Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food (2024)

We all know why people love to eat pizza - it's delicious! Especially for our Westside Pizza customers, who enjoy the freshest, most flavorful pizzas. But there's more to pizza than just taste. In fact, there is some truly fascinating science and benefits that can explain why pizza is so universally loved.

Why Do People Love to Eat Pizza?

It may seem like a rhetorical question, but it's one we find ourselves asking again and again at Westside Pizza. Fellow pizza enthusiast Jeffery Miller at The Washington Post shared,

"Humans are drawn to foods that are fatty, sweet, rich and complex. Pizza has all of these components. Cheese is fatty, meat toppings tend to be rich and the sauce is sweet. Pizza toppings are also packed with a compound called glutamate, which can be found in the tomatoes, cheese, pepperoni and sausage. When glutamate hits our tongues, it tells our brains to get excited — and to crave more of it. This compound actually causes our mouths to water in anticipation of the next bite.”

So while we don't necessarily need science to explain why we as humans love pizza, the science is truly interesting. So let's cut to the cheese and take a deep-dish dive into what makes pizza so popular!

Pizza Can Cause a Real, Good-Feeling Chemical (Dopamine) in Our Brains

Pizza is a beloved food that brings us joy, and now it turns out that we have science to thank for it! Eating pizza can cause a real good-feeling chemical, dopamine, to be released in our brains. This chemical helps us feel pleasure and reward when eating delicious food like pizza. The combination of the doughy crust, melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings create a taste sensation that triggers our bodies' natural reward system. So next time you dig into your favorite slice, remember to thank pizza for the good feelings!

Pizza is Customizable

Pizza is undoubtedly the ultimate customizable food! You can top your pizza with whatever you like, from classic pepperoni and cheese to exotic vegetables, fresh herbs, and daring spices. Westside Pizza takes customization to the next level by offering an incredible selection of traditional and unusual toppings. Create a unique flavor combination that reflects your personal tastes and preferences - the options are endless! There's no other food quite like it that offers complete freedom when it comes to putting together your own dish. With so much variety, pizza night will never be boring again!

Pizza is a Great Way to Help You (or a Picky Eater) Eat More Vegetables

Pizza is a delicious and nutritious way to get your daily veggies! Not only is it packed with flavorful ingredients like cheese, meats, and herbs, but you can also easily sneak in some extra vegetables. Whether it's loading up on fresh tomatoes or adding mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or other veggies of choice - pizza is a great way to help even the pickiest eaters enjoy their veggies. So if you're looking for a fun way to get more nutrition into your meals, why not give pizza a try?

Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food (1)

One Pizza Can Be Eaten Over Several Different Meals, Making it Great For a Tight Budget

Pizza is an amazing food that doesn't just have to be eaten in one sitting! Eating pizza over several meals is a wonderful way to get creative with your cuisine while being frugal with your budget. One slice of pizza can become an easy breakfast, lunch, or dinner option.

One pizza can easily feed several people, allowing everyone to chow down and split the cost. Talk about an ideal solution for those looking to get more bang for their buck!

Pizza is an Affordable Meal That Includes Carbs, Salt, Sugar, Proteins, Vitamins, Etc.

Pizza is an affordable meal that is surprisingly diverse in terms of nutrition. It contains a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, salt, sugar, and even vitamins and minerals. And while some pizzas may be higher in sodium or fat than others, they can still be nutritious when prepared with the right ingredients and eaten in moderation.

Pizza is Quick and Very Convenient

Pizza is the ultimate convenience food – it's quick, tasty, and always satisfying. With its speedy turnover time, ordering pizza can be the ideal solution when time is of the essence. Whether on the go or stuck at home with no energy to cook, a delicious pizza can be ready in no time.

Pizza is Easy and Fun to Eat

Pizza is a fabulous food that everyone loves! Not only is it delicious and easy to eat, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can dress it up with all sorts of toppings, fold it in half for an awesome calzone, or even cut out slices and turn them into fun shapes like stars or smiley faces. You can get creative and make pizza unique while enjoying the flavors you love.

Depending on Your Order, Pizza Can Sometimes Be a Healthier Alternative to Fast Food if You Need a Quick Meal

Pizza can be a great alternative to fast food if you're looking for a quick and healthy meal! You can get a tasty and balanced meal full of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables with just two slices of pizza. Plus, it's much lower in calories than many fast food items like burgers and burritos. So next time you need something quick and delicious, order a pizza to get the nutrition you need without compromising your diet!

Pizza Tastes Great!

Pizza is truly one of the greatest indulgences! Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, with just the right amount of cheese, sauce, and toppings to satisfy every craving. Whether you're a fan of pepperoni, mushrooms, or pineapple-ham topping combinations, there's a pizza out there that will make your taste buds dance with delight. So let's raise a slice to pizza - it's one of life's greatest culinary delights!

Beyond the Slices - Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Your Favorite Food!

We love sharing all the awesome fun facts about pizza with our customers at Westside Pizza!

Did you know that when your pizza starts to brown and bubble in the oven, it’s due to a special chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction? Named after French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard, this reaction gives pizza its unique flavor, aroma, and color. The Maillard reaction is a combination of two molecules from protein-rich foods, such as cheese and pepperoni, mixing with sugars. This process causes the pepperoni slices to curl slightly and the cheese to become golden brown and bubbly! Understanding this complex chemical process can help us appreciate why we love pizza so much more!

Need more fun facts about pizza? We've got even more on our blog!

Not only do we have all these fun facts, but we also have the Death by Pizza Challenge at our locations across the country. Prizes vary depending on the location, so check with your local Westside Pizza for more details.

Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food (2)

Indulge in Delicious, Freshly Made Pizza - Order Now from Westside Pizza!

Looking for a pizza place that satisfies your cravings and leaves you wanting more? Look no further than Westside Pizza! Our dough is made fresh daily from the highest quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is something special. But that's not all - we also offer a wide variety of delicious options to choose from, including chicken wings, calzones, pastas, salads, stix, and desserts.

Don't miss out on our amazing deals and local specials, allowing you to get more pizza for your money when you choose Westside Pizza. Whether you prefer delivery or pick-up options, or want to dine in with us, we've got you covered.

So what are you waiting for? Find a Westside Pizza location near you and experience the deliciousness we have to offer. It's time to treat yourself to some tasty goodness at Westside Pizza!

Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food (2024)

FAQs

Pizza: The Ultimate Comfort Food? ›

Pizza Can Release Dopamine

Why is pizza the best comfort food? ›

This chemical helps us feel pleasure and reward when eating delicious food like pizza. The combination of the doughy crust, melty cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite toppings create a taste sensation that triggers our bodies' natural reward system.

What is the ultimate comfort food? ›

For instance, the flank steak with cheesy hash brown waffles will be an immediate favorite, along with the pierogi and meatball skillet, French bread pizzas, and creamy cauliflower soup. For Ree Drummond, chicken pot pie is the one comfort food that just can't be beat.

Why is pizza so awesome? ›

The hard-to-achieve taste sensation, umami, helps explain why pizza is one of the best foods, but fresh ingredients and the satisfaction of being able to master a recipe make it irresistible. The magic of pizza is how it works so well for so many different occasions.

Why is pizza the perfect food? ›

There's a good amount of fiber and calcium in most pizzas, plus tons with veggies, and you can find a specialty pizza to match with any food preferences or dietary restrictions you've got on the table. From kosher to paleo to keto, gluten-free to vegan to low-sodium, it's hard to find something pizza can't do.

Why is pizza so addictive? ›

Pizza packs a double whammy: The crust is made of refined white flour that quickly turns into glucose in your bloodstream, and the cheese contains casein, a protein that releases casomorphins during digestion, a kind of opiate.

Is pizza the most loved food in the world? ›

Pizza is certainly one of the most popular foods in the world, and the survey proved that Americans love it the most. The most popular toppings on pizza in the U.S. are pepperoni, extra cheese, mushroom, and onions. According to Hungry Howie's, “62% of pizza lovers prefer meat while 38% prefer veggies.”

What is America's #1 comfort food? ›

In actuality, Americans' favorite comfort food is ... Pizza!

What is men's favorite comfort food? ›

It is not surprising that males prefer warm, hearty, comfort foods (such as casseroles, chili and soup); while females prefer comfort foods that are more snack related, such as chocolate and ice cream, which brings instant relief.

What is the best comfort food of all time? ›

Our 20 all-time favorite comfort foods
  • 1 of 20. Chicken noodle soup. Joshua Resnick / shutterstock.com. ...
  • 2 of 20. Chicken pot pie. Charles Brutlag / shutterstock.com. ...
  • 3 of 20. Chicken tenders. ...
  • 4 of 20. Chili. ...
  • 5 of 20. Chocolate chip cookies. ...
  • 6 of 20. Cinnamon buns. ...
  • 7 of 20. Cornbread. ...
  • 8 of 20. Fries.
May 24, 2024

Why do Americans love pizza so much? ›

Pizza has been a staple of American cuisine since the late 19th century when Italian immigrants settled in the United States. It quickly gained popularity because of its convenience, affordability, and deliciousness.

Why is pizza loved by everyone? ›

Everyone loves pizza because it's customizable

While a plain cheese pizza is a great option, you can also load it up with tons of toppings, meats, veggies, and more. You can even add different types of crusts or pair it with different sauce flavors to change things up even more.

Why is pizza so beloved? ›

There could be three reasons why pizza is so popular: Italian immigrants, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness. But the truth is that pizza is well-known because it's cheesy and fun to eat. According to Alto Hartley, the United States sells more than three billion pizzas every year.

Why is pizza so comforting? ›

The sight of pizza can also be comforting, as it is a familiar food that many people associate with good times. Eating pizza can also be comforting, as it is often associated with a feeling of fullness and contentment. Pizza is also a great choice because it is customizable.

Why does pizza make me happy? ›

Serotonin is produced from carbs

You'll be shocked to know that the carb-fest that is pizza actually fills you with serotonin. This is partially because when you're craving pizza and that craving is satisfied, your brain produces serotonin. This is also because carbs are used heavily to make serotonin.

What does pizza do for your body? ›

Improved Digestion

Surprisingly, certain types of pizza can actually promote better digestion. When you opt for pizzas with whole-grain crusts, you're incorporating dietary fiber into your meal. Fiber, found in abundance in whole grains and some vegetable toppings, plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health.

Why do people love pizza so much? ›

Cheese is fatty, meat toppings tend to be rich and the sauce is sweet. Pizza toppings are also packed with a compound called glutamate, which can be found in the tomatoes, cheese, pepperoni and sausage. When glutamate hits our tongues, it tells our brains to get excited — and to crave more of it.

Why does eating pizza make me happy? ›

Serotonin is produced from carbs

This is also because carbs are used heavily to make serotonin. In other words, when you eat pizza, you're fueling your brain with what it needs to produce the feel-good hormones that we all crave. Even the toppings on the pizza have a massive role to play in this.

Why does pizza make me feel better? ›

Carbs = serotonin

Carbohydrates are essential for serotonin production. Pizza is carb-rich, which means that it helps to aid the making of happy juice. Nutritionists also recommend targeting foods with tryptophan in your diet to make that serotonin production as efficient as possible.

What are 3 reasons that pizza is a popular dish? ›

There could be three reasons why pizza is so popular: Italian immigrants, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness. But the truth is that pizza is well-known because it's cheesy and fun to eat. According to Alto Hartley, the United States sells more than three billion pizzas every year.

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