Cheese Coverage On Pizza: How Much Is Too Much?

Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, and while the toppings can vary, cheese is a staple ingredient. The amount of cheese on a pizza, however, is not standardized and can vary between different stores, brands, and types of cheese. The weight of cheese on a pizza can range from 5 to 15 ounces, with some pizzas containing more cheese than others. Interestingly, only about 30% of pizza cheese used in the United States is actual mozzarella, with the rest being a mix of other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan.

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Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally, but only 30% of pizza cheese in the US is mozzarella

Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally. Its versatility is evident in its use in various dishes, including pasta bakes, enchiladas, frittatas, risottos, and salads. The demand for mozzarella is increasing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific regions, due to the growing trend of 'Westernising' food and the expanding middle class. The global market for mozzarella is expected to exceed $50 billion by 2028.

However, in the United States, only 30% of pizza cheese used is mozzarella. This percentage equates to several hundred million pounds of mozzarella consumed annually in the country. The production and consumption of mozzarella in the US have been steadily increasing since the mid-20th century, and this trend has continued into the 21st century. The US consumes both regular mozzarella and pizza-specific mozzarella, which contains less water and has different moisture and fat densities.

The remaining 70% of pizza cheese in the US includes a variety of other cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan. These cheeses are often used alone or in combination with mozzarella to enhance the texture and flavour of the pizza. For example, cheddar is mixed with mozzarella to preserve chewiness, and Parmesan is added as a topping.

The use of analogue or substitute cheeses is also prevalent in the US pizza industry. These cheese-like products are designed to melt well and remain chewy, and are cheaper to produce than traditional cheese. They are commonly used on mass-produced pizzas and frozen pizzas, contributing to the lower proportion of mozzarella used in US pizzas compared to the global preference.

Cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan are also popular pizza cheeses

Cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan are also popular cheeses to add to a pizza. While mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese, there are several other varieties that are commonly used.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of toppings, from savoury meat to sweet pineapple. It is also commonly used on specialty pies like chicken bacon ranch, cheeseburger, and buffalo chicken pizzas. Cheddar is often included in pizza cheese blends, as its lower elasticity means it doesn't blister as easily as mozzarella. It also adds a sharp, earthy, and pungent flavour, with sharper cheddars having a deeper orange tint that adds colour to the pizza.

Provolone is another cheese that can be used on pizza. It melts to golden perfection in the oven and can be paired with toppings like garlic, basil, and tomato.

Parmesan, an aged Italian hard cheese, is often shaved or shredded on top of freshly baked pizzas to enhance the flavour of the whole pie. It should not be baked in the oven, as the heat ruins its delicate umami taste. Parmesan is recommended as a garnish on Sicilian, Margherita, or Hawaiian pizzas, as it accentuates the taste of other fresh and flavorful toppings.

Cheese prices have been climbing since the COVID-19 pandemic

The price of cheese is a concern for both consumers and businesses, with grocery costs being one of the biggest financial worries for many people. The cost of cheese has been steadily rising since the COVID-19 pandemic, with prices up to 100% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2021. This has put pressure on pizza businesses, with thin margins and the challenge of deciding whether to cut back on portions or raise prices for customers.

Mozzarella is the most popular pizza cheese globally, and its unique characteristics make it ideal for pizza preparation. However, it is not the only cheese used; other varieties like provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan are also commonly used in pizza-making, either alone or in combination with mozzarella. These blends of cheeses create different browning and blistering characteristics, affecting the final product's appearance and texture.

The increase in cheese prices is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of rising food prices. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, various factors, including industry-wide disruptions, climate change, and conflicts, have contributed to price hikes across the board. Eggs, for instance, have seen dramatic price increases due to a 2022 avian flu outbreak that altered their production. Similarly, the cost of milk has escalated, impacting not just consumers but also the businesses that rely on these ingredients.

While economists predict that price increases will occur at a slower pace than in previous years, the financial strain on Americans remains significant. The stabilization of the economy and suppliers' strategies to mitigate disruptions are expected to help ease the burden. However, other factors, such as tariffs, could also impact food prices, with experts predicting price rises for items like seafood, coffee, wine, nuts, and cheese.

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Different pizza chains and stores put varying amounts of cheese on their pizzas

The amount of cheese put on pizzas varies across different pizza chains and stores. For instance, a Detroit-style chain puts 11 ounces of cheese on a large deep-dish pizza, while a mom-and-pop shop might put 8 ounces on a large thin-crust pizza. Similarly, Dominos puts 7 ounces of cheese on a pizza with toppings and 10.5 ounces on a regular cheese pizza or one with extra cheese and toppings. The amount of cheese on a pizza can also depend on the type of cheese being used. Mozzarella, the most popular pizza cheese globally, is estimated to make up only 30% of all pizza cheese used in the United States. This is due to the use of cheaper alternatives such as analogue cheese, which is designed to melt well and remain chewy.

Some pizza chains may also cut back on the portions of cheese to reduce costs, especially when the price of cheese increases. For example, a Reddit user noted that Dominos started "skimping a bit" on the amount of cheese put on their pizzas. The same user also mentioned that the price of cheese had gone up by 20-25% from pre-COVID prices. Another Reddit user commented that they expected to see some big companies reduce the amount of cheese and raise prices to maintain their margins.

The weight of cheese put on a pizza can also depend on its size. For a 14-inch large pizza, the range is typically between 5 and 15 ounces, with most chains falling between 6 and 8 ounces. However, the amount of cheese can also vary based on the number of toppings, as one source noted that the more toppings you add, the less cheese you get. This is especially true if you want your pizza to be fully cooked, as too many toppings can result in a raw pizza.

While many pizza chains use real cheese, some may opt for cheaper alternatives or blends of cheese and other ingredients. For instance, some big pizza chains in India are known to use a combination of mayonnaise, vegetable fat, and cheese powder to create their pizza cheese, particularly for their cheaper options. However, more upscale places with authentic wood-fired pizzas are more likely to use real cheese, and you can also find good restaurants that use real cheese in metro or big cities.

Analogue pizza cheese is a cheaper alternative to real cheese, designed to melt well and remain chewy

Analogue pizza cheese, also known as a cheese alternative or substitute, is a cheaper and quicker-to-produce alternative to traditional cheese. It is designed to melt well and remain chewy, mimicking the qualities of real cheese. Analogue cheese is often used in commercially produced pizzas, especially in mass-produced and frozen pizzas, as it is more cost-effective and can be processed with basic cheese-making equipment.

The demand for pizza is increasing globally, especially in emerging markets, and analogue cheese offers a more affordable option for pizza manufacturers. By replacing the dairy fat required for traditional cheese with cheaper vegetable oil and additives, producers can optimize costs while preserving the desired qualities of cheese. This results in a product that melts and stretches like real cheese but at a lower price point.

Mozzarella, the most popular pizza cheese globally, accounts for about 30% of all pizza cheese used in the United States. However, analogue cheese is estimated to be the leading type of cheese alternative produced globally, with three-quarters of frozen pizzas in the United States containing cheese substitutes. This is because analogue cheese can be formulated for processing with less specialized equipment and shorter hydration times, making it more attractive to businesses from a cost and production perspective.

While analogue pizza cheese provides cost and production benefits, it is important to note that it is not considered "real cheese." In the United Kingdom, for example, the term “cheese analogue” is used to clarify that it is not an authentic cheese product. Nevertheless, analogue cheese is widely used in the pizza industry due to its ability to meet consumer expectations for melted, chewy cheese at a lower cost.

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