Canada's diverse culture is reflected in our pizza preferences. From coast to coast, Canadians have developed unique topping combinations that might surprise visitors. Based on our delivery data and national surveys, here are the top five pizza toppings that Canadians can't get enough of.
1. Pepperoni: The Undisputed Champion
Classic pepperoni pizza - Canada's favorite topping
No surprises here – pepperoni reigns supreme across Canada, accounting for approximately 30% of all pizza orders. This spicy, slightly smoky cured meat has been a staple on Canadian pizzas since the dish first gained popularity in the mid-20th century.
What might be surprising is how pepperoni varies across the country. In Atlantic Canada, pepperoni is often spicier than in the west, while Quebec tends to prefer a thinner-sliced variety. In Windsor, Ontario, a unique regional style features shredded pepperoni rather than sliced.
Interestingly, while Americans also love pepperoni, Canadian pepperoni is typically spicier and smaller in diameter than its American counterpart – a subtle but important distinction that pizza connoisseurs are quick to point out.
2. Mushrooms: The Versatile Vegetable
Coming in second are mushrooms, appearing on roughly 25% of Canadian pizza orders. Mushrooms are particularly popular in British Columbia and Ontario, where they often appear alongside pepperoni in the classic "pep and mushroom" combination.
While button mushrooms are the standard, gourmet pizzerias across Canada have been experimenting with varieties like shiitake, portobello, and oyster mushrooms to create more complex flavor profiles. In Vancouver and Toronto especially, wild mushroom pizzas have become a trendy menu item at artisanal pizzerias.
3. Bacon: The Canadian Twist
Canadian bacon adds a unique flavor to our pizzas
While Americans might reach for Italian sausage, Canadians have a particular fondness for bacon on pizza. And no, we're not talking about "Canadian bacon" (which is actually ham) – we mean real, crispy bacon.
Bacon appears on approximately 20% of Canadian pizza orders, often paired with other toppings like mushrooms or even pineapple. In Quebec, a local variation sometimes includes lardons – thicker, chewier pieces of bacon that add a more substantial texture.
The smoky, salty flavor of bacon complements the sweetness of tomato sauce and the richness of cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile that Canadians have embraced wholeheartedly.
4. Pineapple: The Controversial Contender
Love it or hate it, pineapple is undeniably popular in Canada – after all, Hawaiian pizza was invented here! Approximately 18% of Canadian pizza orders include this controversial topping, typically paired with ham (or bacon) to create the sweet-and-salty combination that defines Hawaiian pizza.
Interestingly, pineapple's popularity varies significantly by region. It's most popular in Western Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta, while Quebec has the lowest rate of pineapple orders.
Despite international debates about whether pineapple belongs on pizza, Canadians have proudly stood by this homegrown innovation. When Iceland's president jokingly suggested banning pineapple on pizza in 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in defense of this Canadian creation.
5. Extra Cheese: The Indulgent Option
Extra cheese adds an indulgent touch to any pizza
Rounding out our top five is not technically a topping, but a modification that appears on approximately 15% of Canadian pizza orders: extra cheese. While mozzarella is the standard, many Canadians opt for a blend of cheeses including cheddar, which adds a sharper flavor profile.
In Quebec, where cheese production is an important part of the culinary landscape, local cheeses like Oka or smoked Gouda sometimes make appearances on gourmet pizzas. In the Maritimes, some specialty pizzerias even experiment with adding traditional Atlantic Canadian cheeses.
The popularity of extra cheese speaks to Canadians' love of indulgent comfort food, especially during our long, cold winters when a hot, cheesy pizza delivered to the door is the perfect antidote to sub-zero temperatures.
Regional Honorable Mentions
Beyond these top five national favorites, several regional specialties deserve recognition:
- Atlantic Canada: Donair meat, inspired by the popular Halifax donair sandwich
- Quebec: Smoked meat, bringing Montreal's famous deli tradition to pizza
- Ontario: Hot peppers, particularly popular in Toronto's Italian neighborhoods
- Prairie Provinces: Perogy pizza, featuring potato, bacon, and sour cream
- British Columbia: Salmon, reflecting the region's seafood culture
The Verdict
Canada's pizza preferences reflect our national character – a blend of traditional favorites with innovative twists, shaped by our diverse cultural influences and regional specialties. Whether you're a pepperoni purist or a pineapple proponent, one thing is clear: Canadians take their pizza toppings seriously.
Next time you order pizza delivery in Canada, consider trying one of these popular topping combinations. Or better yet, create your own uniquely Canadian combination – after all, culinary innovation is part of our national heritage!
