Attract More Pizza Patrons With Toppings That Top Them All

Published: April 2, 2024

There’s no doubt about it. The passion for pizza is unmistakable. And, with 36% of consumers saying truly great toppings are the most important factor of a great pizza1, there’s plenty of opportunity to make pizza with toppings that top them all—especially when it comes to proteins. So, let’s take a look at the top five proteins customers seek when ordering that perfect pie.

The Top 5 Pizza Protein Toppings in the U.S.2 are:

Get a One-Stop Shop for all Your Premium Quality Toppings

When it comes to pizza, operators continue to say the quality of their ingredients remains the driving force in retaining customers.2 With Tyson Foodservice, you have a one-stop shop for all the top pizza proteins with brands that are beloved and trusted by consumers and operators alike, including Hillshire Farm®, Tyson® and Tyson Red Label® brands. No matter what kind of pizza you’re serving, we have premium quality toppings to keep wowing pizza patrons and help you stay on trend with a variety of pizzas.  

1. Pepperoni

A long-time American favorite, it’s no surprise that pepperoni takes the top spot on the list. And with the Hillshire Farm® brand, you can ensure your pepperoni is expertly crafted for the utmost in quality. Inspired by the spicy salamis of Southern Italy, this cured pepperoni packs a flavorful punch with bursts of paprika, salt and other natural spices. Made with select cuts of beef and pork and no artificial flavors or colors, this Hillshire Farm® Beef and Pork Pepperoni will pop on any pizza.

2. Sausage

Sausage, while number two on the list, is a pizza topping loved by all, especially those in the Midwest. Sausage is a great way to spice up your pizza menu, whether you serve it on deep dish, thin crust, Detroit style or flatbread. To bring authentic Italian flavor to your pizza try  Hillshire Farm® Old World Specialties® Italian-Style Sausage and Spicy Italian Sausage.

3. Bacon

Everything’s better with bacon...and your pizzas will be, too—with this sizzly, craveable topping that’s a top five pizza protein. Bacon brings a unique flavor to pizza that your customers will absolutely savor. And it’s easy to add to your menu with Hillshire Farm® Bakin' Bacon™ Heat-N-Serve Pizza Topping. This premium, ready-to-serve product finishes cooking in the oven to bring big bacon-y flavor to every slice.

4. Chicken

Over time, pizzas with chicken have become a huge hit with customers. Whether breaded or grilled, chicken is a great option for pizzerias due to its versatility. Tyson® Mini Chicken Bites are the perfect size to top your pizza with premium whole muscle chicken, while delivering big chicken flavor that will add appeal to your menu. And let’s talk about pizza perfection with Tyson Red Label® Fully Cooked Wood Fire Seasoned Chicken Breast Strips. They’re sliced for ultimate pie coverage with a smoky flavor that enhances lots of other ingredients—from spicy to tangy to cheesy, garlicy and beyond. Tyson Red Label® products are also consumer tested and proven to hold strong during delivery.3

5. Ham

When it comes to pizza sales, ham is definitely a top contender. That's because it’s incredibly versatile across flavor profiles. Of course, there’s the ever-popular Hawaiian pizza with pineapple, but ham's hearty and salty flavor pairs well with lots of other pizza toppings, like BBQ sauce, bacon, basil and a variety of peppers. Ham lovers are passionate about their pork, so be sure to check out Hillshire Farm® Sliced/Quartered Ham. This premium meat is pre-sliced in just the right size to provide superior coverage and great flavor and texture on pizza.

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Ready to Try Pizza Toppings That Top Them All?

Learn more about all the Tyson Foodservice pizza topping products that will help you create pizza that’s a slice above the rest.

Footnotes: 

1 Datassential, Pizza Keynote, January 2024

2 Pizza Today, 2024 Pizza Industry Trends Report, Dec 2023

3 Tyson Red Label® products are tested in a simulated delivery environment, placed in a fiber to-go container and held in an insulated pizza bag for 30 minutes before serving. Products then score well on aroma, flavor and juiciness. Tyson Foods Primary Consumer Research, 2023.