Part of developing a refined palette is realizing that pineapple does, in fact, belong on pizza. Other toppings create a one-note flavor, leading the consumer to nothing but disappointment.

Admittedly, putting the tropical fruit on the Italian classic seems like something from  a fever dream. However, sweet and savory is a classic combination enjoyed in countless ways, such as snacking on caramel popcorn or dipping fries in a Wendy’s Frosty. Pineapple’s soft sweetness matched with the saltiness of the cheese and sauce (bonus points if there’s ham, making it Hawaiian) creates the perfect, well-rounded bite. 

The internet hatred surrounding this delicious topping has created a sense of ignorance towards this combo. Many pizza lovers have strong opinions about this topic without actually having tried pineapple on pizza. This unbased distaste, while causing unfair judgement towards the consumer, can work to the benefit of pineapple-pizza enjoyers.

Living with other people  means labeling leftovers. Unless a gang of elves shuffle through my family’s refrigerator every time I have lunch saved for tomorrow, it’s my siblings who decide that my food would look better on their plate. However, every time we choose Hawaiian on pizza night, I can rest easy knowing that any leftovers will still be there when I’m hungry.

Pineapple also elevates any other pizza topping. Pepperoni and pineapple? Sweet and spicy. Sausage, peppers, spinach, ham the list goes on. When pineapple is cooked, the sugar is caramelized as the fruit becomes soft. This caramelized sugar completely changes the flavor profile, making the topping ideal for those who aren’t a fan of the fresh variety. The fruit’s acidity is also mellowed by the enhanced sweetness. 

While the flavor of the pineapple may change through the cooking process, the health benefits remain. Pineapple has a slew of vitamins and minerals, as well as being high in fiber, which benefits the digestive system. Granted, the fact that the pineapple is on top of a greasy, unhealthy pizza can make the health benefits of the fruit seem unimportant. However, consuming one too many pieces of pizza with pineapple on top can now be loosely justified.

Introducing pineapple to pizza night can also create a change of pace. Just like listening to the same song on repeat, ordering the same type of pizza each time can cause it to lose its charm.

According to Lauren Graf, clinical dietitian for the Cardiac Wellness Program at Montefiore Health System in New York City, becoming more adventurous when ordering can have many benefits, “Branching out past your comfort zone encourages you to develop a taste for foods that are likely healthier and more nutrient-rich,” said Graf in an interview with CBS. “You are also less likely to get bored with meals or feel deprived.”

Choosing what topping to add to a pizza can be a difficult choice. Sadly, pineapple often gets dismissed immediately, when it has so much to offer to anyone who is willing to give the fruit a chance.