Israeli Pizza Orders Surge After Nine Days of Avoiding Meat for Tisha B'Av

During the nine days leading up to Tisha B'Av, a traditional period when many Israelis avoid eating meat, pizza orders across Israel saw a significant increase. Major pizza chains reported a sharp rise in demand for dairy-based meals, reflecting a shift in consumption habits during this time. For example, Papa John's experienced a 31.3% increase in sales and a 23% rise in order numbers, totaling over 21,000 orders during the period. The peak demand occurred on the Sunday before the fast, with sales jumping nearly 148% compared to a regular day and order volume almost doubling.

Domino's also noted that family-sized pizzas remained the most popular item, with olives, mushrooms, and corn topping the list of preferred ingredients. Tomato and garlic dips led sauce preferences, followed by aioli, chipotle, and honey mustard. Sales of dip packages rose by about 35%, and side items like sandwiches, cheddar rings, and gouda balls with jalapeños also sold in significantly higher quantities.

Pizza chains anticipate another surge in orders immediately after the fast ends, as many families plan to break the fast with dairy meals before returning to meat later in the week. This seasonal shift in eating habits highlights how the Israeli calendar directly influences consumer behavior, leading to longer delivery wait times. Customers are advised to place orders early to avoid delays.