Pizza is one of the most widespread foods around the world, even going as far as to be integrated into many different meals, such as pizza salad or pizza mac ‘n’ cheese. With such a plethora of pizza toppings, as well as types of pizza, a controversial debate is sparked over the best one. Many people think toppings such as pineapple or tuna fish should not be on pizza, while others disagree with them. The Horizon Sun has gathered to discuss the best pizza toppings and intends to settle this debate once and for all.

Mrs. Britt, teacher: Pesto sauce with spinach, arugula, roasted garlic, roasted red peppers, onions with extra cheese & pesto on top.

Allister McLeod, Sophomore: Not sure if this counts as just “toppings”, but I like Mediterranean style pizza. Instead of pizza sauce, olive oil is used to coat the dough, with tomatoes, onions, artichoke, olives, mozzarella, and various spices and herbs on top.

Zane Khogyani, eighth grade: I like pineapple on pizza, pepperoni, or cheese pizza. However, I do not like  mushrooms on my pizza. And having other cheeses on it other than the pizza’s cheese is a very big no. I also very much hate olives on my pizza. As I grew up, I disliked a lot of popular foods from a young age. I remember my brother would have mac and cheese while I would have pasta because I hated the taste of mac and cheese. I no longer hate mac and cheese but I still prefer pasta. Other foods I used to despise were tomatoes and guacamole sauce. Tomatoes used to make me gag but not anymore. Now I dislike them, but if they are cooked I don’t mind them.

Madeeha Akhtar, eighth grade: Usually, I’m fine with just plain cheese. I also think mushrooms are a really good topping, too. Onions on pizza are disgusting, though.

Rebecca Harris, eighth grade: I enjoy white pizza, which is made with olive oil instead of red sauce. My favorite toppings include spinach, ricotta, extra garlic, onion, bacon, and (occasionally) broccoli. If there is one topping I’d probably never eat, it’d have to be anchovies. The prospect of putting fish on pizza has never sat well with me, and my least favorite fish are anchovies (especially if they’re canned). I’m also with Zane on the mushrooms, however I don’t enjoy mushrooms as a food, not specifically concerning pizza.

Sophia Geisler, seventh grade: Honestly it might be basic, but I could care less. Pepperoni remains the best pizza topping for me. From everywhere I’ve travelled, Mexico, New York City, Chicago, etc. almost every kind of pizza tastes best with Pepperoni. It’s the perfect contrast between meat, but not too chewy like most sausage can be. It can be spicy, it’s flavorful, and even looks aesthetically pleasing. Just a note: I absolutely cannot stand plain cheese pizza. Also, the cheese stuffed crust is amazing. (Peter Piper Pizza remains superior).

Noah Thompson, eighth grade: I like most pizzas but pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom are my favorite. I also despise deep-dish pizza.

Adam Khogyani, eighth grade: I’m fine with most pizzas, but I don’t like olives and pepperoni so much for some reason. I usually prefer pineapple and other toppings like peppers. Overall, my favorite type of pizza is BBQ and chicken. As long as it’s not too much cheese and has pepperoni, I’m fine.

Ainsley Olvey, seventh grade: I only like cheese pizza (preferably mozzarella) and if you like Italian pizza, I recommend Pomo.

Kayli Taylor, seventh grade: The best kind of pizza toppings in just simply mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. I also think that thin crust pizza with very little sauce is the best type of pizza (dominos makes the best pizza).

Lilly Wolfe, eighth grade: Personally my favorite is just plain cheese. That’s because I prefer simple foods but that’s just my opinion.

Nessah Wendt, seventh grade: My favorite type of pizza is barbeque pizza but for toppings on a traditional pizza is sausage. I also don’t know why, but I cannot stand pepperoni.

Ty Larsen, seventh grade: The best pizza topping is pepperoni.

Pradyoth Velagapudi, Junior: As a vegetarian, I think any combination of vegetable toppings are the best. My favorite combination is onions and mushrooms. I also love olives, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

(Related: Pizza toppings are all well and good, but what about fruit?)