Pizza and hamburgers are two of the most beloved foods around the world. These tasty treats have become cultural icons and comfort foods for many. Let’s explore some delicious facts about the history, popularity, and cultural impact of pizza and hamburgers.
Introduction
Pizza and hamburgers are quintessential fast foods that have taken the world by storm. Though pizza originated in Italy and hamburgers in Germany, these foods have become deeply ingrained in cultures across the globe. From college students to busy families, people all over rely on the convenience, customization, and craveability of pizza and burgers.
In this article, we will highlight 20 fascinating facts about the origins, popularity, nutrition, and cultural significance of pizza and hamburgers. Read on to learn more about these iconic foods!
Facts About Pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world. Here are 10 tasty facts about this cheesy treat:
- The first pizzeria opened in Naples, Italy in 1738 – Called Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba 1, it started out selling pizza solely to the poor but became popular among all social classes by the 19th century.
- Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza each day – That’s about 350 slices per second!
- Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the U.S. – Around 36% of all pizzas ordered have pepperoni on them.
- Saturday night is the most popular night for eating pizza – It’s the perfect weekend treat!
- The most expensive pizza in the world costs $12,000 – Made by chef Renato Viola in Italy, it’s topped with caviar, lobster, and champagne-soaked caviar.
- Pizza could help reduce cancer risk – An Italian study found that weekly pizza consumption reduced cancer risks by 34-59%.
- The first pizzeria in the U.S. opened in New York in 1905 – Called Lombardi’s, it started as a grocery store before selling pizza 2.
- Frozen pizza has been sold since the 1960s – But it tasted like cardboard until Rose Totino altered the recipe.
- There are over 34,000 pizzerias in the U.S. – And more than 1 billion frozen pizzas are sold here yearly.
- October is National Pizza Month – Created in 1987 to celebrate this cheesy treat.
Facts About Hamburgers

As for hamburgers, here are 10 juicy facts about this classic American food:
- Hamburgers get their name from Hamburg, Germany – It’s where Hamburg steaks originated before coming to the U.S.
- Americans eat about 50 billion hamburgers annually – That’s over 150 burgers per person!
- The world’s largest hamburger weighed 3,591 pounds – It fed nearly 10,000 people in North Dakota in 1982 3.
- White Castle opened in 1921 selling 5-cent burgers – It was America’s first fast-food hamburger chain.
- Hamburgers became popular after the 1904 World’s Fair – The fair introduced Americans to the Hamburg steak.
- There is a Hamburger Hall of Fame in Seymour, Wisconsin – It honors Charlie Nagreen, who made the first hamburger.
- Hamburgers account for 60% of sandwiches sold worldwide – They are the most popular type of sandwich globally.
- McDonald’s sells 75+ burgers every second – Totaling billions of burgers over the years.
- Burgers are customized around the world – Like chicken burgers in India or burgers with ham in Mexico.
- National Hamburger Day is May 28 – America celebrates its love of burgers on this day each year 4.
Conclusion
Pizza and hamburgers have become global sensations and comfort foods loved by all. Their convenience, versatility, and sheer tastiness have made them incredibly popular worldwide. As these 20 facts show, pizza and burgers have a fascinating history and cultural impact across the globe. Next time you bite into a slice or burger, consider how these iconic foods came to hold such an esteemed place in our hearts and diets.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antica_Pizzeria_Port%27Alba[↩]
- https://www.firstpizza.com/[↩]
- https://rutlandnd.com/world-s-largest-hamburger[↩]
- https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hamburger-day/[↩]