People are 'mind-blown' after realising why pizza boxes are square and not round

14 March 2024 , 05:00

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There's a reason behind the square boxes (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Ordering a pizza can be a real treat, and while you wolf down the slices, you've probably never spared a thought on why they come in a square box rather than a round one.

You'd be forgiven for assuming that it would make sense for the box to be round, seeing as the pizza is circular, but there's a reason why the iconic takeaway food is always served in a square cardboard box instead.

People's minds have been blown once again, and thanks to one TikToker, the mystery has now been solved. The pizza fan, who goes by the username @FactBuddy, shared the explanation in a telling video, as reported by NottinghamshireLive.

The creator wrote: "The reason pizza boxes are square and not round finally uncovered." They then asked viewers: "Have you ever wondered why pizza boxes are square? Pizzas are round, so shouldn't the boxes be round too? Well, there actually have been designs for round boxes for over 15 years. Pizza places don't typically like to use them."

FactBuddy then added there is another reason for it and revealed: "You see, round boxes use several pieces of cardboard and are difficult to stack. But square boxes are cheaper to produce requiring only a single sheet of cardboard."

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The video has caused quite a discussion among viewers, as one TikToker pointed out: "Pizza box is square, pizza is round, but then cut into triangles."

The beauty of the boxes being cardboard also means they can be recycled easily and you don't have to put too much thought into getting rid of it, but according to one waste expert, they can be a nightmare if not binned correctly.

Adam Herriott, a resource management specialist at the charity Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), told The Guardian: "It's fine to be recycled as long as there's no cheese stuck on the box, in which case, rip that bit off. It's what we call '3D waste' – food and other solids – that's the problem. And give containers a rinse. Wash and squash."

Niamh Kirk