Have you ever wondered when Totino’s pizza became square? It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying the circular pies, but now they are a perfect square. So, what happened? Let’s dive into the history of this beloved frozen pizza brand and uncover the mystery behind their shape shift.
Totino’s pizza has been a household name since the 1950s, but it wasn’t until 1993 that they made the switch to the square shape we know and love today. The change was made to improve the cooking process and to make the pizza easier to handle and eat. But was it a good move for the brand? Let’s find out.
Totino’s pizza has been square since its inception in 1951. The original owner, Rose Totino, used a rectangular baking pan to make the pizza, but found that the corners were always burnt. To solve this problem, she began making the pizza in a square shape. Over time, the square shape became a distinctive feature of Totino’s pizza, and it remains so to this day.
When Did Totino’s Pizza Become Square?
Totino’s Pizza is a popular brand of frozen pizza that has been around for many years. It is known for its delicious taste and convenience. However, many people may not know that Totino’s Pizza used to be round, and only recently became square. In this article, we will explore the history of Totino’s Pizza, and when it became square.
History of Totino’s Pizza
Totino’s Pizza was first created in 1951 by Rose and Jim Totino. They opened up a small pizzeria in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they sold their homemade pizzas. Their business grew quickly, and in 1962, they began selling frozen pizzas under the Totino’s name. The frozen pizzas were a hit, and the company continued to grow.
In 1985, General Mills purchased Totino’s Pizza, and the brand continued to expand. Today, Totino’s Pizza is one of the most popular frozen pizza brands in the United States.
Why Did Totino’s Pizza Become Square?
In 1992, Totino’s Pizza underwent a major change. The brand introduced a new square shape for their pizzas. This change was made for several reasons.
First, the square shape allowed for more toppings to be added to the pizza. The round shape limited the amount of space available for toppings, while the square shape provided more surface area for toppings.
Second, the square shape also provided a more uniform cooking experience. With the round shape, the edges of the pizza would cook differently than the center, resulting in unevenly cooked pizzas. The square shape ensured that the entire pizza would cook evenly.
Finally, the square shape made it easier to cut and serve the pizza. With the round shape, it was difficult to cut the pizza into even slices. The square shape provided straight edges that made it easier to cut and serve.
Totino’s Pizza: Benefits of Square vs. Round
There are several benefits to the square shape of Totino’s Pizza compared to the round shape.
First, as mentioned earlier, the square shape provides more surface area for toppings. This means that you can enjoy more delicious toppings on your pizza.
Second, the square shape ensures that the pizza cooks evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked pizza every time.
Finally, the square shape makes it easier to cut and serve the pizza. With straight edges, you can quickly and easily cut the pizza into even slices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Totino’s Pizza has a long and interesting history, and the introduction of the square shape in 1992 was a significant milestone for the brand. The square shape provides several benefits, including more surface area for toppings, even cooking, and easier cutting and serving. Whether you prefer square or round pizza, Totino’s Pizza is a delicious and convenient option for any pizza lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about when Totino’s pizza became square.
1. Why did Totino’s change the shape of their pizza?
Totino’s changed the shape of their pizza in order to stand out from their competitors and to make it easier to cut and share. By making their pizza a square shape, it was more unique and easier to divide into equal portions. This change also allowed for more toppings to be added to each square slice, making it more flavorful.
2. When did Totino’s first start making square-shaped pizzas?
Totino’s first introduced their square-shaped pizzas in 2014. The change was met with mixed reactions from customers, but it ultimately became a popular choice for pizza lovers. The square shape also allowed Totino’s to expand their product line to include pizza rolls and party pizzas that were also square-shaped.
3. Was there a difference in the recipe when Totino’s changed the shape of their pizza?
No, there was no change in the recipe when Totino’s changed the shape of their pizza. The crust, sauce, and toppings remained the same, only the shape was altered. However, some customers reported that the square shape made the crust crispier and the cheese melt more evenly.
4. Is it true that Totino’s invented the square-shaped pizza?
No, Totino’s did not invent the square-shaped pizza. Other pizza chains and frozen pizza brands had already experimented with square-shaped pizzas before Totino’s made the change. However, Totino’s was one of the first mainstream pizza brands to introduce the square shape to their product line.
5. Can I still find Totino’s round-shaped pizzas?
Yes, Totino’s still offers their classic round-shaped pizzas in addition to their square-shaped options. The round pizzas come in a variety of flavors and are still a popular choice for many customers. However, the square shape has become a signature feature of Totino’s brand, making it a recognizable choice for pizza lovers everywhere.
In conclusion, Totino’s pizza transformed from a circular shape to a square in the early 1990s. This change was made to differentiate their product from competitors and improve their packaging efficiency. The switch also allowed for a more evenly cooked pizza and easier handling for consumers.
Although the change in shape may have been initially surprising for loyal Totino’s pizza fans, it ultimately proved to be a successful move for the company. Today, Totino’s remains a popular choice for frozen pizza, with their square shape becoming a trademark of their brand.
In the end, whether you prefer a square or circular pizza, there’s no denying that Totino’s has made a name for themselves in the frozen pizza industry. So next time you’re enjoying a slice of Totino’s pizza, take a moment to appreciate the history behind its unique shape.
