What the today show revealed about changing pizza habits in 2026

“The era of the chains is over, and the era of indie pizza is in full swing.”

Consumers are still buying pizza, but changing pizza habits are shaping how and where they order.

On 12/5’s Today Show, Slice’s Loren Padelford got right to the point with the current state of the pizza industry and broader pizza industry trends: American pizza habits have changed.

Rising ingredient costs. The explosion of weight-loss drugs, and a cultural shift toward protein-forward eating. A more price-sensitive consumer. Cheese pizzas now averaging nearly 17 dollars – up 22% in just five years. Pizza eaters everywhere are adjusting their behavior.

“You see people ordering a smaller size. They’re reducing the number of toppings,” Loren shared.

Consumers Are Choosing Pizza With More Intent

This reflects a larger shift in how consumers think about value and trust.

People aren’t abandoning pizza. They’re just buying differently as consumer behavior shifts:

• Downsizing pies
• Skipping extra toppings
• Seeking better value
• Ordering from shops they trust more
• Checking social proof before they choose
• Prioritizing convenience (pickup, accurate ETAs, loyalty perks)

Rising Costs Can Squeeze Your Shop More Than National Chains

Here’s why independents feel it more 

As costs rise and consumer habits shift, the independents who lean into technology and stay close to their communities are the ones who win.

Ingredients, labor, and delivery logistics have climbed year over year. National chains offset costs with marketing, volume, and tech. Independents don’t, but that’s where Slice comes in for independent pizzerias experiencing these pressures.

Technology isn’t optional anymore, but being hands on with it is.

Slice gives independents the same superpowers big chains have:

• Simple online ordering
• Lower fees
• Accurate ETAs
• Loyalty programs
• Automated marketing

Community Is a Strategy

Slice strengthens:

• Social storytelling
• Local-first marketing
• Review management
• Loyalty and repeat orders

These tools help shops understand real-time data through the Owners App and stay ahead of changing habits.

When Pizza Behavior Changes, Slice Helps Shops Adapt

Slice provides:

• Real-time data
• Product updates based on trends
• Smart, non-spammy marketing

Independent pizzerias can win this moment. Slice ensures independents stay ready, resilient, and connected to their communities. This helps independent pizzerias stay competitive as habits and expectations evolve. 

What This Means for Independent Pizzerias in 2026

Independent shops are not losing momentum. People are still choosing pizza, but with more intention. By understanding these shifts and staying connected to their communities, independent pizzerias can keep growing in a changing market.

Visit our resources hub for more insights tailored to independent pizzerias.