A thicker dough for a more indulgent option
Thick-crust pizza doughs are denser and softer, giving a more consistent texture and a more pronounced sourdough flavour. They are often paired with more indulgent, comforting toppings.
Thicker-crust pizza dough is also a safer choice as it holds together better and can handle a more generous topping. It keeps its shape better than thin dough, meaning it works better for folded or stuffed pizzas. And when serving pizza by the slice, a thick-crust dough is easier to cut with the toppings intact.
The nutritional content is similar to that of thin-crust pizza dough, but it is often made with a higher fat content.
A beloved Italian tradition that's widely popular throughout Europe: thin-crust pizza
Thin-crust pizza dough originated in Italy, and is often considered the traditional choice. It is generally lighter and crispier, with a delicate texture and more subtle flavour.
Thin-crust pizzas are often topped with fresh, quality ingredients to emphasise their Italian character. While a variety of toppings can be used, they should never be too thick so as not to overload the delicate, thin dough. A thin-crust pizza slice can be easily folded around the weight of the topping, making for a well-balanced tasting experience. This variant is often synonymous with Neapolitan or Roman pizzas, where the delicate dough showcases the quality of the ingredients.
Thin-crust pizza generally has fewer calories and is lighter than its thick-crust counterpart. It's the ideal choice for those seeking delicious yet healthy food.
In summary: The factors that influence pizza dough preferences
👉 Consumer profile
Pizza crust preferences can vary between different generations. Men generally prefer thick-crust pizzas, while women often opt for thin-crust. Also, older consumers are generally more likely to choose thick-crust pizzas, while younger consumers prefer thin-crust. (Source: Tendance Europe Circana)
👉 Season
The seasons also play a role in pizza preferences. Thin-crust pizzas are generally more popular in summer, as they offer a lighter and fresher option. In winter, however, consumers turn more to thick-crust pizzas for their comforting, hearty qualities.
👉 Culinary and dietary trends
Culinary and dietary trends influence pizza crust preferences. For example, those on gluten-free or low-carb diets may be more inclined to choose thin-crust pizzas, which generally contain less flour and yeast than a thicker-crust option. Conversely, those looking for a fuller, more substantial pizza may be tempted by a thick crust.
👉 Responding to consumer preferences and offering a varied choice
To satisfy the needs of all customers, it's important to offer a varied choice of thin- and thick-crust pizzas. By providing several options, you can satisfy a greater number of consumers and deliver a more personalised dining experience.
👉 Listening to customer feedback
It's also essential to listen to your customers' feedback so you can better understand their preferences and fine-tune your offer accordingly. It's always worth asking them to share their opinions on social networks.
Maestrella, the leading supplier of mozzarella for the restaurant industry, is pleased to share the results of the survey of its community of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese pizza chefs.
60% of our community prefer thin-crust pizza!
In summary: The thin-crust pizza trend is becoming increasingly widespread in Southern Europe
The thin-crust pizza trend has definitely carved out a space for itself within the pizza industry. Its success is the result of a combination of emerging consumer preferences, intelligent marketing, and the ability to meet demand for a wider variety of choices and healthier options. Responding to this trend also provides an opportunity for innovation.
Find inspiration in our book of recipe ideas, available in both Spanish and Portuguese.
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