Britain’s most popular pizza topping has been revealed with an unsurprising favourite taking the crown.
It has become a staple meal in many kitchens across the country but what should and shouldn’t be on top of a pizza is still very much up for debate among Brits.
Whether pineapple does or doesn’t belong on pizza can lead to many a heated discussion in households.
While at the same time, with the rise of sourdough bases and artisanal woodfired crusts, more fancy toppings such as prosciutto are also growing in popularity.
But a new survey has finally settled any debate by revealing an unsurprising favourite is the country’s most beloved pizza topping.
The poll, launched by East Pizzas to mark the upcoming national Pizza Day, has revealed that pepperoni remains the nation’s favourite with 41 per cent of Brits choosing the meaty topping.
Mozzarella was a close second at 36 per cent, followed by Chicken at 30 per cent.
The controversial choice of pineapple just missed out on the top ten and the survey also put to bed the debate whether the fruit belongs on the Italian foodstuff – with over half of respondents saying yes.
It has become a staple meal in many kitchens across the country but what does and doesn’t belong on top of a pizza is still very much up for debate among Brits
Pepperoni is the nation’s favourite pizza topping with 41 per cent of Brits crowning the sausage their top topping
Britain’s changing eating habits have also been shown with a rise of ‘posh pizzas’.
Roly Simpson, founder of East Pizzas, said: ‘Pepperoni is still Britain’s favourite pizza topping but the tide is turning with 64 per cent of us now choosing posh pizzas with sourdough bases, artisan toppings and wood-fired crusts. The top ten could look very different in a few years.
‘And we’re thrilled, but not surprised, to see Gen Z crown pizza as their favourite food. Whether it’s a classic Margherita, posh toppings or one of our bold signature creations, pizza brings people together in a way few other foods do.
‘We’re seeing a sharp rise in demand for premium toppings like hot honey, burrata and nduja as people turn their backs on floppy, overpriced takeaways; the posh pizza is here to stay!’
Interestingly the research also showed we’re ditching takeaways in favour of cook at home options, with three quarters saying they’ve ditched mass-brand takeaways.
And it turns out we may well be turning into a nation of ‘pizzaiolos’, an Italian term used to describe a professional pizza maker, as 32 per cent say they make theirs from scratch or buy a pre-made dough ball or base.
A ham and pineapple pizza coming out of a pizza oven. It has long been a debate whether the fruit belongs on the Italian foodstuff. Over half of Brits asked said pineapple does belong on pizza
Less than one in five now order in due to reasons including cost, lack of freshness or seeking a healthier pizza option.
Roly Simpson added: ‘As a nation we love pizza, but we’re getting a bit more thoughtful about what goes into it.
‘Our research shows that 65 per cent of people are actively choosing food without ultra-processed ingredients, and that’s shaping how we eat pizza too.’
National Pizza Day will take place on February 9.
