Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Vegetarian Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Meat Lovers Pizza
- Seafood Pizza
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Embark on a culinary journey that divides food enthusiasts worldwide yet offers a unique harmony of flavours that few other dishes can match. The debate rages on, but the evidence for pineapple’s rightful place atop a perfectly baked pizza crust continues to mount, positioning it potentially as the world’s finest pizza creation.
The Sweet and Savoury Magic of Pineapple Pizza
When discussing pizza innovations that have truly made their mark, the Hawaiian pizza stands tall among contenders. Created in 1962 by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, this Canadian invention has transformed the global pizza landscape. Panopoulos, inspired by American-Chinese cuisine like sweet and sour chicken, took a bold step by introducing canned pineapple to pizza, creating what would become an international sensation. Contrary to what its name suggests, the Hawaiian pizza has no connection to Hawaii—the name simply derived from the brand of tinned pineapple used in its creation.
The Perfect Flavour Balance
What makes pineapple pizza truly exceptional is its masterful balance of contrasting flavours. The natural sweetness of pineapple creates a beautiful counterpoint to the savoury elements of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and smoky ham or bacon. This sweet-savoury interplay awakens the palate in ways traditional toppings simply cannot achieve. Top pizza chefs have recognised this potential—Franco Pepe, a renowned pizza master, elevates the concept by pairing fresh pineapple with prosciutto ham, avoiding the acidity of canned fruit while maintaining the essential flavour harmony that makes this combination so compelling.
Texture Contrasts That Elevate the Experience
Beyond flavour, the textural dimension of pineapple on pizza offers another layer of gastronomic delight. The slight crunch and juiciness of pineapple pieces provide a refreshing contrast to the chewy crust and melted cheese. This textural diversity creates a more engaging eating experience than many traditional Italian pizza varieties. While purists might argue that such additions break with pizza tradition, culinary evolution has always been driven by those willing to experiment beyond established boundaries. The success of this textural interplay is evident in the Hawaiian pizza’s global popularity—in 1999, it claimed the title of most popular pizza in Australia, comprising 15% of all pizza sales, and by 2015, it had become the most common pizza available in UK takeaways on Just Eat.
Why Pineapple Pizza Deserves Its Crown
The legitimacy of pineapple pizza’s claim to greatness received significant validation when Time magazine listed Hawaiian pizza as one of the 13 most influential pizzas of all time in 2014. This recognition speaks volumes about its cultural impact and staying power in a competitive culinary landscape. While opinions remain sharply divided—evidenced by a 2017 YouGov poll showing 53% of people enjoying pineapple on pizza while 29% expressed outright hatred—its enduring popularity cannot be denied. Even humorous controversies, like the Icelandic President jokingly suggesting a pineapple pizza ban or a Norwich pizzeria charging £100 for a pineapple-topped pizza to express their disdain, only serve to highlight its cultural significance.
Nutritional Advantages Over Traditional Toppings
Pineapple brings nutritional benefits that many traditional pizza toppings cannot match. Rich in vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, pineapple transforms an indulgent meal into something with additional health merits. The fruit adds vibrant flavour while contributing fewer calories than extra cheese or processed meat toppings, making it an intelligent choice for those seeking to enjoy pizza more mindfully. This nutritional dimension adds another compelling argument to the case for pineapple pizza’s superiority in the vast world of pizza varieties.
Global Popularity and Famous Supporters
The worldwide reach of pineapple pizza demonstrates its universal appeal. While it may have originated in Canada, its influence spans continents. In prestigious rankings like Time Out’s “19bestpizzasintheworld,” pineapple pizza from Lisbon’s Lupita earned a coveted spot, cementing its status among elite pizza creations. American surveys reveal that while pineapple might not be everyone’s favourite, it maintains a dedicated following, with 12% of Americans listing it among their top three preferred toppings. The passionate debate surrounding pineapple pizza—far more heated than discussions about other toppings like mushrooms or peppers—speaks to its power to evoke strong emotions, a true mark of culinary significance. From its humble Canadian origins to international acclaim, the pineapple pizza has earned its place in the pantheon of world-class pizza creations.