Imagine for a second: you walk into a room where a pizza has just been baked, and the rich, warm aroma of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh crust fills the air. What do you feel? Most people admit—in such moments, worries disappear, replaced by a sense of calm and joyful anticipation. The latest scientific studies confirm: the smell of fresh pizza really can reduce anxiety levels and improve mood. In a world where stress has become a constant companion of modern people, these discoveries attract keen interest. Why does the aroma of pizza have such a vivid effect on our emotions and mental state?
Why the Aroma of Pizza Became a Subject of Scientific Interest
Pizza is considered one of the most popular dishes on the planet: it is cooked and loved in the USA, Italy, Russia, Japan, and dozens of other countries. Since childhood, for many people, the smell of pizza is associated with celebration, coziness, and family evenings. In conditions of constant rush and psychological tension, such simple pleasures become especially valuable.
Scientists became interested in this particular product because of its unique popularity and its ability to evoke an emotional response in millions of people. The question of whether the smell of pizza can literally act as an “anti-stress” turned out to be not only relevant but also quite scientifically justified. Let’s take a closer look at how this effect was tested.
An Inside Look at the Scientific Experiment
At the University of East Anglia (UK), Professor Oli Buckley, with the support of Chicago Town, organized a study timed to the 2024 European Football Championship. The participant in the experiment was the popular football podcaster Theo Baker.
During the game, his condition was monitored using professional equipment. The monitoring included measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, and galvanic skin response—this indicator is related to the level of tension and stress. The study was conducted twice: first without the aroma of pizza, then in the presence of the appetizing smell of freshly baked pizza with cheese, chicken, and spices.
The data obtained showed: when near the source of the aroma, the participant demonstrated less nervousness and anxiety. Actual physiological parameters confirmed that the aroma of pizza has a pronounced relaxing effect even in stressful situations.
How the “Pizza Effect” Works
From a biological point of view, the influence of the aroma of pizza on emotional state has a quite logical explanation. The main role here is played by tryptophan—an amino acid abundant in cheese, meat, and tomato sauce, which are traditionally used in pizza. Once in the body, tryptophan is involved in the production of serotonin.
Serotonin, or the “happiness hormone,” is responsible for regulating mood, stress levels, and even sleep. A high level of serotonin promotes relaxation, inner balance, and a sense of well-being. Carbohydrates from the dough also play an important role: they help the body absorb tryptophan faster and more efficiently, enhancing the overall positive effect.
In addition, when eating delicious food, dopamine is released in the brain—a chemical compound responsible for the feeling of reward and pleasure. As a result, the combination of rich flavor and enticing aroma of pizza forms a kind of “recipe for coziness” for the human brain. According to neurobiology experts, a similar reaction can occur to other familiar pleasant smells, but pizza holds a special place among them.
What People Think
To understand the mass perception of the aroma of pizza, the company OnePoll conducted a representative study. Respondents were asked what feelings the smell of freshly prepared pizza evokes in them. The main results were as follows:
– 42% of participants mentioned a feeling of comfort
– 28% noted a mood boost
– 17% reported a pleasant, joyful anticipation
In a publication by the Nottingham Post, Professor Buckley emphasizes: “Combined data confirm that preparing and eating even frozen pizza has a noticeable calming effect.” In turn, the publication Cookist draws attention to the fact that reactions to smells are largely individual and may depend on personal experience, cultural associations, and habits.
How to Use the Aroma of Pizza to Improve Well-Being
In everyday life, the aroma of pizza can become a simple and pleasant way to relax a little, for example, after a stressful day or during family gatherings. The connection between aroma and emotional state is especially noticeable in situations where not only the result is important, but also the overall impression of what is happening.
While preparing this article, we sent out a survey to websites offering various leisure options: streaming services, video hosting platforms, online casinos, and cloud gaming sites. We were interested in whether users noted that the smell of pizza enhanced their sense of involvement and whether it made shared viewing of events more meaningful. The editors of the gaming website app1win.com were among the first to respond. Thanks to the information they provided, we learned that 64% of users noticed an emotional uplift in themselves and their friends, while the remaining 36% indicated that they felt significantly less stress.
Psychologists advise not to overuse artificial flavorings, but to use natural aromas—for example, by making pizza at home or ordering it from trusted establishments. It is important to remember: the aroma of food can become an effective tool for supporting mood, but it does not replace medical care in cases of anxiety disorders or chronic stress. According to experts in the psychology of smell, pizza is one of many “comforting” aromas, along with the smell of fresh bread, vanilla, or coffee.
Challenges and Questions for Further Research
Studies devoted to the “pizza effect” have so far been limited in scope: a relatively small number of volunteers participated in the experiments, and their taste preferences and associations could have influenced the results. Some scientists express cautious doubts about the universality of the effect and recommend conducting larger and more diverse experiments.
At the same time, experts note the potential prospects for the use of aromatherapy with “food” aromas in addition to traditional methods of correcting anxiety and stress. Further research could determine the mechanisms of individual sensitivity and study the long-term effects of aromas on the psyche.
Final Transition
Can the aroma of pizza be considered a universal way to lift your mood and relieve stress? Everyone answers this question for themselves—some find comfort in the smell of cinnamon, others in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. And have you noticed in your own life how a particular smell helps you cope with anxiety or create an atmosphere of coziness?
