What are the Most Popular Pizza Toppings in the UK?

Pizza is that one recipe that brings a smile to many faces across the UK. It’s also a universal comfort food perfect for a casual night in, a quick lunch, or even a get-together party. One of the best things about pizza is its versatility. You can top it with just about anything you like, making it one of the most customisable meals around.

Did you know that the average Brit consumes around 731 pizzas or roughly 5,847 slices throughout their lifetime? That’s a staggering amount and just goes to show how deep our nation's love runs for this delicious Italian classic.

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to pizza and toppings. Almost half (47%) of Brits love to customise their pizzas by adding extra toppings, and 19% even go as far as removing existing toppings to create their perfect slice. 

But despite this individual creativity, certain toppings remain consistently popular nationwide.

So, what are the most popular pizza toppings in the UK? And what makes them the best pizza toppings?

10 Most Popular Pizza Toppings in the UK

Discover what Brits love on their slices. Here’s a definitive list of pizza toppings the UK can’t seem to get enough of, based on national surveys and consumer habits.

1. Pepperoni

When it comes to the most popular toppings on pizza, pepperoni always tops the list. Pepperoni is loved for its slightly spicy and satisfyingly savoury taste, and it pairs brilliantly with mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce, creating one of the tastiest pizza combinations around.

Interestingly, pepperoni is officially the UK’s favourite pizza topping, especially popular in cities like Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, Norwich, and Sheffield, where residents simply can't get enough of it! 

Its widespread appeal also comes from how well pepperoni crisps up in the oven, adding a delicious texture to the pizza. 

2. Margherita

Margherita on the other hand is proof that simplicity can indeed be delicious. Made from just tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, Margherita pizza is all about traditional flavours. 

The minimalism of this pizza topping makes it easy to appeal to a wider audience, hence, directly reciprocating its popularity.

Margherita pizza is also often the go-to option for families, as its mild flavours make it ideal for kids and adults alike.

3. BBQ Chicken

For those who crave bold, flavourful toppings, BBQ Chicken pizza is a winning choice. With tender pieces of chicken slathered in smoky, sweet barbecue sauce, this pizza topping delivers a hearty, mouth-watering experience that's increasingly popular across the UK.

It’s so popular, in fact, that roast chicken regularly ranks among the most ordered pizza toppings from major pizza chains. Now that might prove the nation's love for rich flavours. BBQ Chicken pizza often includes additional toppings like red onions and peppers for extra layers of flavour and texture.

4. Hawaiian (Ham and Pineapple)

Now here's a topping that sparks debate like no other, which is pineapple on pizza. Despite the controversy, Hawaiian pizza remains firmly entrenched on menus nationwide. The reason? It's the sweet and salty contrast of juicy pineapple and savoury ham that creates a flavour explosion that many adore, and contradictingly many oppose.

According to a report, 48% of Brits enjoy its sweet tang, while 43% wouldn’t touch it with a bargepole. You might love it or hate it, but, you will probably have an opinion on it. That’s more the reason why it’s famous in the first place.

5. Meat Feast

The Meat Feast pizza is your ultimate dream topping, featuring a delicious medley of pepperoni, ham, sausage, and crispy bacon. It’s a meat-packed filling pizza that is loved for its protein-rich, indulgent slice. This pizza is among the most ordered pizza toppings from delivery platforms and pizzerias nationwide.

popularity firmly secures its spot among the UK’s favourite pizza toppings, especially popular during gatherings like sporting events or pub nights.

6. Mushrooms

Mushrooms may be humble, but they're incredibly versatile. This earthy topping pairs beautifully with both vegetarian and meat-based pizzas, making it hugely popular across the UK, covering a wide range of audiences. Mushrooms are enjoyed by nearly two-thirds of the population, almost close to 60%, making them one of the nation's most popular toppings.

It could be sliced or whole, their subtle umami flavour enhances every bite, especially when paired with garlic or cheese.

7. Onions

Onions might not sound like the most interesting topping, but they’re one of the most reliable and beloved ingredients with pizza and toppings. They pair effortlessly with a wide range of other toppings. 

When cooked in a hot pizza oven, onions soften and caramelise slightly, adding an extra element for a crunch that complements toppings like sausage or pepperoni.

You'll often spot onions scattered across supreme, vegetarian, or custom pizzas. Hence, when you're considering pizza-topping ideas, onions are an underrated hero that brings everything together.

8. Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn might raise an eyebrow or two outside the UK, but here, it's firmly earned its place on the list of pizza toppings. Sweetcorn as a topping comes with a bit of gentle sweetness to contrast with creamy sauces or salty toppings. Sweetcorn could be tasty alongside chicken or tuna too.

Vegetarian pizzas often benefit from sweetcorn’s taste and texture. You can either scatter it across a veggie supreme or fill it with other ingredients, sweetcorn can work with most other pizza toppings and flavours.

9. Peppers

Bell peppers is considered as another most versatile toppings, primarily due to its colourful, often crunchy, and underlaying sweetness. They’re just as popular on vegetarian pizzas as they are on meat-heavy ones, like Meat Feast or Chicken Supreme.

Generally, peppers have the ability to play nicely with other toppings making them a go-to for pizza lovers who want a well-rounded flavour profile. 

Since you find bell peppers with most other pizza toppings, be it vegetarian, vegan or non-vegetarian, it blends with all and serves the taste. Hence, it’s quite popular among all types of pizza fans. 

10. Four Cheese

If you're someone who believes there's no such thing as too much cheese, then Four Cheese pizza would be an irreplaceable choice. This topping brings together a blend of 4 kinds of cheeses (as the name suggests), generally mozzarella, cheddar, gorgonzola, and parmesan to create a beautifully balanced cheese-rich pizza.

Four Cheese pizzas are perfect as a standalone indulgence, but they also work well with additions like garlic, mushrooms or even a drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy. It's no surprise this luxurious choice often ranks among the most popular toppings on pizza in the UK.

Do You Know What’s the Least Preferred 

While many toppings enjoy fame and fan followings, a few consistently miss the mark with UK pizza lovers.

Anchovies are one such topping that frequently ranks as the most disliked topping in UK polls. Their strong, salty and fishy flavour divides opinion, especially among younger diners.

That said, anchovies still have their place in some traditional Italian-style pizzerias, where they’re prized for their intense umami flavour. Love them or loathe them, they remain one of the more controversial additions on the list of pizza toppings.

Love These Toppings? Try Them at Yellow Bus Catering!

Are you craving some of the tastiest pizza toppings mentioned here? Yellow Bus Catering offers delicious pizzas right at 3 Staveley Way, Brixworth, Northampton. You’ll find all your favourite pizzas and toppings here. The option of dining in or choosing takeaway is yours.

From classic UK favourites like pepperoni, meat feast, and Margherita, to adventurous flavours such as katsu chicken or hoisin duck, there's something for everyone. Our seats fill up fast, so book your table now!

At Yellow Bus Catering, we also offer fully-equipped mobile catering units, perfect for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, festivals, and other special occasions. Let us bring fresh, wood-fired pizzas directly to you, adding mouth-watering excitement to your event. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help make your next pizza night or special event unforgettable.