Stomach growling, you walk into the kitchen determined to satisfy your strong craving for something savory. Among the vast emptiness of your countertops sits a box of fresh pizza, its heavenly scent luring you towards the contents inside– what should be a thick, pillowy crust layered with rich tomato sauce and stretchy mozzarella that melts in your mouth. Licking your lips, you cave in and open the box. Only, the pizza doesn’t have the vibrant glow you imagined. Scattered chunks of pineapple fill your vision instead, and suddenly, your appetite is lost.

   This scene is one all too relatable, and it’s for completely valid reasons. Pineapple does not belong on pizza, and no matter how long the hot topic is put into question, it never will.

   Of course, when it comes to any flavor combination, the idea that “opposites attract” plays a vital role in the overall balance of the pair. Think the richness of chocolate and the savory of peanut butter, or the sweet and sour of a Sour Patch; these combinations only work so well together because one flavor doesn’t mask the other. When it comes to pineapple on pizza, you may immediately think that the sweetness of pineapple matches up perfectly with the savory cheese pizza. However, the logic here technically doesn’t apply. Pineapples are known to bring their sour taste to the table, and tomato sauce plays the same role. Put them together, and you only get an overload of confusion: pockets of tang interrupting the perfect ratio of crust to sauce to cheese.

   Nonetheless, the distinct taste of pineapple can definitely add to a meal, as long as it’s in the right proportions! Take steakhouses, for example. Grilled pineapple is served alongside the main meats, often offered for the customer to take a light break between heavy proteins. In this case, the tangy fruit doesn’t have the opportunity to overpower its counterparts. Sadly enough, the same can’t be said for the fruit’s role on the already-packed flavor palate of pizza.

   If pineapple can’t strengthen the flavor of a pizza, perhaps its only benefit is the nutrients it contributes. But at what cost? Pizza is the usual epitome of junk food, yet everyone still loves the classic meal. Look at it this way: adding bananas to your ice cream sundae doesn’t exactly make the dessert a healthy one. In the case of pineapple on pizza, the fresh fruit by itself would likely make for a healthier alternative.

   While both sides of the “Pineapple on Pizza Debate” constantly claim superiority over the other, the objective fact is that we all have our own tastes, and food can get much better than pineapple on pizza! Pineapple slices right out the fridge never fail to provide refreshment, which is something we can always rely on. Pineapple on pizza is a different story, and you wouldn’t want a slice of that action!

   The pineapple on pizza debate is a legendary controversy. You’re either a pizza originalist, or, you’re on the right side, and love to eat adventurously. 

   What do chocolate covered-pretzels, cheese and guava pastelitos, prosciutto-wrapped melon, and salted caramel have in common? Two words: contrasting flavors. The combination of sweet and salty is universally loved, and for good reason. The combo prevents sickly sweet flavors or overly savory elements from completely taking over a dish. If you love any of those iconic combos, then pineapple on pizza is a no-brainer. 

   While pineapple doesn’t really run the risk of being overly sweet and pizza isn’t an outstandingly salty dish, they do create that golden balance when they come together. Whether you like a Hawaiian pizza or simply a cheese pizza topped with golden pineapple nuggets, the flavors explode in your mouth. The acidity of the tomato sauce plus the saltiness of the cheese are balanced out by the sweet, juicy pineapple flavor–if you can’t decide whether to satisfy your sweet tooth or your cravings for something savory, pizza with pineapple is the perfect compromise. 

   Even if you’re strictly a savory pizza lover, here’s another reason to try out pizza with pineapple–pineapples may add a little bit of nutrition to the dish. Although enjoying a meal shouldn’t always revolve about nutrition or being healthy, why not take it when it comes? Pineapples are rich in vitamin C, which is essential to boost your immune system and energy, as well as other minerals and antioxidants that aid in digestion (which may be essential for lactose-intolerant pizza lovers!)

   To take your pineapple pizza to the next level, try it with a side of ranch. The creaminess, saltiness, and tanginess of the sauce complement the sweet pineapple, acidic tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. As the saying goes, “diversity is the spice of life”, and that goes especially for food–and especially for such an iconic and often-consumed food like pizza. We play around with toppings (pepperoni, olives, peppers, etc), crust (thin and crispy, doughy and chewy, cauliflower), and styles (Detroit, Chicago, New York), and sauces (alfredo, tomato, pesto). So why not add pineapple into the mix? 

   Even if you can’t be convinced by the sweet and salty balance, nutritional boost, or diversity factor, give pineapple pizza a try. You never know what you might like: who knows, maybe you might change and switch over to the other–better–side.