The map above shows how much pizza each person eats on average per year. It’s based on the following dataset.
Here are the numbers by country in KG and Pounds:
| Country | Pizza (Kg Per Person Per Year) | Pizza (lbs Per Person Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | 11.4 | 25.1 |
| United States | 9.6 | 21.2 |
| Canada | 8.9 | 19.6 |
| Australia | 8.6 | 19.0 |
| Italy | 7.6 | 16.8 |
| Switzerland | 7.5 | 16.5 |
| Sweden | 7.2 | 15.9 |
| France | 6.8 | 15.0 |
| Finland | 6.7 | 14.8 |
| UK | 6.3 | 13.9 |
| Germany | 6.2 | 13.7 |
| Spain | 5.9 | 13.0 |
| Brazil | 5.8 | 12.8 |
| Japan | 5.6 | 12.3 |
| Russia | 5.4 | 11.9 |
| Belgium | 5.3 | 11.7 |
| Denmark | 5.1 | 11.2 |
| Netherlands | 4.9 | 10.8 |
| Portugal | 4.8 | 10.6 |
| Greece | 4.7 | 10.4 |
| Ireland | 4.6 | 10.1 |
| Poland | 4.5 | 9.9 |
| Mexico | 4.3 | 9.5 |
| Argentina | 4.2 | 9.3 |
| Turkey | 4.0 | 8.8 |
| New Zealand | 3.9 | 8.6 |
| South Korea | 3.8 | 8.4 |
| Austria | 3.7 | 8.2 |
| Romania | 3.6 | 7.9 |
| Czech Republic | 3.5 | 7.7 |
| Hungary | 3.4 | 7.5 |
| China | 3.2 | 7.1 |
| Croatia | 3.1 | 6.8 |
| Bulgaria | 3.0 | 6.6 |
| Serbia | 2.9 | 6.4 |
| Slovakia | 2.8 | 6.2 |
| Slovenia | 2.7 | 6.0 |
| Lithuania | 2.6 | 5.7 |
| Estonia | 2.5 | 5.5 |
| India | 1.3 | 2.9 |
Why does Norway eat so much pizza?
Norway’s high consumption of pizza, particularly frozen pizza, can be attributed to several cultural, economic, and historical factors:
- Cultural Affinity: Pizza has become an integral part of Norwegian culture, much like in many other countries. It’s seen as a convenient, tasty, and social food option. Over the years, pizza has moved from being an exotic or foreign dish to something that is deeply ingrained in Norwegian cuisine.
- Economic Factors: The Norwegian economy allows for a high standard of living, and with it comes the ability to spend on convenience foods. Frozen pizzas are relatively affordable, and with the high cost of eating out in Norway, having an easy-to-make meal at home is appealing to many.
- Convenience: Norway, like many other Scandinavian countries, has a strong culture of convenience, particularly when it comes to food. With long working hours and busy lifestyles, frozen pizza offers a quick and easy solution for dinner, especially during the long winter months.
- Popularity of Grandiosa: One of the key factors behind the high pizza consumption in Norway is the popularity of the frozen pizza brand “Grandiosa.” Launched in the 1980s, it became a national phenomenon. Grandiosa’s marketing campaigns and its position as a nostalgic, “comfort” food have solidified its place in Norwegian hearts and kitchens.
- Social Aspect: Pizza is also a social food, easy to share among friends and family, making it a popular choice for gatherings. The versatility of pizza, allowing for different toppings to suit various tastes, also contributes to its popularity.
- Adaption to Local Tastes: Norwegian pizza has also adapted to local tastes, with toppings and flavors that resonate with the local palate, further increasing its appeal.
BobF says
At this very moment I happen to be attempting to boost the U.S. consumption rate.
Y.D. Robinson says
Surprising, a bit, that Argentina really doesn’t score higher. Pizza and other Italian foods are quite popular in that country, with its huge Italian population. Though, then again, the recurrent financial crises and especially inflation have exacted a toll on Argentines’ spending.
Even more surprising that Italy isn’t number one, although it has to be said that pizza became popularized among Italian Americans rather than Italians still in Italy.
The most surprising yet is that Norway (!) scores the highest despite being on the opposite end of Europe from Italy!