The Forgotten McPizza: McDonald's Brief Foray Into Pizza That Many Doubt Ever Existed
For over five decades, McDonald's has been a fixture in the United Kingdom, evolving dramatically since its first restaurant opened on Woolwich High Street in November 1974. Back then, a Big Mac cost just 45 pence and a cheeseburger was 21 pence. Today, the menu has expanded far beyond those original offerings, but one short-lived item from the 1990s continues to spark debate: the McPizza.
A Controversial Menu Experiment
Many customers today question whether McDonald's ever actually sold pizza, believing it to be an urban legend or false memory. However, corporate records and nostalgic testimonials confirm that in the mid-1990s, McDonald's UK trialed personal pizzas as part of a limited sales test. These were 8-inch pizzas divided into four slices, available in three varieties: Cheese, Cheese & Pepperoni, and the Deluxe, which featured cheese, green pepper, onion, pepperoni, and additional toppings.
The pizzas were introduced slightly ahead of 1994, when McDonald's launched its "power breakfast" and "working lunch" service for city professionals. This innovative delivery program allowed office workers to order food directly to their desks via fax or telephone, with the personal pizzas included among the menu options.
Devoted Fans and Fond Memories
Despite its brief availability, the McPizza developed a passionate following. On platforms like Reddit, former customers describe it as "amazing," "delicious," and "one of the best tasting pizzas" they've ever experienced. Many share childhood memories of begging parents to visit McDonald's specifically for the pizza, with some recalling traveling significant distances to locations that still offered it.
One enthusiast noted, "I haven't had it in 30 years, but I can still taste it. It was soooooo good." Another praised the crust specifically, calling it "totally delicious and kind of special" and arguing the pizza was "dramatically underrated" and "better than lots of pizza chains."
The American Connection and Eventual Discontinuation
The McPizza actually originated in the United States during the late 1980s as McDonald's attempted to compete in the pizza market. While discontinued in most American locations by the early 1990s, two restaurants continued selling pizza for years afterward. Today, it's believed pizza might still be available at the world's second-largest McDonald's in Orlando, Florida, though reportedly different from the original 1990s version.
In the UK, the pizzas were officially discontinued after the limited test period. McDonald's website confirms they were sold for a "limited period in some restaurants" during the mid-1990s as part of a "sales and product test."
McDonald's Evolution Since the Pizza Era
The disappearance of the McPizza coincided with numerous other menu innovations. The McFlurry launched in 2000 and has since sold over 1.7 billion units in the UK alone. Interestingly, fries remain the chain's most popular item, generating £12.5 billion in sales over the past 50 years, followed by the Big Mac at £1.9 billion and the Cheeseburger at £1.8 billion.
Other significant milestones include the introduction of Chicken McNuggets in 1984 (replacing Onion Nuggets), the first drive-thru in 1986, the Happy Meal launch that same year, and more recent developments like the McPlant vegan burger in 2022 and the MyMcDonald's App.
Will the McPizza Ever Return?
According to McDonald's official statements, there are currently no plans to reintroduce pizza to UK menus. The chain has learned that bringing back discontinued items doesn't always satisfy modern expectations, as demonstrated by the 2024 return of the McRib sandwich. Customers complained that changes to the preparation method—specifically applying barbecue sauce directly to the bun rather than marinating the pork patty—resulted in a "dry" product that failed to match nostalgic memories.
Today, McDonald's operates 1,493 restaurants across the UK, serving approximately 4 million customers daily with support from 200 franchisees and over 171,000 crew members. The chain contributes £2.13 billion in indirect gross value to the UK economy and supports around 15,775 jobs in farming communities and beyond.
While the McPizza remains a footnote in McDonald's history, its legacy persists among those who experienced it during its brief availability. For a generation of 1990s customers, it represents both a beloved childhood memory and a testament to McDonald's willingness to experiment beyond its traditional burger-and-fries identity.
