What’s Hot on the Pizza Scene for 2024?

At Spinneyfields HQ, as purveyors of all things cheesy, we are always being asked about forthcoming trends in the pizza market! So here is a round up of how we see things “panning” out in 2024….

Pizza is one of the most popular and versatile foods in the world, and the UK is no exception. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a cosy dinner, or a late-night snack, pizza is always a good choice.

But what are the latest trends and innovations that will shape the pizza market in 2024? In this blog post, we will explore some of the new formats, toppings, and styles that are making pizza more exciting and delicious than ever!

How Pizza Shapes Up in 2024

Pizza is one of the most popular and versatile foods in the world, and the UK is no exception. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a cosy dinner, or a late-night snack, pizza is always a good choice.

But pizza is also one of the most innovative and dynamic foods, constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and preferences.

In 2024, we can expect to see more new formats, toppings, and styles that will make pizza more exciting and delicious than ever…

New Formats: Beyond the Round

Pizza is traditionally round, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. In fact, one of the hottest trends in pizza right now is to experiment with different shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, square, or even wrap-like.

These new formats offer more variety and convenience to consumers, as well as more opportunities for creativity and customisation.

One of the most popular new formats is the Detroit-style pizza, which originated in the US city of the same name. This pizza is rectangular, thick, and fluffy, with a crispy cheese crust and toppings that go all the way to the edge.

It is usually cut into squares and served in metal pans. Detroit-style pizza has been gaining popularity in the UK, with several chains and independent outlets offering it.

Another new format that is catching on, is the panuozzo, effectively a pizza wrap that originated in Italy. This pizza is made with a thin and elastic dough that is baked in a wood-fired oven and then stuffed with cheese, sauce, and other great fillings. It is then folded and cut into slices, making it easy to eat on the go.

Panuozzo is a great option for lunch or a snack, as it is lighter and more portable than a regular pizza. Some examples of panuozzo fillings are ham and mozzarella, sausage and broccoli, or mushroom and cheddar cheese.

Covering All Bases

In the US, many pizza brands and operators are exploring different types of pizza bases to cater to various health and wellness needs and also the preferences of consumers.

For example, Yough! offers frozen pizza dough made with Greek yogurt and probiotics, as well as frozen pizzas with mozzarella cheese, uncured turkey pepperoni, and naked (no toppings) options.

Other examples of alternative pizza bases include cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, and almond flour.

New Toppings: Beyond the Cheese

Pizza is usually topped with cheese, tomato sauce, and various meat and vegetable options, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way!

In fact, one of the hottest trends in pizza right now, is to experiment with different and unusual toppings, such as fruits, nuts, or even insects. These new toppings offer more flavour and nutrition to consumers, as well as more novelty and excitement.

A popular new topping is blueberry, considered to be a superfood, that are not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Blueberries add a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury pizza base and can be paired with other ingredients such as cheese, ham, or basil.

Blueberries are also a great option for vegan and gluten-free pizzas, as they can replace cheese or tomato sauce and add moisture and colour.

Sweet Heat is a thing

Pizza brands and operators are also experimenting with the combination of spicy and sweet flavours on pizza toppings, such as hot honey, sriracha, and barbecue sauce.

For instance, Donatos in the US, has launched a Hot Honey Chicken & Pepperoni pizza, which features smoked provolone cheese, roasted chicken, pepperoni, pickled jalapeño peppers, and hot honey drizzle.

Other examples of sweet heat pizza toppings include pineapple and jalapeño, bacon and maple syrup, and mango and habanero chilli.

Imagine those flavours atop a delicious pizza made with one of Spinneyfields’ mozzarella-based cheese blends!

Insects??!

Believe it or not, another new topping that is catching on is insects, which are not only edible but also high in protein and low in environmental impact.

Insects add a crunchy and nutty texture to the pizza base, and can be seasoned with various spices and sauces.

Insects are also a great option for adventurous and eco-conscious consumers, as they can reduce the demand for animal products and promote food security.

Some examples of “insect” pizzas are cricket and cheese, mealworm and tomato, or grasshopper and pesto! OMG!

New Styles: Beyond the Italian

Pizza is traditionally associated with Italian cuisine, but that doesn’t mean pizza operators are innovating with other global cuisines.

One of the hottest trends in pizza right now is to experiment with different styles and influences, such as American, Asian, or even fusion (two or more cuisines together).

These new styles offer diversity and adventurous flavours to consumers, as well as more opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

New York-style

One of the most popular new styles is the New York-style pizza, which originated in the US city of the same name.

This pizza is large, thin, and foldable, with a crispy crust and generous toppings. It is usually sold by the slice and eaten with the hands.

New York-style pizza has been gaining popularity in the UK, with several chains and independent outlets offering it.

For example, Pizza Pilgrims recently launched a New York-inspired menu, featuring pizzas such as the Big Apple Hot Dog, the Reuben, or the New Yorker.

Asian-style

Another new style that is catching on is the Asian-style pizza, which is influenced by the cuisines of countries such as China, Japan, or Korea.

This pizza is made with ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, or kimchi, and can be topped with meats such as chicken, pork, or seafood.

Asian-style pizza is a great option for consumers who want to try something different and spicy, as well as for those who love Asian flavours.

Some examples of Asian-style pizzas are chicken teriyaki, pork belly and kimchi, or seafood and miso.

Obviously the one common denominator here is cheese and Spinneyfields offer a full range of pizza cheese toppings to suit all tastes and budgets.

Value Pizza Pies

Pizza brands and operators are also mindful of the economic uncertainty and cost of living crisis that consumers are facing and are offering value deals and bundles to attract and retain customers.

Some examples include;

• Kids Eat for £1 at Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery,
• Deliveroo offering meal deals at up to 25% off,
• Pizza Hut has a variety of meal deals available e.g. You can buy one pizza and get another for just £2. They also have a Winning Line-Up deal for £29.99 for 3 medium pizzas, 1 classic side, and a 1.5L drink, Domino’s Pizza offers a meal deal for £19.99 which includes any large pizza, garlic bread, wedges, and a 1.25L drink,
• Sainsbury’s offers a pizza meal deal for £12 which includes two pizzas, two sides, and one dip.

Spinneyfields’ price-fighting Super Six Savers grated Range is just one of the ways you could cut costs.

As food costs continue to rise, finding cost-effective cheese solutions in foodservice is crucial. Swapping to a lower-priced grated cheese blend, such as the new Spinneyfields Super Six Savers range, can be a practical way to manage costs without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

Pizza is one of the most innovative and dynamic foods, constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and preferences. And in 2024, we can expect to see more new formats, toppings, and styles that will make pizza more exciting and delicious than ever.

Whether it’s rectangular, wrap-like, or round, whether it’s topped with blueberries, insects, or seafood, whether it’s inspired by Italy, America, or Asia, pizza is here to stay and will continue to shape the future of food in the UK and beyond!

To find out more about our pizza cheese products, contact us at sales@spinneyfields.com and one of our helpful team will be delighted to help.