Pizza is one of the UK’s go to meals, whether it’s a cosy night in, a family get together, or an easy choice while you’re away on holiday. But when it comes to toppings, we don’t all agree.
Using restaurant sales data from Parkdean Resorts locations across the UK, alongside a nationwide consumer survey, we took a closer look at one big question, what is the UK’s favourite pizza?
From crowd pleasing classics to toppings that split opinion, here’s what Britain really orders.
Top of the toppings, pepperoni is the UK’s favourite pizza
When it comes to pizza, pepperoni takes the top spot.
With 18% of the vote, pepperoni beat off competition from meat feast, ham and pineapple, and margherita. It’s a clear sign that familiar flavours still win when people are choosing a pizza to share.
Pepperoni’s popularity is easy to understand. It’s comforting, full of flavour, and tends to keep both adults and children happy, which makes it a popular choice for families and groups.
Following closely behind pepperoni were meat feast at 17%, ham and pineapple at 14%, and margherita at 10%.
While plant based food is growing in popularity across the UK, vegan toppings received less than 1% of the overall vote, showing that when it comes to pizza, many people still stick with the classics.
Meat feast, margherita and veg supreme, a nation divided by toppings
Overall, the UK shows a strong love for meat topped pizzas, but preferences do vary depending on where you are.
Pepperoni came out on top in cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, Norwich and Sheffield. Meanwhile, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool showed a clear preference for a hearty meat feast.
Classic choices like margherita and veg supreme also remain popular, especially when people are ordering for mixed groups with different tastes.
It all goes to show that pizza is personal, and having a choice matters when everyone’s ordering together.
The great pineapple debate, cities that love it
Few pizza toppings get people talking quite like pineapple.
Often described as the marmite of pizza, ham and pineapple continues to divide opinion. Despite that, the results show it’s much more popular than the debate might suggest.
Ranking third overall in the UK, ham and pineapple proves that sweet and savoury combinations still have plenty of fans.
Edinburgh and Southampton stood out as cities with a particular love for the topping, showing that even the most debated pizza has its loyal supporters.
Whether you love it or avoid it, pineapple on pizza is clearly here to stay.
Favourite pizzas on holiday at Parkdean Resorts
When people are on holiday, food choices tend to be about keeping things easy and making sure everyone finds something they like, especially when travelling with family or friends.
Across Parkdean Resorts restaurants, the pizzas ordered most often reflect the nation’s favourites.
- Pepperoni
- Margherita
- Meat feast
- Veg supreme
- Ham and pineapple
These options are popular because they’re great for sharing, suit a range of tastes, and feel familiar after a busy day exploring or relaxing on park.
For those looking to make mealtimes even simpler, having well loved favourites available as part of on park dining or all inclusive options can take the hassle out of holiday planning.
Meat, vegetarian and vegan pizza preferences in the UK
Although vegetarian and vegan food is more widely available than ever, pizza preferences tell a slightly different story.
From the 1,500 people surveyed, 71% preferred meat based pizzas, 27.7% chose vegetarian options, and 1.3% opted for vegan toppings.
This suggests that when people order pizza, especially in social or family settings, familiar and comforting choices often come out on top.
Do you agree with the rest of the UK? Whether you’re all about pepperoni, firmly on team pineapple, or loyal to a classic margherita, let us know by joining the conversation on our socials.
Methodology
Alongside leading customer research company TLF Research, we carried out a nationwide survey of 1,500 UK respondents to understand pizza topping preferences across the country.
This was combined with restaurant sales insights from Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide, helping us compare what people say they like with what they actually order.