Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Quattro Stagioni
- Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
- Veggie Medley Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
The debate over the perfect pizza has raged for centuries, with passionate food enthusiasts defending their favourites across continents. Yet amidst all the culinary controversy, one extraordinary creation stands tall above the rest, challenging tradition and delighting taste buds worldwide. Prepare to reconsider everything you thought you knew about pizza excellence.
Why pineapple pizza reigns supreme
The Hawaiian pizza, created by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos in Canada back in 1962, represents a revolutionary approach to pizza-making that has forever changed the landscape of this beloved food. Panopoulos, inspired by the contrasting flavours in Chinese sweet and sour dishes, made the bold decision to add canned pineapple to traditional pizza toppings, creating what many now acknowledge as the pinnacle of pizza perfection. Despite its name suggesting origins from the American island state, the term ‘Hawaiian’ actually derives from the brand of tinned pineapple Panopoulos used in his original creation.
The perfect sweet and savoury balance
What elevates pineapple pizza above all other contenders is its unmatched flavour harmony. The natural sweetness of pineapple creates a magnificent contrast against the savoury backdrop of tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and ham or bacon. This interplay between sweet and savoury creates a sensory experience that simpler pizzas simply cannot achieve. While traditional varieties rely solely on savoury elements, the Hawaiian pizza introduces complexity that engages more taste receptors, delivering a more complete culinary experience with every bite.
Nutritional advantages over traditional toppings
Beyond its superior taste profile, pineapple brings nutritional benefits that other toppings cannot match. Pineapple contributes essential vitamins and enzymes lacking in conventional pizza varieties. Pineapple contains bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, along with significant vitamin C and manganese. The combination of fruit with traditional protein and dairy elements creates a more balanced nutritional profile than classic options like margherita or pepperoni, which tend to be heavier and less nutritionally diverse. This makes pineapple pizza not just delicious but also a smarter choice for the health-conscious pizza lover.
Comparing pineapple pizza to other contenders
When examining the global pizza landscape, the Hawaiian variety stands out for its boldness and innovation. Traditional pizzas from Naples, despite their protected status granted by the EU in 2009, offer a more limited flavour experience. The Neapolitan pizza, while respected for its heritage, lacks the exciting flavour contrasts that have made pineapple pizza a worldwide phenomenon. The Hawaiian pizza takes the fundamental elements that make pizza great and elevates them through thoughtful innovation.
How it outshines classic margherita and pepperoni
Classic margherita relies on simplicity with its tomato, mozzarella and basil composition, while pepperoni offers a one-dimensional spicy meat experience. Neither provides the sophisticated interplay of flavours found in a well-crafted pineapple pizza. The sweetness of pineapple cuts through the richness of cheese and saltiness of ham in a way that creates balance rather than overwhelming any single element. This balance is why, despite vocal critics like Gordon Ramsay, pineapple pizza continues to grow in popularity among discerning pizza enthusiasts who appreciate complexity in their food experiences.
Global recognition of pineapple pizza excellence
The global standing of pineapple pizza speaks volumes about its superior quality. In 1999, Hawaiian pizza claimed the title of most popular pizza in Australia, representing an impressive 15% of all pizza sales. Similarly, a 2015 UK survey identified Hawaiian pizza as the most commonly found pizza in takeaways across the country. Even amid controversy, such as when the President of Iceland jokingly threatened to ban pineapple on pizza in 2017, public figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and actor Dwayne Johnson have publicly defended this culinary masterpiece. The passionate debate itself demonstrates the impact and importance of pineapple pizza in global food culture, with top chefs like Franco Pepe now creating gourmet versions using fresh pineapple paired with prosciutto, elevating the concept even further.
