6 Pizza Toppings You Should Avoid (Unless You Really Love Them)
Pizza night should be easy. You pick your favorite crust, pile on the cheese, add a few toppings, and enjoy. But some toppings can turn an otherwise delicious pie into something you wish you’d ordered differently.
Americans certainly have strong opinions about what belongs on pizza. A 2023 YouGov survey found that pepperoni was the country’s favorite topping, while anchovies were the least favorite. Some other unpopular choices might surprise you.
Here are six pizza toppings worth a second thought before you place your next order.
Anchovies
Anchovies might be a traditional pizza topping, but they aren’t winning many popularity contests in America.
These tiny fish pack an intensely salty, briny flavor that can easily overpower the cheese, sauce, and everything else on your slice.
According to YouGov’s 2023 survey, 42% of Americans said they hated anchovies on pizza, while only 1% named them their favorite topping.
If you’re ordering for a group, probably reserve anchovies for a personal pizza rather than the pie everyone has to share.
Related Post:5 Frozen Pizzas You Should Avoid Due to Serious Cancer Risks
Eggplant
Eggplant sounds like a sophisticated addition to pizza, especially when paired with mozzarella and tomato sauce. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always deliver the texture people expect.
Poorly prepared eggplant can become soft and spongy, creating an awkward contrast with a crispy pizza crust.
And Americans aren’t particularly enthusiastic about it. In 2023, YouGov reported that 28% of respondents hated eggplant as a pizza topping.
If you love eggplant, properly roasting it before adding it to pizza can make a big difference. Otherwise, sticking with more familiar vegetables might be the safer bet.
Artichokes
Artichokes often appear on fancy restaurant pizzas, particularly alongside spinach, garlic, and creamy sauces.
However, their slightly earthy flavor and distinctive texture aren’t everyone’s idea of a great slice.
In YouGov’s 2023 pizza survey, 26% of Americans said they hated artichokes as a topping.
Marinated artichokes can also add moisture and a tangy flavor that changes a pizza’s character.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying them, but they might not be the smartest choice when ordering for picky eaters.
Jalapeños
A little heat can make pizza exciting, but jalapeños can quickly steal the spotlight.
Their spicy kick works beautifully for people who enjoy bold flavors. For everyone else, one unexpectedly fiery bite can overshadow the rest of the pizza.
YouGov’s 2023 findings showed that 24% of Americans hated jalapeños on pizza, while 8% picked them as their least favorite topping.
If your household is divided over spicy food, ordering jalapeños on just half the pizza is an easy way to keep everyone happy.
Broccoli
Broccoli has its place at the dinner table, but pizza is where things get controversial.
Its firm stalks and florets can feel out of place against stretchy cheese and soft tomato sauce, especially if the broccoli hasn’t been prepared carefully.
A 2021 poll involving 6,168 U.S. adults found that 39% disliked broccoli on pizza.
Roasted broccoli can work well on a white pizza with garlic and cheese. But if you’re hoping for a classic pizza experience, save it for another meal.
Pineapple
Few pizza toppings start arguments quite like pineapple.
Fans love the combination of juicy sweetness, salty ham, and melted cheese. Critics argue that fruit has no business sitting on a savory pizza.
The disagreement is real. In an October 2025 YouGov survey, 48% of Americans said they liked or loved pineapple on pizza, while 44% disliked or hated it.
Pineapple can also add unwanted moisture when too much is used, potentially leaving parts of the crust soggy.
If Hawaiian pizza is your favorite, enjoy it. Just don’t assume everyone at the table shares your enthusiasm.
Ultimately, no pizza topping is universally wrong, but knowing which ingredients divide opinions can save your next pizza night from disappointment.
