Did you order pizza for lunch today? Good choice! Whether you knew it or not, your meal choice was spot on—what better way to celebrate National Pizza Day than by enjoying a delicious slice? Every year on February 9, pizza lovers around the world come together (often unknowingly) to pay tribute to one of the most beloved dishes of all time.
The origins of this tasty holiday remain unclear, even to the most dedicated pizza enthusiasts. But according to one well-known search engine, this unofficial celebration gained momentum in the second half of the 20th century, when pizza became wildly popular in the U.S. and beyond. Some believe it took shape in the 1970s and 1980s, as restaurants and fast-food chains began promoting national food days as part of their marketing strategies.
But why stop at just one pizza holiday? Thanks to clever marketing—and the undeniable appeal of pizza—you can enjoy multiple pizza-themed celebrations throughout the year. Here are two other dates to mark on your food calendar:
- September 5: Celebrate Pizza Margherita Day in Italy, honoring the classic Neapolitan pizza that stole Queen Margherita’s heart.
- January 17: World Pizza Day—this day commemorates UNESCO’s 2017 recognition of “the art of Neapolitan pizza makers” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The date coincides with the Feast of St. Anthony Abbot, the patron saint of bakers and pizza makers.
About today’s guest of honor—pizza—you could talk for hours, debate its flavors and sizes. But one thing is undeniable: pizza is a reliable, time-tested, and beloved companion of millions of travelers. You’re guaranteed to find it in every corner of the world, and no matter what name it goes by—Margherita, Pepperoni, or Marinara—it will never let you down.
So, have we convinced you to grab a slice? Now, while you wait for your pizza delivery, here are 10 fascinating pizza facts to whet your appetite!
Top 10 Pizza Facts You Need to Know
- America’s Favorite Comfort Food
According to surveys, pizza is the most popular comfort food in the U.S., beating out burgers and ice cream! - The World’s Most Popular Dish?
Pizza is consistently ranked among the top three most popular dishes worldwide, alongside sushi and pasta. - A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
According to recent market reports, the global pizza market size is estimated to be around $155.2 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $226.2 billion by 2033. - Americans Eat a LOT of Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular food options for Americans, with 350 slices eaten by the second. To put that in perspective, about 21,000 slices are eaten nationally in just one minute. - A Record-Breaking Slice
The largest pizza ever made measures 1,296.72 sq. m (13,957.77 sq. ft) and was achieved by Airrack (USA) in Los Angeles, California in 2023. The ingredients used included 6,193 kg (13,653 lbs) of dough, 2,244 kg (4,948 lbs) of sweet marinara sauce, 3,992 kg (8,800 lbs) of cheese, and roughly 630,496 pepperoni slices. - A Pizza for Every Taste
From Japan’s squid-topped pizza to Sweden’s banana-curry pizza, every country has its own unique spin on this classic dish. - A $12,000 Luxury Pizza
The world’s most expensive pizza, the Louis XIII Pizza, costs $12,000. It features rare caviar, lobster, and edible gold flakes. - NASA’s 3D-Printed Space Pizza
NASA funded the development of a 3D food printer that can make pizza in space—ensuring astronauts don’t miss out on a good slice. - The First Online Pizza Order
The first online pizza order was placed in 1994 via Pizza Hut, making it one of the earliest forms of online food delivery. - The Bitcoin Pizza Purchase
On May 22, 2010, a programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz made history by buying two pizzas for 10,000 Bitcoin—the first recorded cryptocurrency transaction for a physical item. At that time, the value of those Bitcoins was approximately $41.Today, those same Bitcoins would be worth nearly a billion dollars at current market prices! To commemorate the transaction, May 22 is dubbed Bitcoin Pizza Day. Pizza providers worldwide offer discounts to bitcoin users to commemorate Laszlo’s purchase.
