By Brian Hernandez
Pineapple on pizza: Just the phrase can trigger heated debates, divide families and perhaps even lead some to question long-standing friendships. But despite the controversy, pineapple as a pizza topping has managed to carve out a loyal, albeit contentious, niche. Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist who believes pizza should be adorned only with classic ingredients or someone who shudders at the thought of fruit on a pizza, there’s a strong business case for embracing this polarizing topping.
Why Serve Pineapple?
It’s easy to dismiss pineapple as a pizza topping, especially if you’re firmly in the anti-pineapple camp. You might argue that its sweetness clashes with the savory flavors of cheese and tomato sauce or that its juiciness ruins the textural integrity of a well-crafted crust. But here’s the thing: Pineapple is one of those divisive toppings that people either love or love to hate—and that strong emotion can be a boon for your business.
The Purist’s Perspective
For Dan Uccello, owner of Flo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria in Rockford, Michigan, and a proud member of the U.S. Pizza Team, the pineapple debate isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s a matter of authenticity. “The No. 1 reason I won’t use pineapple at my pizzeria is authenticity,” Uccello declares. “Pineapple strays too far from classic Italian styles.” To him, pizza’s true spirit lies in honoring its Italian roots, and pineapple is an outsider to that world.
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But would he ever consider putting pineapple on the menu if customers were willing to pay extra for it? Ucello laughs and says, “Well, how much are we talking about?” A classic Uccello move—adding a sprinkle of humor but standing firm on tradition.
This is the heart of the pineapple dilemma: While it may have a loyal following and make a bold menu statement, it also challenges deep-rooted ideals in the pizza-making world.
Offering pineapple on pizza isn’t just about satisfying the cravings of the pro-pineapple crowd. It’s about creating a dialogue, engaging with customers, and maybe even stirring up a bit of playful controversy. By putting pineapple on your menu, you’re making a statement that your pizzeria is open to experimentation and diverse tastes. You’re telling your customers, “We get it. We might not love it, but we’re here to serve you.” And don’t forget, they don’t have to order pineapple if they don’t want it. But if they do want it and you don’t have it, then no one wins but the pineapple-haters, and we can’t have that.
The Business of Pineapple Pizza: Why It Works
1. Inclusivity and Customer Appeal. Including pineapple as a topping means you’re catering to a wider range of tastes. A lot of people genuinely enjoy pineapple on their pizza, and excluding it could alienate potential customers. Being able to customize their pizza to their liking is a significant part of its appeal for many people.
2. Memorable Marketing. The debate over pineapple on pizza is an evergreen topic. You can use it to your advantage by creating marketing campaigns that are fun, engaging and sometimes even a little cheeky. Have your staff wear T-shirts that say, “Pineapple belongs here” on the front and “Or does it?” on the back. Create a social media poll asking followers to vote for or against pineapple on pizza. Use the results to offer a limited-time “Victory Pizza” for the winning side.
3. Creative Pairings: Pineapple doesn’t have to be relegated to just ham or Canadian bacon. Exploring different flavor combinations can elevate the ingredient beyond the typical Hawaiian pizza. For example, pair pineapple with spicy ingredients like jalapeños and chorizo for a sweet-heat combo or with salty, savory elements like prosciutto and arugula to balance its sweetness.
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Innovative Ways to Use Pineapple on Pizza
If you’re going to serve pineapple, why not go all out and do it in unexpected ways? Here are a few ideas for pies that I’d be proud to serve my mom.
1. Caramelized Pineapple & Bacon Pizza. Instead of using raw pineapple chunks, try caramelizing them with a bit of brown sugar and butter. The result is a topping that’s deeply sweet and slightly smoky, perfect when paired with crispy bacon. This version tones down the acidity of raw pineapple and enhances its compatibility with savory flavors.
2. Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza. Use pineapple as a complement to a hearty pulled pork and BBQ sauce pizza. The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the pork and tanginess of the sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful experience.
3. Spicy Pineapple Sriracha Shrimp Pizza. Sliced pineapple takes center stage with juicy shrimp and a bold sriracha mayo sauce. The spicy kick from the sriracha complements the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a tangy, sweet and spicy flavor explosion with every bite.
4. Pineapple Basil Pesto Chicken Pizza. Pineapple meets herbaceous basil pesto and tender pieces of grilled chicken. The fruity sweetness of the pineapple lightens the pesto’s richness, while mozzarella ties it all together for a fresh twist on tropical meets Italian.
5. Pineapple & Prosciutto. Prosciutto’s delicate saltiness is a beautiful counterpoint to pineapple’s sweetness. Add some fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a pizza that feels gourmet and sophisticated.
6. Thai Pineapple Peanut Sauce Pizza. Combine pineapple with a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce, crunchy bell peppers, red onions and shredded carrots. Topped with a sprinkle of cilantro and crushed peanuts, this pizza is a cross-cultural masterpiece with a delightful sweet, savory and nutty balance.
7. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Pizza. Fresh pineapple chunks shine with grilled teriyaki chicken, bell peppers and onions, all atop a sesame-teriyaki base. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of teriyaki glaze add an extra layer of umami, perfectly balancing the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
8. Coconut Curry Pineapple Veggie Pizza. A creamy coconut curry sauce serves as the base, topped with pineapple, roasted red peppers, zucchini and spinach. The tropical notes of the coconut and pineapple add a warm sweetness, making this a vegetarian delight with a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
9. Pineapple Chipotle Bacon Pizza. The sweetness of pineapple meets smoky, crispy bacon and a spicy chipotle sauce. The chipotle adds a bold, smoky heat that balances with the pineapple, creating a nice harmony of sweet, smoky and spicy flavors.
10. Pineapple Mango Salsa Pizza. Layer pineapple with a tropical mango salsa, featuring fresh cilantro, red onion and diced jalapeños, all on a bed of zesty lime crema. The tropical salsa elevates the sweetness of the pineapple and adds a refreshing citrusy punch that pairs beautifully with each bite.
11. Pineapple & Avocado Cream Pizza. For a fresh and creamy experience, use an avocado cream base topped with pineapple, cherry tomatoes, red onion and arugula. The creamy avocado enhances the pineapple’s sweetness, creating a uniquely smooth and fresh-tasting pizza.
Marketing Pineapple Pizzas: Fun & Engagement
When it comes to marketing pineapple on pizza, have a little fun with it. This is a subject that gets people talking, so use it to your advantage:
1. The Great Pineapple Debate. Host a friendly debate night at your pizzeria. Customers can present their case for or against pineapple on pizza, and the winning side gets a free pizza or discount on their next order. It’s a great way to get people involved and coming back for more.
2. Pineapple Pizza Challenge. Create a monthly challenge where customers can submit their most creative pineapple pizza ideas. The winning entry gets featured on the menu as the “Pineapple Pizza of the Month,” and the creator gets a free pizza.
3. Team Pineapple vs. Team Anti-Pineapple. Encourage customers to take sides by helping you create two specialty pizzas, one pro-pineapple and one anti-pineapple. Whichever pizza sells the most during a set period can be crowned the victor, with proceeds going to a local charity chosen by the winning side. To build more buzz, get some local dignitaries involved, such as the city council or the board of supervisors, or invite the city’s police department to join the contest.
4. Social Media Campaigns. Use the power of social media to get people engaged. Create quirky posts with slogans like “Pineapple: The Topping We All Love to Hate” or “Sweet, Savory and Controversial—Try Our Pineapple Pizza!” Share customer reviews, both good and bad, with a playful tone.
Final Slice
Whether you’re a fan of pineapple on pizza or not, there’s no denying its ability to spark conversation and draw in curious customers. By embracing the debate in a good-humored way and offering innovative takes on this controversial topping, you’re not just selling pizza; you’re creating a memorable experience for your customers. And at the end of the day, that’s what great pizza is all about. In the words of the great Tangina from Poltergeist, “All are welcome.”
