GITNUXREPORT 2025

Pizza Statistics

Pizza sales, popularity, history, and trends dominate American and global markets.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average American consumes about 23 pounds of pizza annually

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The most popular pizza topping in the US is pepperoni

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Pepperoni accounts for roughly 36% of all pizza toppings sold in the US

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Over 40% of Americans have admitted to eating pizza for breakfast

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Approximately 77% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month

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Cheesy pizza is considered the most popular type among pizza lovers worldwide

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About 94% of Americans believe pizza is a very or somewhat healthy food option, despite its high calorie content

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The most popular pizza size in the US is 14 inches in diameter, preferred by approximately 30% of pizza consumers

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The percentage of US households that order pizza weekly is around 13%

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Coffee and pizza combined constitute a popular late-night pairing among young adults in the US

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The most common crust type in the US is hand-tossed, followed by thin crust and deep-dish

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Approximately 60% of pizza sales in the US are still made from traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms

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According to surveys, about 54% of Americans prefer their pizza with a traditional tomato sauce, versus specialty sauces like Alfredo or barbecue

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The flavor profile of pizza is considered to be a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami, which stimulates multiple taste receptors

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In the US, women tend to prefer thin crust pizzas, while men are more likely to order deep-dish or stuffed crust

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About 90% of pizzerias in the US offer gluten-free crusts, reflecting the rise in gluten intolerance

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The most common cheese used in pizza globally is mozzarella, due to its melting qualities and flavor

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The average number of toppings per pizza in the US is about 3.5, with some specialty pizzas featuring as many as 10 or more toppings

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The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York City in 1895

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Italy is the birthplace of pizza, with Neapolitan pizza being UNESCO intangible cultural heritage

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The largest pizza ever made weighed over 26,000 pounds and was created in Italy in 2012

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The first recorded pizza delivery was in 1890 in Napels, Italy, by Raffaele Esposito

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Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was first created in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno

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New York-style pizza is known for its thin crust and was popularized in the early 20th century in NYC

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The average delivery time for pizza in the US is about 30 minutes, but it varies widely by location

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Margherita pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is considered Italy's national dish

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Pizza is the most ordered-food type for online food delivery in many countries, including the US, UK, and Australia

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In Japan, unique toppings like squid and teriyaki chicken are popular on pizza menus, reflecting local tastes

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Italy consumes about 7 pounds of pizza per person annually, making it one of the highest per capita consumption rates globally

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The first documented pizzeria in the world is likely “Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba” established in Naples in 1738

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One of the oldest pizza recipes dates back to ancient Persia, which involved flatbread topped with cheese and dates, predating modern pizza by centuries

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The first recorded use of cheese on pizza was in the 16th century in Italy, originally using ricotta and other local cheeses

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Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold annually in the United States

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Delivery and takeout account for approximately 60% of pizza sales in the US

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The global pizza market size was valued at over $141 billion in 2020

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The pizza industry in Australia is valued at over AUD 3 billion annually

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The highest recorded number of pizzas ordered online in a single day was over 11 million in the US in 2022

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The world's largest pizza delivery was from Domino's in 2011, covering over 600 miles in 37 hours via planes

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In 2020, vegetarian pizzas accounted for around 12% of all pizza sales in the US

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The average pizza restaurant in the US makes about $857,000 in annual revenue

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Over 5 million pizzas are ordered on Super Bowl Sunday alone in the US, accounting for a significant portion of annual sales

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The global pizza delivery market is expected to be valued at over $60 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%

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The largest pizza chain by number of outlets worldwide is Domino’s, with over 17,000 stores in more than 90 countries

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The highest number of pizzas delivered in a 24-hour period was recorded in India in 2023, with over 437,000 deliveries

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The average cost of a pizza in the United States is approximately $13.50

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Approximately 1 in 8 Americans orders pizza on Super Bowl Sunday, making it the most popular day for pizza consumption

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The first vegetarian pizza was created in the 1970s, responding to dietary trends

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The first frozen pizza was introduced in the 1950s, revolutionizing pizza accessibility

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The popularity of gluten-free pizza options has increased by about 150% over the past five years

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Vegetarian and vegan pizza options have seen a 200% growth in menu offerings across US pizza chains since 2015

Statistic 51

The global vegan pizza market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2021 to 2028, reflecting rising plant-based diet trends

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The average calorie content of a standard slice of cheese pizza is about 285 calories

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Over 75% of pizza purchasers in the US opt for online ordering, reflecting a significant shift from traditional methods

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The first commercial frozen pizza product was called “Totino’s Pizza”, launched by General Mills in 1951, becoming a staple in frozen foods

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The average shelf life of a commercially prepared pizza in the refrigerator is about 3 to 4 days, after which it should be discarded to avoid foodborne illness

Statistic 56

The trend of “gourmet” pizzas, featuring unusual or high-end toppings like fig, prosciutto, or burrata, has increased restaurant sales by over 35% since 2015

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The introduction of plant-based meats, like vegan pepperoni and sausage, has led to a 50% increase in vegan pizza options over the past five years

Statistic 58

The first recorded pizza assembly line was invented by Pizzeria Di Gennaro in Naples in 1980, increasing production efficiency

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The world’s most expensive pizza costs around $12,000 and includes ingredients like caviar, edible gold, and lobster, available at a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia

Statistic 60

The first vegan cheese used on pizza was developed in the early 1990s, primarily made from soy, nut, or coconut-based ingredients

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Key Highlights

Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold annually in the United States
The average American consumes about 23 pounds of pizza annually
The most popular pizza topping in the US is pepperoni
The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York City in 1895
Italy is the birthplace of pizza, with Neapolitan pizza being UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Delivery and takeout account for approximately 60% of pizza sales in the US
The global pizza market size was valued at over $141 billion in 2020
Pepperoni accounts for roughly 36% of all pizza toppings sold in the US
Over 40% of Americans have admitted to eating pizza for breakfast
The average cost of a pizza in the United States is approximately $13.50
The largest pizza ever made weighed over 26,000 pounds and was created in Italy in 2012
The first recorded pizza delivery was in 1890 in Napels, Italy, by Raffaele Esposito
Approximately 77% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month

With nearly 3 billion pizzas sold annually in the United States alone, pizza has firmly established itself as an iconic global comfort food that continuously evolves in flavor, toppings, and cultural significance.

Consumer Preferences and Eating Habits

The average American consumes about 23 pounds of pizza annually
The most popular pizza topping in the US is pepperoni
Pepperoni accounts for roughly 36% of all pizza toppings sold in the US
Over 40% of Americans have admitted to eating pizza for breakfast
Approximately 77% of Americans eat pizza at least once a month
Cheesy pizza is considered the most popular type among pizza lovers worldwide
About 94% of Americans believe pizza is a very or somewhat healthy food option, despite its high calorie content
The most popular pizza size in the US is 14 inches in diameter, preferred by approximately 30% of pizza consumers
The percentage of US households that order pizza weekly is around 13%
Coffee and pizza combined constitute a popular late-night pairing among young adults in the US
The most common crust type in the US is hand-tossed, followed by thin crust and deep-dish
Approximately 60% of pizza sales in the US are still made from traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms
According to surveys, about 54% of Americans prefer their pizza with a traditional tomato sauce, versus specialty sauces like Alfredo or barbecue
The flavor profile of pizza is considered to be a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami, which stimulates multiple taste receptors
In the US, women tend to prefer thin crust pizzas, while men are more likely to order deep-dish or stuffed crust
About 90% of pizzerias in the US offer gluten-free crusts, reflecting the rise in gluten intolerance
The most common cheese used in pizza globally is mozzarella, due to its melting qualities and flavor
The average number of toppings per pizza in the US is about 3.5, with some specialty pizzas featuring as many as 10 or more toppings

Consumer Preferences and Eating Habits Interpretation

Considering Americans' annual obsession with pizza—eating roughly 23 pounds each with pepperoni reigning supreme and a surprising majority touting it as healthy—it's clear that whether for breakfast, late-night cravings, or traditional toppings, pizza remains both a cultural staple and a culinary paradox.

Cultural and Regional Variations

The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York City in 1895
Italy is the birthplace of pizza, with Neapolitan pizza being UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
The largest pizza ever made weighed over 26,000 pounds and was created in Italy in 2012
The first recorded pizza delivery was in 1890 in Napels, Italy, by Raffaele Esposito
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was first created in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno
New York-style pizza is known for its thin crust and was popularized in the early 20th century in NYC
The average delivery time for pizza in the US is about 30 minutes, but it varies widely by location
Margherita pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is considered Italy's national dish
Pizza is the most ordered-food type for online food delivery in many countries, including the US, UK, and Australia
In Japan, unique toppings like squid and teriyaki chicken are popular on pizza menus, reflecting local tastes
Italy consumes about 7 pounds of pizza per person annually, making it one of the highest per capita consumption rates globally
The first documented pizzeria in the world is likely “Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba” established in Naples in 1738
One of the oldest pizza recipes dates back to ancient Persia, which involved flatbread topped with cheese and dates, predating modern pizza by centuries
The first recorded use of cheese on pizza was in the 16th century in Italy, originally using ricotta and other local cheeses

Cultural and Regional Variations Interpretation

From the birthplace of pizza in Italy and its early 18th-century roots to the U.S. adopting the slice in 1895 and setting records with 26,000-pound pies, the global love affair with pizza proves that no matter the toppings, it remains America's most delivered—and culturally diverse—comfort food.

Market Size, Sales Data, and Business Metrics

Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold annually in the United States
Delivery and takeout account for approximately 60% of pizza sales in the US
The global pizza market size was valued at over $141 billion in 2020
The pizza industry in Australia is valued at over AUD 3 billion annually
The highest recorded number of pizzas ordered online in a single day was over 11 million in the US in 2022
The world's largest pizza delivery was from Domino's in 2011, covering over 600 miles in 37 hours via planes
In 2020, vegetarian pizzas accounted for around 12% of all pizza sales in the US
The average pizza restaurant in the US makes about $857,000 in annual revenue
Over 5 million pizzas are ordered on Super Bowl Sunday alone in the US, accounting for a significant portion of annual sales
The global pizza delivery market is expected to be valued at over $60 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%
The largest pizza chain by number of outlets worldwide is Domino’s, with over 17,000 stores in more than 90 countries
The highest number of pizzas delivered in a 24-hour period was recorded in India in 2023, with over 437,000 deliveries

Market Size, Sales Data, and Business Metrics Interpretation

With over 3 billion pizzas sold annually in the U.S. alone—fueling a global industry valued at over $141 billion—it's clear that whether it’s delivery, takeout, or a Super Bowl feast, Americans and the rest of the world alike have a deep(ish) respect for the art of slicing their way into profitability and cultural unity, even as vegetarian options make up just 12% of sales and Domino’s maintains its slice of the global dominance.

Market Trends and Industry Insights

The average cost of a pizza in the United States is approximately $13.50
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans orders pizza on Super Bowl Sunday, making it the most popular day for pizza consumption
The first vegetarian pizza was created in the 1970s, responding to dietary trends
The first frozen pizza was introduced in the 1950s, revolutionizing pizza accessibility
The popularity of gluten-free pizza options has increased by about 150% over the past five years
Vegetarian and vegan pizza options have seen a 200% growth in menu offerings across US pizza chains since 2015
The global vegan pizza market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2021 to 2028, reflecting rising plant-based diet trends
The average calorie content of a standard slice of cheese pizza is about 285 calories
Over 75% of pizza purchasers in the US opt for online ordering, reflecting a significant shift from traditional methods
The first commercial frozen pizza product was called “Totino’s Pizza”, launched by General Mills in 1951, becoming a staple in frozen foods
The average shelf life of a commercially prepared pizza in the refrigerator is about 3 to 4 days, after which it should be discarded to avoid foodborne illness
The trend of “gourmet” pizzas, featuring unusual or high-end toppings like fig, prosciutto, or burrata, has increased restaurant sales by over 35% since 2015
The introduction of plant-based meats, like vegan pepperoni and sausage, has led to a 50% increase in vegan pizza options over the past five years

Market Trends and Industry Insights Interpretation

While Americans indulge in a $13.50 slice on Super Bowl Sunday and increasingly seek gourmet, gluten-free, and plant-based options—propelled by a 200% growth in vegan pizza offerings and a 12.1% CAGR—pizza remains a timeless symbol of convenience and innovation, now primarily served with a digital swipe rather than a walk to the corner pizzeria.

Product Variations and Innovations

The first recorded pizza assembly line was invented by Pizzeria Di Gennaro in Naples in 1980, increasing production efficiency
The world’s most expensive pizza costs around $12,000 and includes ingredients like caviar, edible gold, and lobster, available at a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia
The first vegan cheese used on pizza was developed in the early 1990s, primarily made from soy, nut, or coconut-based ingredients

Product Variations and Innovations Interpretation

From the swift innovation of Naples' pizza assembly line in 1980 to Melbourne’s $12,000 decadent delicacy adorned with caviar and gold, and the advent of vegan cheese in the ‘90s, pizza’s evolution mirrors our appetite for both efficiency, extravagance, and ethical options.