Pepperoni continues to be the top pizza topping in the U.S. In the YouGov survey, 24% of Americans chose pepperoni as their favorite topping. Fewer than 1% selected it as their least favorite. Pepperoni’s wide appeal across the nation reflects its long-standing popularity as a go-to pizza topping.
Other Top Pizza Toppings
Behind pepperoni, sausage ranked second at 13%, followed by extra cheese at 11%. Mushrooms (9%) and chicken (6%) rounded out the top five favorite pizza toppings. These results show that Americans generally favor traditional, familiar toppings that have been staples of pizzerias for decades.
Least Favorite Topping: Anchovies
Anchovies are the most disliked topping in America. A striking 29% of Americans said anchovies are their least favorite topping. Only 1% chose anchovies as their favorite. This topping is highly polarizing, with many Americans actively avoiding it on their pizzas.
Other Least Favorite Toppings
After anchovies, other toppings ranked high on the dislike list. 8% named jalapeños as their least favorite, 6% chose pineapple, 6% picked eggplant, 5% disliked broccoli, and 5% disliked mushrooms. While these toppings have some fans, they are less universally popular compared to pepperoni or sausage.
Toppings Americans Love
Extra cheese is the most beloved pizza topping overall: 51% say they love it and 33% like it. Pepperoni is close behind, loved by 50% and liked by 32%. Sausage (44%), mushrooms (41%), peppers (34%), onions (33%), bacon (33%), and fresh garlic (32%) follow in the rankings.
Pineapple on Pizza: A Divisive Choice
Pineapple divides opinions. About 22% of Americans say they love pineapple on pizza, while 37% like it. However, 18% dislike pineapple and 19% hate it. These results reflect the ongoing debate over whether pineapple belongs on pizza — a controversy that shows no sign of fading.
The Most Hated Toppings
Anchovies top the hate list, with 42% of Americans saying they hate them. Eggplant (28% hate it), artichokes (26%), jalapeños (24%), and broccoli (22%) follow. These toppings tend to have strong flavors or textures that clearly do not appeal to large segments of pizza lovers.
Pizza Crust Preferences
When it comes to crust, thin crust leads the way. About 39% of Americans prefer thin crust pizza, while 30% favor thick crust. Stuffed crust appeals to 16%, and 14% say they have no preference. Thin crust is often associated with New York-style pizza, a national favorite.
Regional Pizza Style Favorites
New York-style pizza is the most popular regional style, favored by 27% of Americans. Chicago-style deep dish follows at 19%, while Detroit-style pizza earns 4%. Regional loyalty is clear: 47% of Northeasterners favor New York-style, and 30% of Midwesterners choose Chicago-style as their favorite.
Pizza Slice Shapes and Eating Styles
Most Americans (75%) prefer pizza cut into triangular slices. Square slices appeal to 15%, while 5% prefer strips. As for eating styles, 73% eat pizza with their hands, but 11% usually use a fork and knife. These numbers reflect traditional habits in enjoying pizza.
Dipping Sauces: What Americans Use
Americans enjoy a variety of dipping sauces with their pizza. About 23% typically have marinara sauce, 23% use garlic butter, and 22% add ranch dressing. A smaller share (12%) opts for hot sauce. These preferences add extra flavor and fun to the pizza-eating experience.
What Pizza Says About America
The survey highlights America’s love for traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese, while showing clear aversion to options like anchovies and eggplant. Preferences for thin crust and New York-style pizza further illustrate America’s connection to familiar, comforting pizza styles that have stood the test of time.
