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Let’s be honest — pizza is sacred. Crispy crust, melty cheese, a good tomato sauce… it’s the universal comfort food. But every once in a while, you’re at a party or family dinner, starving, and you open the box hoping for a classic pepperoni or maybe a veggie combo — and bam.
There it is. A slice with something weird on it.
The last slice no one wants. The one you could eat… but like, should you?
From fishy toppings to fruity curveballs, let’s talk about the pizza toppings that divide families, start debates, and occasionally ruin friendships. These are the toppings that — depending on who you ask — are either culinary genius or crimes against crust.
1. Anchovies – The Salty Little Fish That Starts Fights
Anchovies are basically the food equivalent of strong opinions — small, intense, and not for the faint of heart.
They’re tiny, oily, and packed with salt and umami (that fifth “savory” taste food nerds love to talk about). If you love them, they’re essential. If you don’t, even one fillet can make an entire pizza taste like the ocean’s basement.
Are they technically gourmet? Sure. Are they divisive? 100%.
Honestly, anchovies are the reason some people read the toppings list twice before biting in. Proceed with caution.
2. Pineapple – Sweet Dreams or Pizza Blasphemy?
Ah yes — the Great Pineapple Debate™.
This one has been sparking arguments since forever. People get really worked up about it. On one side: fans who say the sweet/salty combo of pineapple and ham is “chef’s kiss.” On the other side: people who think fruit should stay far away from melted cheese.
Personally? Cooked pineapple is weirdly juicy. Like, why is my crust wet?
That said, millions swear by it — and if it gets kids to eat something other than chicken nuggets, maybe it’s doing something right.
3. Sardines – Anchovies, But Make It Chunkier
If anchovies are bold, sardines are… extra bold. Like anchovies’ overconfident cousin.
They’re bigger, oilier, and even more fish-forward. Great if you grew up on Mediterranean street food. Less great if your seafood preferences stop at “crispy shrimp basket.”
Honestly, sardines on pizza feel like someone lost a bet. Unless you’re in Italy, in which case it’s probably amazing and I’m just uncultured.
4. Durian – A Pizza Topping That Smells Like Regret
If you’ve never had durian, just know this: it’s banned on public transport in some countries because of the smell.
It’s creamy, custardy, and some people love it. But on pizza? With cheese and crust and sauce?
That’s a hard pass for most people.
Durian pizza does exist — especially in parts of Southeast Asia — and it has legit fans. But if you’re not used to it, it’s like biting into sweet garlic pudding on toast that smells vaguely like old gym socks. Sorry.
5. Blue Cheese – Funky or Just… Funk?
Blue cheese is that one friend who always shows up overdressed — bold, loud, and hard to ignore.
It adds a sharp, tangy kick that some people live for. But others? They take one whiff and nope right out.
The flavor is moldy on purpose (because of the Penicillium mold), which sounds fancy until you realize your pizza smells like your fridge’s crisper drawer in July.
Delicious for some. Too much drama for others.
6. Canned Tuna – Pantry Staple or Pizza Sabotage?
Canned tuna has its place — in sandwiches, casseroles, or eaten directly over the sink at 11 p.m. But on pizza?
It’s… controversial.
Some European countries love it. Tuna pizza is a thing in Germany, for example. But for others, the combo of fish, cheese, and crust feels like a dare. Add some onions and olives and it starts tasting like your coworker’s desk lunch reheated in the breakroom microwave.
Hard pass for many, though protein lovers might defend it with passion.
7. Pickles – Are We Okay?
This one feels like it came out of a TikTok trend gone rogue.
Thinly sliced dill pickles, laid over cheese and tomato sauce, do create a tangy, briny bite. But here’s the thing: it also kind of tastes like eating a cheeseburger… without the burger.
Pickle lovers (you know who you are) say it’s genius. Everyone else? They’re wondering who brought the novelty pizza and why it tastes like a prank.
8. Olives – Love ’Em or Loathe ’Em
Black olives have been a pizza topping since forever, and yet… they still spark debates.
Salty, slightly bitter, and oddly chewy, they either add the perfect briny balance or overpower the entire slice.
If you’re into them, great. But if you’re not, picking them off just leaves sad little oily circles on your cheese — and somehow, they still taste like olives.
9. Hot Dogs – What Even Are We Doing?
Hot dogs on pizza is one of those “just because we can doesn’t mean we should” situations.
Maybe it’s a nostalgic thing. Maybe it’s a budget thing. Maybe someone just thought, “What if we turned school lunch into dinner?”
Either way, chopped-up hot dogs on pizza feel… off. The smoky, processed meat flavor doesn’t always play well with sauce and cheese, and the texture gets weird when reheated.
Fun for kids. Confusing for adults.
10. Corn – Sweet Niblets of Controversy
Corn is one of those toppings that seems harmless — until you realize it’s splitting pizza opinions in half.
In places like South Korea, Brazil, and Japan, corn on pizza is normal. Sweet, bright, and surprisingly common.
In other places? People see corn and immediately assume the pizza’s not for them.
It’s sweet, slightly chewy, and throws off the balance if you’re expecting a salty slice. But hey, food fusion is a thing — and maybe corn’s just ahead of its time.
11. Eggplant – Squishy or Savory?
Eggplant on pizza sounds healthy. Grilled veggies! Mediterranean vibes! Adulting!
But here’s the reality: if not cooked just right, eggplant gets weird. Mushy. A little slimy. And the flavor? Kind of neutral at best.
To its credit, it does soak up sauce beautifully, and it’s a go-to for vegetarians. But for the average meat lover or cheese-first kind of person, eggplant pizza can feel like a soggy compromise.
Final Thoughts: Just Don’t Touch My Slice
Pizza is personal. What’s disgusting to one person might be another’s go-to order. Some people put mayo and shrimp on theirs. Others swear by banana curry pizza (looking at you, Sweden).
So yeah — food is subjective. But if you ever see anchovies, durian, or hot dogs on my slice?
You can have it. I’ll wait for the next box.
Your turn!
What’s your no-go pizza topping? The one that makes you say “actually, I’m full” even when you’re starving? Drop it in the comments — and no judgment (unless it’s durian).