It’s an argument that everyone’s been involved in at one point or another: is pineapple on pizza good, or is it disgusting?  While this may seem like an argument of personal opinion, there is some evidence pointing towards a correct answer. 

It’s no secret that salty and sweet combos are fan-favorites—such as ice cream and french fries, or chocolate covered pretzels—and there’s actually a scientific reason for this. There are certain receptors on your tongue that are triggered by salty and sweet flavors combined, meaning that salty and sweet combinations actually do taste better.

“It gives it a sweeter flavor while the pizza is kind of dense and salty,” Bryson Tigues (11) said.

Not only is pineapple on pizza scientifically proven to taste good, it also can be really important for people who don’t have access to fresh fruits. America has a huge problem with food deserts, which, according to the dictionary, are an “urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food.” And while pineapple on your pizza isn’t the same as eating a fruit salad, it may be one of the only ways to get essential vitamins. Pineapple is a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, and the fruit helps to reduce inflammation, strengthen bones, and help with skin health. If pineapple is an option when either ordering takeout or picking up a frozen pizza, then people may be able to get necessary vitamins and minerals, even if it’s only a little.

Sometimes, though, there’s no real reason why someone likes something. It’s all about personal opinion. Kaylee Skinner (12) said that she likes pineapple on pizza “because it’s good.”

So what does this mean? It means that maybe we should all be a little nicer when discussing what pizzas to order for your next movie night. 

There is one pizza topping that has haunted many over the past few decades: pineapple. Since its introduction in 1962, people have questioned whether pineapple is a cursed topping, or a perfect match. The answer is clear when you look into the history of pizza

Pizza originated in Italy, and the first use of pineapple on pizza happened far away from here. Greek-born Canadian, Sam Panopoulus, is credited with creating the first Hawaiian pizza. It is important to consider the authenticity of pineapple on pizza. 

“I don’t think fruit should be on a pizza,” Olivia Marino (11), the daughter of an Italian pizza shop owner, said. 

Another argument for why pineapple does not work as a topping is that it is warm when served. Cooked or warm fruit is a separate debate itself, but several people dislike the taste of cooked pineapple, and believe that fruit in general should not be served warm.

“I don’t like cooked fruit. I think fruit should be cold and refreshing,” Ashlyn Stafford (12) said.

When looking at the food science of pineapple on pizza, it is important to think of what each topping brings to the pizza. Pineapple brings very little. The typical tomato sauce on a pizza brings the acidity needed to balance a pizza, when pineapple is added to the mix, it can create an imbalance in acidity.

“The fruitiness with the sauce and cheese just doesn’t mix,” Chase Eberwein (12) said. 

The truth of it is, pineapple on pizza is not an end all be all. People are entitled to their own pizza topping preferences, with or without reasoning. Because the truth of it is not everyone has a detailed reason for disliking pineapple on pizza.

“It’s disgusting,” math teacher Michael McFadden said.