Pizza is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beloved foods, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures. From classic Margheritas to creative modern twists like dessert pizzas, its versatility has cemented its place in culinary history. But beyond its deliciousness, there are plenty of fascinating and little-known facts about pizza that make it even more intriguing. Let’s dive into 10 surprising facts about everyone’s favorite food:

1. Pizza Wasn't Always Italian

While pizza as we know it originated in Naples, Italy, its roots go back much further. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans all enjoyed flatbreads topped with oils, herbs, and other simple ingredients. What we now consider pizza began to take shape in Naples in the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. The First Pizzeria in the World Still Exists

The world’s first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, was established in Naples, Italy, in 1830. It’s still in operation today, serving traditional Neapolitan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

3. Margherita Pizza Has Royal Origins

The Margherita pizza, featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889. The colors of the pizza—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, making it a patriotic dish as well as a culinary classic.

4. The World’s Largest Pizza Was Truly Gigantic

The largest pizza ever made measured 13,580 square feet and was created in Rome, Italy, in 2012. It was gluten-free and named “Ottavia” in honor of the first Roman emperor, Augustus Octavian. The pizza required 19,800 pounds of flour and 8,800 pounds of tomato sauce!

5. Americans Eat an Astonishing Amount of Pizza

In the United States, around 3 billion pizzas are sold each year, and the average American consumes approximately 46 slices annually. That’s roughly one slice per week!

6. Pizza Delivery Helped Launch Online Ordering

Pizza was one of the first foods to embrace online ordering. Pizza Hut launched the first-ever online ordering system in 1994, paving the way for the food delivery apps we use today.

7. There’s a Pizza Museum

If you’re a true pizza enthusiast, you’ll want to visit Pizza Brain in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This quirky museum is home to the world’s largest collection of pizza-related memorabilia and even doubles as a pizzeria.

8. Pepperoni Is a U.S. Creation

Although it’s the most popular pizza topping in the United States, pepperoni isn’t an Italian invention. The spicy, cured sausage was developed by Italian-American immigrants in the early 20th century.

9. Pizza Was Once Considered a Food for the Poor

In 18th-century Naples, pizza was considered a cheap street food for the working class. Topped with simple and affordable ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and oil, it was a practical meal for laborers on the go.

10. Astronauts Can Eat Pizza in Space

In 2017, NASA partnered with a food company to develop a 3D-printed pizza that could be made in space. The pizza is printed with layers of dough, sauce, and toppings, providing astronauts with a comforting taste of home while orbiting Earth.

Pizza’s rich history and global appeal make it much more than just a delicious dish. Whether you’re savoring a slice at your local pizzeria or dreaming of the next big topping trend, these fun facts add an extra layer of appreciation for this timeless favorite. Which of these surprised you the most?