Top 10 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian pizza
- Margherita pizza
- Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese) pizza
- Pepperoni pizza
- Vegetarian pizza with fresh vegetables
- BBQ chicken pizza
- Spicy salami pizza
- Seafood pizza with shrimp and calamari
- BBQ pork pizza
- Vegan pizza with plant-based cheese and toppings
Pizza, a beloved dish worldwide, has seen countless variations since its Neapolitan origins in the 18th and 19th centuries. Among these many iterations, one stands out for both its passionate defenders and vehement critics – the pineapple-topped pizza. This contentious creation has sparked debates across dinner tables, social media platforms, and even in political spheres, making it perhaps the most controversial pizza topping in history.
Origins and evolution of pineapple pizza
The Hawaiian pizza creation story
Contrary to what its name might suggest, Hawaiian_pizza has no connection to Hawaii or traditional Italian cuisine. This sweet and savoury combination was actually born in Canada in 1962, thanks to Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos. Working at his restaurant in Ontario, Panopoulos was inspired by the contrasting flavours he encountered in Canadian Chinese cuisine, particularly sweet and sour dishes. His culinary experiment led to the unconventional pairing of pineapple with ham or bacon atop a traditional pizza base with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The name ‘Hawaiian’ wasn’t a reference to geographical origin but simply derived from the brand of tinned pineapple Panopoulos used in his creation.
Interestingly, similar concepts had emerged elsewhere before Panopoulos popularised his version. In 1955, Germany saw the introduction of ‘Toast Hawaii,’ while a pizza featuring pineapple, papaya, and green pepper appeared in Portland, Oregon in 1957. However, it was Panopoulos who successfully established the now-familiar combination of pineapple and ham that became known worldwide as Hawaiian pizza.
Global spread and cultural impact
From its humble Canadian beginnings, pineapple pizza steadily gained international recognition, achieving remarkable popularity in certain regions. By 1999, it had become the most popular pizza variety in Australia, accounting for 15% of all pizza sales. A 2015 review in the United Kingdom found Hawaiian pizza to be the most commonly available pizza type across the country, demonstrating its firm establishment in Western food culture.
The divisive nature of pineapple as a pizza topping has created cultural ripples extending beyond mere food preferences. In 2017, Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson, the President of Iceland, jokingly suggested he would ban pineapple on pizza if he had the power to pass laws unilaterally. This casual remark ignited international attention and forced Johannesson to clarify his position on social media. The controversy has drawn in numerous celebrities, with Gordon Ramsay firmly opposing the topping while Justin Trudeau and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson have publicly supported it. By 2025, the debate had reached such heights that a Norwich pizzeria made headlines by charging £100 for pineapple pizza as a form of protest.
Why pineapple creates perfect flavour balance
Sweet and savoury: The science behind the taste
The enduring appeal of pineapple pizza lies in its fundamental sweet-savoury contrast. This combination creates what food scientists call a ‘flavour complexity’ that stimulates multiple taste receptors simultaneously. The sweetness of pineapple cuts through the saltiness of ham or bacon and the richness of melted cheese, while the natural acidity of the fruit complements the tanginess of tomato sauce. This balance explains why a 2017 YouGov poll found that while 82% of respondents liked pineapple as a fruit, opinions became sharply divided when it came to placing it on pizza, with 53% approving the combination while 29% expressed strong opposition.
The cooking process itself enhances these interactions. When pineapple is baked in high-temperature pizza ovens like the Arc XL, which can reach optimal pizza cooking temperatures and accommodate pizzas up to 16 inches, the fruit undergoes caramelisation. This chemical reaction transforms some of the pineapple’s sugars, intensifying its sweetness while introducing subtle complexity to its flavour profile. The resulting taste experience creates a more nuanced pizza than traditional toppings might offer.
Chef-approved pineapple pizza recipes
While amateur pizza enthusiasts can create Hawaiian pizza at home with standard ingredients, professional chefs have developed refined approaches to elevate this controversial combination. Chef Franco Pepe, renowned in the pizza world, reimagines the concept by using fresh pineapple served cold with prosciutto rather than the traditional canned fruit and ham. This technique preserves the bright acidity of fresh pineapple while allowing its natural sweetness to shine without the syrupy quality often found in canned varieties.
Other innovative approaches include grilling or roasting pineapple before adding it to pizza, concentrating its flavours and reducing excess moisture that might otherwise affect the pizza’s texture. Some chefs recommend balancing the sweetness with spicy elements like jalapeños or chilli-infused honey, creating a more complex flavour profile. These refinements demonstrate that pineapple pizza, despite its controversial status, has inspired culinary creativity and continues to evolve beyond its original form. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic comfort food or reimagined as a gourmet creation, the pineapple pizza remains a fascinating chapter in global food culture, challenging our notions of tradition and taste.
