
AI-generated illustration
Ham and Pineapple Pizza, often called Hawaiian Pizza, is a popular pizza variety featuring a savory-sweet combination of ham (or Canadian bacon) and pineapple chunks on a cheese and tomato sauce base. Despite its name, it was actually invented in Canada by a Greek immigrant, Sam Panopoulos, in 1962.
This pizza is generally high in carbohydrates from the crust and sugars from the pineapple, with a moderate amount of protein from the ham and cheese, and a significant amount of fat from the cheese and any added oils. A typical slice can range from 200-300 calories, providing calcium and vitamin C but also sodium and saturated fat.
The pizza is a fascinating cultural hybrid, sparking a global 'pineapple on pizza' debate that divides people into passionate pro and con camps. Nutritionally, it's unique for pairing a fruit (pineapple) with a processed meat, creating a sweet-savory profile that's uncommon in traditional Italian cuisine.