Pineapple on pizza, or as it’s commonly known as “Hawaiian pizza,” has been subject to many debates in the culinary world. You have those who hate it passionately as well as people who love it passionately. Some argue that in contrast, one of the most important things when it comes to culinary arts is what makes pineapple pizza great. The contrast of the sweetness of pineapple with the saltiness of cheese and ham on a greasy slice of pizza many think makes for an interesting flavor. Junior and pizza expert Jayce Thompson believes that “Pizza has always been about customization and creativity. Pineapple as a topping exemplifies this spirit of innovation. The sweet, juicy burst of pineapple complements the savory flavor of ham or bacon typically found on a “Hawaiian” pizza, creating a balance of tastes that excites the palate. This contrast between sweet and salty is a culinary principle found in many beloved dishes around the world.”

While many others consider pineapple on pizza to be total blasphemy, the idea of something sweet and savory like pineapple on a salty slice of pizza absolutely disgusts them. Many purists consider pineapple on pizza to even be disrespectful to Italy where pizza originated because it is an unnatural topping for the food. The juiciness of pineapple as well at first glance would ruin the texture of a warm gooey slice of pizza with the crispy crust.

Ironically, the origin of Hawaiian pizza is in Canada, made by a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulpos at the Satellite Restaurant in Ontario, Canada. It was inspired by his time working at a Chinese restaurant where it was common to mix sweet and salty flavors. Although the experimental toppings of pineapple and ham weren’t initially enjoyed, they slowly gained a solid base of enjoyers across the world. The origins of this pizza shows another layer to this argument, showing how foods generally just evolve and change over time. 

Despite the controversy over pineapple on pizza, pineapple on pizza still has many fans who argue that life should be about experimentation. Junior at Elkhart High School Jayce Thompson stated that “Even if you  personally don’t love it, I think people should actually go out and try new things, pineapple pizza is a testament to the diversity and adaptability of pizza itself..” In the end, whether you’re a fan or a critic, pineapple on pizza has earned its place as one of the most polarizing yet iconic food debates of our time.