Sardines, pickles and pineapple are acceptable pizza toppings - but baked beans, rhubarb and oysters are a no-go, according to a poll.
A study of 2,000 Brits has settled the debate on what toppings should – and shouldn’t – feature on a pizza, with eggs, avocado and spinach also among the controversial toppings that also make great additions.
However, the ever-debatable topping of pineapple featured as the most acceptable topping of all, with 80 per cent in agreement.
But oysters, rhubarb and beetroot are definitely off the menu, as well as anything sweet, such as strawberries, cherries and chocolate.
The research, commissioned by TABASCO Brand to celebrate national pizza month, also found 64 per cent get bored of ‘standard’ pizza toppings.
While 48 per cent like to experiment with what’s on top of their pies to make things more interesting.
But pizza fans don’t just limit their experimenting to pineapple and ham anymore, with some flavour connoisseurs admitting to trying – and enjoying – over-the-top ingredients like peanut butter and jam, marshmallows and even crocodile.
A spokesman for the hot sauce maker said: "Pineapple, eggs and hot sauce can all be controversial additions when it comes to pizza.
"So we’re excited to spark a toppings debate to discover what else Brits believe should and shouldn’t be served up on pies."
Over-the-top toppings
The study also found pizzas are getting saucier in the UK, with 49 per cent using them for drizzling over or dipping slices into them to add more flavour.
Pizza-lovers are even dialling up the heat, with 46 per cent spicing them up.
Of those, 25 per cent will opt for ‘very spicy’ on their slices of cheesy goodness.
In addition to going ‘OTT’ on toppings, people have also admitted to the quirky ways they eat their pizzas with 47 per cent believing it’s acceptable to eat the crust first.
And 53 per cent think it’s fine to eat a slice cold, and 47 per cent reckon it's OK to have it for breakfast the next day.
One thing’s for sure, however you slice it up, pizza is here to stay with 48 per cent of those who eat pizza, polled via OnePoll, claiming they couldn’t live without it.
And they will indulge in it more than once a week during a typical month.
Celebrating the quirky combinations Brit’s love, TABASCO Brand is offering limited-edition, over-the-top pizza toppings for the month of October to keep things exciting for pizza month.
A TABASCO Brand spokesperson added: “Pizza is truly the perfect food for experimenting with hot sauces.
"The cheese counteracts the heat, allowing people to try flavours that may seem spicier than they’re used and the acidity of the vinegar cuts thru the rich flavours.
"Together it makes even a simple margherita pizza light up.”
Top 20 pizza toppings Brits think are acceptable
- Pineapple
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Goats cheese
- Minced beef
- Tuna
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Coronation chicken
- Chili oil
- Prawns
- Lamb
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Duck
- Broccoli
- Jalapenos Jam, Jelly or chutney
- Pickles
- Mac and cheese
Top 20 pizza toppings that Brits think are unacceptable
- Rhubarb
- Nutella
- Cherries
- Strawberry
- Peach
- Chocolate
- Crisps
- Banana
- Fish fingers
- Pasta
- Nachos
- Oysters
- Honey
- Chips
- Jackfruit
- Calamari
- Baked beans
- Scallops
- Pumpkin
- Squash
