Sponsored by Saputo
As independents gear up for 2026, food costs remain a challenge for operators. However, the pride, history, and craveability of pizza reign supreme. Pizzaiolis and operators alike need to identify when upgrading ingredients can differentiate a pizza, increase return visits, and cement a pizzeria as a go-to spot.
- Know What Works—and Make it Better
Trends are exciting, and LTOs can help get guests in the door. But when 98 percent of consumers have tried or are aware of pizza—and 94 percent of those consumers like or love it, according to Datassential’s 2025 Pizza Food Profile—winning customers ultimately comes down to consistency, execution, and strong base flavors like dough, cheese, and sauce.
Investing in foundational aspects is never a waste. Don’t underestimate how upgrading cheese, sauce, and dough can go a long way in increasing consumer perception. “A lot of operators are focused on saving as much money as possible and trying to find the lowest-cost product that fits their operation,” says Anthony Anela, director of sales at Saputo. “The challenge with that is when you sacrifice cost, it often affects performance—and ultimately the finished pizza.”
Cheese is by far the most popular topping with 94.4 percent menu penetration, followed by pepperoni at 73.7 percent, according to Datassential. This means consumers are more discerning when it comes to cheese and know when operators are cutting corners.
- Meltability
While it may be tempting to buy a cheaper cheese, the downside of that decision is clear. “Lower-cost cheeses usually lack stretch,” Anela says. “Cheap cheese won’t stretch and tends to be chewy.” A decadent cheese pull is not just associated with craveability; it’s now an indicator of quality.
Now, meltability is even more crucial to performance because it needs to be as present on site as it is when it’s been delivered. Pizza should arrive at homes hot, crispy, and with the perfect balance of toppings cooked to perfection. “Operators need a cheese that comes back to life when reheated,” Anela says. “If it reheats and looks like plastic, that’s a cheap cheese.”
- Flavor
One of the most noticeable areas where cheese serves an undeniable purpose is flavor. From layering salinity to giving a rich, buttery sensation to balancing the acidic sweetness of sauces, cheese is playing an active role. Now, consumers are looking for more unique cheeses to play an even bigger part on menus. According to Datassential’s 2024 Pizza Inspiration Report, younger consumers are craving bolder flavors like gorgonzola and goat cheese.
“Operators want to add flavor without changing everything about their menu,” Anela says. “That’s why flavor-forward cheeses work so well—they elevate the pizza while keeping the base familiar.” As a full-service cheese partner, Saputo helps operators layer in flavor without adding complexity, offering premium, performance-driven cheeses that work within existing builds. With a broad portfolio designed for versatility, Saputo also makes it easier for operators to simplify inventory while still delivering bold, craveable flavor.
- Consistency in Performance and Use
Another added benefit of upgrading core ingredients like cheese is consistency and performance in use. “Premium products deliver more consistency,” Anela says. “Consistency keeps customers happy—and that drives repeat business.” Products like Saputo Gold® Mozzarella cheese, which is offered as preshedded or in loaves, allow operators to unlock consistent application and performance. Saputo reps and members will also go the extra step and work with operators to understand if there are gaps in processes that could hurt the final product.
“It reduces handling, inventory complexity, and prep time while delivering a premium experience,” Anela says. For operators plagued by labor challenges and high turnover rates, having products that consistently perform reduces training and inconsistencies even as new employees are being onboarded.
- Layering Flavors
Consumers’ craving for complex and satisfying flavors is not new. But meeting these demands while maintaining cost control can be a challenge. Often, the best ideas on how to meet consumer demand are to see what independent operators are already doing. “Operators were blending spicy cheeses into mozzarella using multiple products,” Anela says. “We developed Saputo® Spicy Mozzarella cheese to simplify that.”
By rolling out a standard spicy mozzarella cheese, operators can maintain consistency with spice levels and know they can get the same coverage, flavor, and overall performance Saputo Mozzarella cheese is already renowned for.
- When Quality Wins Over Price
Choosing the right cheese is as much a technical decision as it is a cost one. “Cheese is really a science project,” Anela says, noting factors like oven type, dough, and portioning all impact performance.
To help operators see those differences clearly, Saputo takes a hands-on approach. “We do side-by-side cuttings against competitors so operators can visually see how our cheese performs,” Anela says. “It makes the difference real.” But those comparisons need to be done correctly. “Different ovens, dough formulas, or inconsistent cheese portions can skew results,” Anela says.
Beyond testing, Saputo supports operators with practical tools and expertise. “We provide sell sheets, product guides, and on-site operator support so operators can make confident decisions,” Anela says—helping independents invest in quality that pays off in consistency and repeat business.
Learn more about Saputo’s solutions for pizzerias and download the free guide “6 Simple Cheese Hacks to Unlock the Perfect Pizza.”
