Heart-shaped pizza

Say "I Love You" with Pizza: Heart-Shaped Pies Are Back for Valentine's Day 2025

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express your love than with a heart-shaped pizza? This year, the buzz is building, with approximately 20,000 searches indicating a strong interest in this romantic twist on a classic comfort food. While the exact origins of this year's surge in popularity remain unclear, one thing is certain: heart-shaped pizzas are poised to be a popular choice for Valentine's Day celebrations across the US.

Where Can You Find Heart-Shaped Pizza in 2025?

While a single source for the trend's origin is unavailable, news reports confirm that restaurants are gearing up to offer these special pies. Newswatch 16's Nikki Krize recently visited a restaurant in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, showcasing their heart-shaped pizza and other Valentine's Day treats. According to WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, this Poconos eatery, Kasa's, is just one of the places where you can snag a special pie for your sweetheart.

Beyond local restaurants, several national chains are also getting in on the heart-shaped pizza action, making it easier than ever to share the love.

Major Chains Offering Heart-Shaped Pizzas

Several major pizza chains are offering heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine's Day 2025. Here's a rundown of some popular options:

Papa John's: Papa John's is bringing back its popular heart-shaped thin crust pizza, available with one topping of your choice, starting at $11.99. It arrives unsliced, perfect for sharing (or not!).
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK): CPK is taking things a step further with a "Sweet Deal for Two" available for dine-in and takeout from February 10th to 16th. While details may vary by location, the deal generally includes a starter, two entrées (including heart-shaped pizzas), and a dessert. CPK allows you to order any of their pizzas on a heart-shaped crust, making it a customizable romantic option.

The History of Heart-Shaped Pizza: A Love Story in Slices

While the exact origin of the heart-shaped pizza is hard to pinpoint, the concept likely emerged organically as pizzerias sought creative ways to capitalize on the Valentine's Day market. The idea is simple yet effective: take a universally loved food and shape it into a symbol of affection.

The heart-shaped pizza has become a Valentine's Day staple, offered by both local pizzerias and national chains. Its enduring popularity speaks to its appeal as a fun, affordable, and delicious way to celebrate love.

Why Heart-Shaped Pizza? More Than Just a Gimmick

While the heart shape might seem like a simple gimmick, it taps into deeper emotional connections. Pizza is often associated with casual gatherings, family dinners, and shared experiences. Transforming it into a heart elevates it from a simple meal to a symbol of affection and care.

Furthermore, the act of sharing a pizza is inherently intimate. Cutting the slices (or not, in the case of Papa John's!) and offering them to your loved one creates a sense of connection and closeness. It's a simple gesture that can speak volumes.

Beyond the Pizza: Completing the Valentine's Day Experience

While a heart-shaped pizza is a great start, consider complementing it with other romantic gestures to create a memorable Valentine's Day experience.

Set the Mood: Dim the lights, light some candles, and put on some romantic music. Create a cozy and intimate atmosphere to enhance the dining experience.
Pair with Wine or Drinks: Choose a beverage that complements the pizza. A light-bodied red wine or a crisp white wine can pair well with many pizza toppings.
Add a Dessert: Complete the meal with a sweet treat. Consider heart-shaped cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, or a slice of decadent cake.
Personalize the Experience: Write a heartfelt card, share a special memory, or simply express your love and appreciation for your partner.

The heart-shaped pizza trend has a direct impact on both social media engagement and local businesses.

Social Media: Expect to see an influx of photos and videos of heart-shaped pizzas on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The visually appealing nature of the pizza makes it highly shareable, further amplifying the trend.
Local Business: Small pizzerias that offer heart-shaped pizzas often see a significant boost in sales during the Valentine's Day season. It's a great way for them to attract new customers and generate excitement around their brand.

Future Outlook: Heart-Shaped Pizza and Beyond

The heart-shaped pizza trend is likely to continue its popularity in the coming years. Its simplicity, affordability, and inherent romantic appeal make it a timeless Valentine's Day offering.

Beyond pizza, expect to see other foods embracing the heart shape. Heart-shaped cookies, cakes, chocolates, and even pasta are all possibilities. The key is to take a familiar food and give it a romantic twist.

The trend also highlights the growing demand for personalized and experiential dining. Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to make their meals more memorable and meaningful. Heart-shaped pizzas are just one example of how restaurants are responding to this demand.

Making Your Own Heart-Shaped Pizza: A DIY Option

For those who enjoy cooking, making your own heart-shaped pizza can be a fun and rewarding Valentine's Day activity. You can find heart-shaped pizza pans online or simply shape the dough by hand. Get creative with your toppings and personalize the pizza to your loved one's preferences.

Conclusion: A Delicious Way to Show You Care

Heart-shaped pizzas are more than just a trend; they're a symbol of love and connection. Whether you order one from a local pizzeria or make your own at home, they're a delicious and fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved ones. So, this Valentine's Day, say "I love you" with a slice (or two!) of heart-shaped pizza.