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Global phenomenon -

Pizza reigns supreme on global taste buds, and while pineapple might not be everyone's fruit of choice, it certainly holds its own.

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Tropical appeal -

This tropical fruit shines in a variety of culinary delights, from decadent cakes and sweet treats to the iconic piña colada.

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They (don't) go together? -

However, dare to mix the two, and you might find yourself embroiled in a passionate debate.

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Heated arguments -

The question of pineapple on pizza is a deeply divisive issue, capable of fracturing friendships, straining familial bonds, and even sparking international controversy!

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American taste -

According to a 2019 YouGov Omnibus survey, pineapple enjoys significant popularity as a pizza topping among Americans, with 12% of pizza-eating respondents ranking it among their top three favorites. This preference is particularly pronounced in the US West, where 17% of respondents favored pineapple.

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Hip flavor -

Younger generations also demonstrate a stronger affinity for pineapple on pizza, with 15% of 18-34-year-olds selecting it as a favorite, compared to only 9% of those aged 55 and older.

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British taste -

Across the pond, despite 82% of respondents in a 2017 YouGov poll admitting liking pineapple, only 53% enjoy it on pizza, with 12% mildly disliking and 29% strongly disliking the combination.

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The tradition argument -

Purists vehemently argue that pineapple disrupts the sacred tradition of pizza, asserting that fruit, with the notable exception of tomatoes, has no place on a savory dough.

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Topping ban -

President of Iceland Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson even sparked a minor international stir when he playfully suggested to a group of schoolchildren that, if given the authority, he would outlaw pineapple on pizza.

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Not going anywhere -

Despite the fervent debate surrounding it, pineapple remains a fixture on many pizza menus, even gracing the offerings of some of the finest establishments.

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Bold move -

However, a daring British pizzeria recently made headlines by taking a defiant stand against this contentious topping.

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So much dough -

Lupa Pizza in Norwich, England, made headlines by offering pineapple on their menu, but with a hefty price tag of £100 (nearly US$125).

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War on pineapple -

This exorbitant cost, the owners explained, was a deliberate move to discourage customers from ordering it.

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Their way or the highway -

While acknowledging their customers' right to choose, the owners openly declared their utter disdain for pineapple as a pizza topping.

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No-go -

In a recent interview, the pizzeria’s head chef Quin Jianoran made his stance on pineapple crystal clear: "I say 'no' to pineapple." While he acknowledged the highly divisive nature of the fruit on pizza, he reaffirmed that the restaurant is "simply taking a stand."

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Splurging -

The menu playfully taunts pineapple pizza enthusiasts, featuring a tongue-in-cheek description for the overpriced delicacy: "Yeah, for £100 you can have it. Order the Champagne too! Go on you monster!"

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No takers (so far) -

Despite significant online attention surrounding their high-priced pineapple pizza, no orders had been placed as of Jianoran's recent interview. 

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Playing the game -

In a savvy marketing move, Papa John's, one of the UK's largest pizza chains, entered the fray. Their response: for a limited 24-hour period, Norwich residents could snag a large Hawaiian pizza for just £1 (approximately US$1.25).

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Pineapple for all -

A Papa John's spokesperson declared they did this because the company takes pride in their diverse menu. "We firmly believe in customer choice, so when we witnessed this controversy unfold, we knew we had to take a stand," they said.

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Why the hate? -

Renowned pizzaiolo Franco Pepe suggests that the strong flavor of pineapple may clash with the traditional tomato sauce, leading to a less harmonious flavor profile. He speculated that, for some, the combination is likely too adventurous: "pineapple paired with tomato sauce might simply be too much of a flavor clash."

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Counterargument -

But fans of Hawaiian pizza appreciate the delightful contrast of sweet and savory flavors, a concept not unfamiliar to other culinary creations, such as the beloved salted caramel.

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What's in a name -

Despite its name, the 'Hawaiian' pizza may not actually have originated in Hawaii. Early mentions of pineapple as a pizza topping appear in the mid-1950s, while the term 'Hawaiian' emerged later in the decade to describe pizzas featuring pineapple and various other combinations of ingredients.

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Origins -

Many believe the commercial success of Hawaiian pizza can be traced back to 1962, when Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos introduced it at his restaurant in Canada.

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Inspiration from Italy -

Panopoulos and his brothers operated a restaurant in Ontario, Canada, initially focusing on classic diner fare like pancakes and burgers. However, inspired by a trip to Naples, Panopoulos decided to expand the menu to include pizza.

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Changing this up -

Pizza was still a relatively new concept in North America, primarily featuring traditional toppings like mushrooms, bacon, and pepperoni. Panopoulos initially followed suit, but his culinary curiosity was piqued.

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Sweet and sour -

He began experimenting with bolder flavors, introducing Americanized Chinese dishes like sweet and sour chicken–which prominently features pineapple–to his menu.

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Experimenting -

Legend has it that Panopoulos experimented by adding canned pineapple and ham to a pizza. To his surprise, this unexpected combination of sweet and savory flavors quickly became a customer favorite. The name "Hawaiian" is said to be inspired by the brand of canned pineapple Panopoulos used on his invention.

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Zero waste -

Carol Helstosky, a culinary scholar at the University of Denver who has extensively researched the history of pizza, emphasizes that Panopoulos' creation was part of a long tradition of culinary experimentation. "In Naples, pizza was a cuisine of necessity," she explains, "People used whatever ingredients were available."

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The evolution of pizza toppings -

She also points out that liverwurst and onions were common pizza toppings in the 1950s, and pepperoni didn't gain widespread popularity until the '70s. This historical context raises an interesting question: could pineapple on pizza eventually become a beloved classic?

Sources: (CNN) (GB News) (BBC) (Norwich Evening News) (YouGov)

See also: Unexpected facts about common foods

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