Typical pizza is a basic recipe with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings. That said, it has been popular for centuries and evolved with creative recipes. Which countries consume the most pizza? You must travel to different continents to find the answer. Here’s what to know about international pizza consumption.
1. Norway
The country eating the most pizza per capita isn’t Italy or the United States — it’s Norway. Residents of this Scandinavian country annually eat about 11.4 kilograms (25 pounds) of pizza. Its popularity has risen in Oslo and other cities, especially frozen ones. Fresh food options aren’t as vast in Norway as in different locations, so it’s common to find pizza in household freezers.
Which countries consume the most unconventional pizza? Don’t be surprised to see pies with salad or sweet corn in Norway. Adding cabbage and slaw makes the pizza refreshing, so it could be a great summer dish. You may also see Norwegian pizza with paprika and oregano on top.
2. The United States
Pizza has become a nationwide phenomenon since arriving in the U.S. in the late 19th century. You can find local pizza shops, chain restaurants and frozen pies in most supermarkets. How much pizza do you eat? Research shows the average American consumes 180 slices annually or 15 per month. The types of pizza depend on where you live.
Pizza is a source of pride for New York, as the Big Apple loves its pies with thin crusts and foldability. This style rivals what you see in Chicago with the deep-dish pizzas. St. Louis pizza stands out because of its square shape, yeast-free crust and Provel cheese.
3. Canada
While the U.S. loves pizza, the nation up north has a slight edge. Research shows pizza consumption in Canada is higher per capita than in America, though both nations eat plenty of pie. Pizza became popular in Canada after World War II and has taken off since. Winters in the country get brutally cold, so what’s more comforting than a hot slice?
The Great North is known for Canadian pizza, which features bacon, pepperoni and mushrooms. You can also find regional pizzas and embrace local favorites. For instance, the Regina-style pie is 3 inches tall with toppings and resembles Chicago’s deep-dish pizza.
4. Italy
Besides Norway, which European countries consume the most pizza? Look no further than Italy, the dish’s homeland. The precise origins of Italian pizza are murky, though there is some clarity that historians use. Experts say pizza was coined around 1500 in Naples, leading to the famous Neapolitan dish. However, records show people ate similar recipes as far back as 1000 A.D.
Neapolitan pizza is a staple in Naples, though there are other famous styles. For example, Margherita pizza became popular in the late 19th century because of Queen Margherita. If you have dinner in an Italian home, you may see families making pizza together with fresh dough.
5. The United Kingdom
While Italy is the home of European pizza, the dish is rapidly spreading in nearby countries. The United Kingdom is a good example, as the nation has seen increased demand for the dish. In London, you may find pies from Pizza Pilgrims, Domino’s and other popular chains. While authentic Italian pizza is hard to find, you can still discover great eats.
U.K. residents make pizzas akin to their American and Canadian counterparts. However, there are some unfamiliar toppings. In the U.K., you might find tuna and sweet corn pizza at various restaurants. While it sounds odd, this pizza is famous across mainland Europe.
6. China
If you’re looking for another fast-growing pizza market, head to China. This East Asian country has embraced the dish with increased sales and burgeoning pizza shops. Pizza sales in the nation reached 37.5 billion yuan ($5.1 billion) in 2022, with delivery contributing to much of the growth. Convenient meals are becoming more popular, leading to pizza’s rise.
The growth in China’s pizza consumption stems from Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and other chains. However, the menu is different to accommodate regional tastes. It’s standard to see seafood-oriented pies at these restaurants, so expect shrimp, salmon and crab.
7. Japan
Across the East China Sea, you see a similar story of pizza popularity in Japan. Which country consumes the most Neapolitan pizza outside Italy? Industry experts say this nation has a high concentration of Neapolitan pizzerias, so it’s easy to find one on the dense streets. In the last half-century, pizza has become more prominent in supermarkets and restaurants with Japanese twists.
If you have a curious appetite, head to Japan for unique pies. Some unorthodox pizzas contain squid ink dough and octopus toppings. While it seems odd, squid ink’s umami flavors create a flavorful pizza. Other toppings include seaweed, edamame, chili oil and miso paste.
Finding Which Countries Consume The Most Pizza
You can find pizza on nearly every continent due to its popularity. While cheese and pepperoni are popular toppings, the variations differ based on the country. Research has demonstrated Norway and Italy top the list for the most pizza consumed. However, growing markets in the U.K. and China could give them a run for their money.
