Why Is There A Plastic Thing in A Pizza Box?

Introduction

Pizza boxes have been a ubiquitous presence in American culture for decades. A typical pizza box is made from sturdy corrugated cardboard that can withstand the weight of the pizza, while keeping it hot and fresh. However, many people have noticed an unusual addition to their pizza boxes in recent years: a small plastic table-like object that seems out of place. This plastic thing, known as a pizza saver or pizza table, has generated curiosity and confusion about its purpose. In this article, we will explore the history and science behind the plastic thing in a pizza box.

History of the Pizza Saver

The pizza saver was invented in 1985 by a woman named Carmela Vitale. Vitale owned a pizzeria in New York City and noticed that the cheese and toppings on her pizzas were often sticking to the lid of the pizza box during delivery. This caused the pizza to lose its presentation and freshness, and Vitale wanted to find a solution.

After experimenting with various materials, she came up with the idea of a small plastic tripod that would sit in the center of the pizza and lift the lid slightly, preventing it from sticking to the cheese and toppings. She patented her invention and named it the "package saver."

The package saver became more widely known as the "pizza saver" and is now a commonly used item in pizza boxes today. It is estimated that over 3 billion pizza savers are used annually in the United States alone.

Science of the Pizza Saver

The pizza saver is not just a convenient tool for keeping pizza fresh; it also has scientific merit. The plastic tripod works by providing a small air gap between the lid of the pizza box and the cheese and toppings. This prevents steam from the hot pizza from getting trapped in the box, which can cause the cheese to become soggy and the toppings to lose their crispness.

In addition, the pizza saver can help redistribute moisture in the pizza. As the hot pizza cools down, moisture from the cheese and toppings can condense on the lid of the box, causing the pizza to become soggy. However, the air gap created by the pizza saver allows moisture to escape from the pizza, preventing it from becoming too moist.

Types of Pizza Savers

There are various types of pizza savers that can be found in pizza boxes. The most common type is the plastic tripod, which is shaped like a small table with three legs. However, there are also other types of pizza savers, such as plastic disks or rings that sit in the center of the pizza and prevent the lid from touching the toppings.

Some pizza restaurants have even started using edible pizza savers made from dough or a similar material. These edible pizza savers not only serve the purpose of keeping the pizza fresh but also provide an additional snack for the customer.

Criticism of the Pizza Saver

While the pizza saver has been a useful addition to pizza boxes, it has also faced criticism from some environmental groups. The plastic tripod is made from a non-biodegradable plastic and can contribute to plastic waste. In addition, some pizza savers are made from polystyrene foam, which is harmful to the environment and takes hundreds of years to decompose.

However, there are alternatives to the plastic pizza saver, such as paper or cardboard. Some pizza restaurants have started using these eco-friendly options in an effort to reduce their environmental impact.

Conclusion

The plastic thing in a pizza box, also known as the pizza saver, has a fascinating history and scientific purpose. It was invented to prevent cheese and toppings from sticking to the lid of a pizza box and to keep the pizza fresh. While it has faced criticism from environmental groups, it continues to be a useful tool for pizza restaurants and consumers alike. The next time you order a pizza, take a moment to appreciate the small plastic tripod that is keeping your pizza hot and fresh.