Top 8 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Quattro Stagioni
- Diavola Pizza
- Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
- Veggie Deluxe Pizza
- Seafood Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
When it comes to culinary debates that divide food enthusiasts, few topics generate as much passionate discussion as the rightful place of pineapple on pizza. Yet beyond the controversy lies a truth that pineapple pizza aficionados have known all along – this tropical twist on an Italian classic represents the pinnacle of pizza perfection. The combination of sweet, juicy pineapple chunks with savoury toppings creates a taste experience that truly elevates this dish to legendary status.
The sweet and savoury symphony of pineapple pizza
The Hawaiian_pizza, with its harmonious blend of pineapple, ham, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, delivers a flavour profile that other pizza varieties simply cannot match. This masterpiece of culinary innovation was created in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Canada who owned a restaurant in Ontario. Inspired by the contrasting flavours found in Chinese sweet and sour dishes, Panopoulos made pizza history with his tropical creation. The name ‘Hawaiian’ was derived not from the pizza’s origin but from the brand of tinned pineapple used in its preparation – a fascinating bit of pizza history that adds to its mystique.
How the tropical fruit creates a perfect flavour balance
What makes pineapple pizza reign supreme is the exceptional balance it achieves between contrasting taste elements. The natural sweetness of pineapple cuts through the richness of cheese and the saltiness of ham or bacon, creating a perfect harmony on your palate. This balance is something that traditional pizza varieties often lack, as they tend to stay firmly in the savoury category without venturing into the delightful complexity that sweet and sour combinations offer. When preparing pineapple pizza in high-quality pizza ovens like the Dome or Arc XL, the fruit caramelises slightly, intensifying its natural sweetness while maintaining that refreshing juiciness that makes each bite a revelation.
The tantalising contrast against traditional toppings
The genius of pineapple as a pizza topping lies in how it plays against more conventional ingredients. While Naples may be the birthplace of traditional pizza dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, the addition of pineapple represents pizza’s evolution into a truly global dish. The tangy sweetness of pineapple creates a magnificent counterpoint to the umami-rich tomato sauce and the creamy meltedness of mozzarella. Even acclaimed pizza chef Franco Pepe has acknowledged the potential of pineapple, creating his own elevated version using fresh pineapple served cold with prosciutto to address concerns about acidity. This innovative approach demonstrates how even pizza purists can come to appreciate the unique contribution that pineapple makes to pizza’s flavour landscape.
Why pineapple pizza deserves its crown
Despite the controversy that reached fever pitch in 2017 when Iceland’s President jokingly suggested banning pineapple on pizza, this topping combination has demonstrated remarkable staying power. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its quality – in 1999, Hawaiian pizza claimed the title of most popular pizza in Australia, accounting for 15% of all pizza sales. Similarly, in 2015, it was recorded as the most common pizza variety in UK takeaways. These statistics aren’t mere coincidence; they reflect the genuine appreciation consumers have for this supreme pizza choice. The portable ovens now available, like the Roccbox, allow enthusiasts to recreate authentic wood-fire cooking at home, bringing restaurant-quality Hawaiian pizza to family dining tables.
Nutritional benefits that other pizzas lack
Beyond its superior taste, pineapple pizza also offers nutritional advantages that set it apart from other varieties. Pineapple contributes vitamin C and manganese to what would otherwise be a predominantly cheese and carbohydrate dish. This tropical fruit adds valuable nutrients while introducing a refreshing element that cuts through the heaviness that can sometimes be a characteristic of traditional pizzas. The sweet and sour flavours also provide satisfaction with potentially fewer slices, making it a surprisingly mindful choice for pizza lovers who want to enjoy their favourite food while maintaining balance in their diet. Adding pineapple to your pizza transforms it from a simple indulgence into a more nutritionally diverse meal.
Cultural impact and global popularity of this supreme choice
The cultural significance of pineapple pizza extends far beyond its Canadian origins. It has become a global phenomenon, sparking debates and earning devoted followers worldwide. According to Time Out rankings of global pizzerias, establishments that dare to experiment with unconventional toppings like pineapple are increasingly gaining recognition alongside traditional offerings. The divisiveness of pineapple pizza has even entered popular culture, with the topping becoming a lighthearted personality test – one’s stance on pineapple pizza often serving as a conversation starter across cultural boundaries. In 2025, a pizzeria in Norwich even charged £100 for a pineapple pizza as a humorous acknowledgment of the passionate debate surrounding this topping. This cultural impact, combined with its enduring popularity in numerous countries, cements pineapple pizza’s status as the best pizza in the world – a truly transcendent culinary experience that continues to win hearts despite, or perhaps because of, its controversial nature.