Best pizza in the world: The pineapple pizza

Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025

In the realm of culinary masterpieces, few creations have sparked as much passion and debate as the pineapple-topped pizza. This controversial yet revolutionary combination has transcended mere food status to become a cultural phenomenon, dividing pizza enthusiasts worldwide while simultaneously earning devoted followers. The journey of this extraordinary pizza variant reveals much about our evolving relationship with traditional cuisine and culinary innovation.

Best pizza in the world: The pineapple pizza

The Unrivalled Excellence of Pineapple Pizza

The Hawaiian pizza stands as a testament to culinary brilliance, combining the robust flavours of tomato sauce and mozzarella with the unexpected delight of pineapple and ham or bacon. This ingenious creation, contrary to what its name might suggest, was not born in tropical Hawaii but rather in the unlikely setting of Canada. In 1962, Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos forever changed the pizza landscape when he decided to add canned pineapple to pizza at his restaurant in Ontario. The name Hawaiian_pizza actually derives from the brand of tinned pineapple used rather than any geographical origin, adding an intriguing layer to its already fascinating history.

A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Savoury

What makes pineapple pizza truly exceptional is its masterful balance of contrasting flavours. The sweet, juicy burst of pineapple creates a magnificent counterpoint to the savoury elements of the pizza. This interplay of flavours stimulates the palate in ways that traditional pizza toppings simply cannot achieve. While some pizza purists might argue against this innovative combination, the widespread popularity of Hawaiian pizza speaks volumes. By 1999, it had become the most popular pizza variant in Australia, accounting for an impressive 15% of all pizza sales. Even more remarkably, by 2015, it had established itself as the most commonly available pizza in UK takeaways, demonstrating its undeniable appeal across continents.

The Innovative Culinary Revolution

The creation of pineapple pizza represents one of the most significant innovations in pizza history since its Neapolitan origins in 18th and 19th century Italy. Before Panopoulos introduced his groundbreaking combination, similar culinary experiments were emerging elsewhere. In 1955, Germany saw the introduction of Toast Hawaii, featuring ham, pineapple, and cheese on toast. Two years later, a prototype Hawaiian Pizza containing pineapple, papaya, and green pepper appeared in Portland, Oregon. These early experiments eventually culminated in the definitive version we know today. The revolutionary nature of pineapple pizza has even prompted extreme reactions, such as a pizzeria in Norwich charging £100 for a pineapple pizza in 2025 as a statement of their disdain, while in 2017, the president of Iceland jokingly suggested banning it altogether.

Why Pineapple Creates the Supreme Pizza Experience

The exceptional status of pineapple as a pizza topping extends beyond mere taste preferences and into cultural significance. Despite the controversy, pineapple pizza has maintained impressive popularity in consumer surveys. A 2016 poll in the United States revealed that while pineapple might not top the charts of favourite toppings, it still ranked higher in preference than traditional options like anchovies or mushrooms. Even more telling, a 2019 YouGov survey found that 12% of Americans listed pineapple among their top three favourite toppings, indicating a substantial and dedicated fan base for this culinary marvel.

The Exceptional Flavour Chemistry

The science behind the appeal of pineapple pizza lies in its perfect flavour chemistry. The acidic nature of pineapple cuts through the richness of cheese and meat, creating a balanced bite that prevents flavour fatigue. This principle is understood by elite pizzaiolos like Chef Franco Pepe, who has elevated the concept by using fresh pineapple served cold with prosciutto, demonstrating that even at the highest levels of pizza craftsmanship, the pineapple concept has merit. The exceptional combination has inspired creative variations worldwide, including the standout offering from Lupita in Lisbon, ranked 15th among the best pizzas globally, which features pineapple, mozzarella, Viso cheese, bacon, pickled red onion, and coriander.

Nutritional Benefits That Enhance Every Bite

Beyond its extraordinary taste profile, pineapple brings nutritional advantages that other pizza toppings cannot match. Rich in vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, pineapple transforms an indulgent treat into a slightly more nutritious meal. The fruit adds moisture and freshness that counterbalances the heaviness of traditional pizza components. For those seeking to enhance their pizza experience with modern equipment, specialised pizza ovens like the versatile Dome, which accommodates both wood and gas fuel sources, or the portable Roccbox with its stone floor, can achieve the perfect crisp crust that complements the juicy pineapple topping. With free shipping available on orders over £35, accessing these tools for creating the ultimate pineapple pizza experience at home has never been easier.