When it comes to pizza toppings, Canadians have their own unique preferences that reflect our diverse culture and regional specialties. At Pizza73, we've been tracking topping trends for decades, and we're excited to share our findings on the most beloved pizza toppings across the country.
1. Pepperoni
No surprises here! Pepperoni remains the undisputed champion of pizza toppings in Canada, accounting for nearly 30% of all single-topping pizza orders. The spicy, slightly smoky flavor of this cured meat has been a staple on Canadian pizzas since the 1950s. At Pizza73, we use premium pepperoni that's sliced to the perfect thickness for optimal flavor and texture.
2. Mushrooms
Coming in second place are mushrooms, beloved for their earthy flavor and meaty texture. They're particularly popular in Ontario and Quebec, where they're often paired with green peppers and bacon for a truly Canadian pizza experience.
3. Bacon
Canadians love their bacon, both the traditional strip bacon and the round "Canadian bacon" (which is actually back bacon or ham). Either way, this salty, smoky addition brings unforgettable flavor to any pizza and ranks consistently high in our ordering data.
Popular pizza toppings ready to be added to Pizza73's signature crust
4. Extra Cheese
Many Canadians opt for extra cheese on their pizzas, proving that you can never have too much of a good thing. The blend of mozzarella and cheddar that Pizza73 uses creates the perfect melt and stretch that pizza lovers crave.
5. Green Peppers
Adding a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to pizzas, green peppers are the most popular vegetable topping after mushrooms. They're especially beloved in Western Canada, where they're often combined with onions and mushrooms for a veggie trio.
6. Pineapple
The controversial but undeniably Canadian topping! While the debate over pineapple on pizza rages on globally, Canadians have embraced this sweet and tangy addition. In fact, the famous "Hawaiian" pizza (pineapple and ham) was invented in Canada by Sam Panopoulos in 1962. Our data shows that pineapple is particularly popular in British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces.
7. Hot Peppers
Canadians who enjoy a bit of heat often choose hot peppers (banana peppers or jalapeños) to spice up their pizzas. This topping has seen a 15% increase in popularity over the last five years, indicating that Canadian palates are embracing more adventurous flavors.
"Regional pizza preferences tell us a lot about Canadian food culture. From the spicy preferences in urban centers to the traditional combinations favored in rural areas, pizza toppings are a delicious window into our diverse tastes."
- Michael Rodriguez, Head Chef at Pizza73
8. Italian Sausage
Italian sausage brings savory, herb-infused flavor that pairs perfectly with our signature tomato sauce. This topping is especially popular in areas with strong Italian-Canadian communities, like parts of Toronto and Montreal.
9. Onions
Adding depth and aroma to any pizza, onions rank high on the list of favorite toppings. They're most commonly ordered as part of a combination rather than solo, complementing meats and other vegetables beautifully.
10. Ham
Rounding out our top 10 is ham, which offers a milder alternative to pepperoni or bacon while still providing that satisfying savory quality. It's the key component in several popular pizza combinations, including the aforementioned Hawaiian pizza.
Regional Variations
Our analysis revealed some interesting regional differences in topping preferences:
- British Columbia: Tends to favor more plant-based toppings, with a higher percentage of vegetarian orders than any other province.
- Prairie Provinces: Meat lovers dominate here, with pepperoni, bacon, and sausage leading the way.
- Ontario: Shows the most diverse topping preferences, reflecting its multicultural population.
- Quebec: Unique combinations are popular here, with toppings like smoked meat appearing more frequently than in other regions.
- Atlantic Canada: Seafood toppings like shrimp are more common here than anywhere else in the country.
At Pizza73, we celebrate these regional differences while maintaining the high quality and consistency our customers expect. Whether you're a pepperoni purist or a pineapple enthusiast, we've got the perfect pizza for your Canadian taste buds.
What's your favorite pizza topping combination? Let us know in the comments or on social media using #Pizza73Toppings!
