California has always been at the forefront of culinary innovation, and pizza is no exception. At Salvatore Pizza, we've been delivering thousands of pizzas across the Golden State for years, giving us unique insights into the tastes and preferences of Californians. Today, we're sharing our analysis of the most popular pizza toppings based on our delivery data, highlighting what makes California's pizza culture distinctive.
How Californians Order Pizza
Before diving into the specific toppings, it's worth noting some interesting patterns we've observed in how Californians order their pizzas:
- Californians are 35% more likely to customize their pizzas than the national average
- They order 28% more vegetable toppings than the rest of the country
- Over 40% of orders include at least one locally-sourced or organic ingredient
- Regional differences exist: Northern California prefers more experimental toppings, while Southern California tends toward more traditional choices with a twist
Now, let's count down the top five pizza toppings that dominate California pizza orders:
#5: Fresh Arugula
Perhaps surprising to those outside California, arugula claims the fifth spot on our list. This peppery green is typically added fresh after the pizza comes out of the oven, providing a bright contrast to the rich cheese and sauce. Arugula is especially popular in the Bay Area and other health-conscious communities.
Most popular pairing: Prosciutto and shaved Parmesan with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Fun fact: Orders for arugula as a topping have increased by 65% in the last three years, showing California's growing preference for fresh, green toppings that add both flavor and nutritional value.
#4: Avocado
Could a California pizza topping list exist without avocado? This creamy fruit has become synonymous with California cuisine, and pizza is no exception. Like arugula, avocado is typically added after baking, either sliced or as a spread.
Most popular pairing: Grilled chicken, red onion, and cilantro with a chipotle-infused tomato sauce
Regional trend: Southern California, particularly San Diego and Los Angeles, accounts for 70% of our avocado pizza orders, reflecting the strong Mexican culinary influence in these areas.
#3: Goat Cheese
California's vibrant dairy industry and love for artisanal products have made goat cheese a standout favorite. Unlike the traditional mozzarella, goat cheese offers a tangy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings.
Most popular pairing: Caramelized onions, figs, and a balsamic reduction
Industry insight: The prevalence of goat cheese on California pizzas can be traced to the influence of Alice Waters and California cuisine pioneers who emphasized local, fresh ingredients and European-inspired flavor combinations.
#2: Fresh Basil
While not unique to California, fresh basil is overwhelmingly popular here compared to dried herbs used elsewhere. California's ideal growing climate for basil means many pizzerias, including Salvatore's, can source this aromatic herb locally year-round.
Most popular pairing: The classic Margherita combination of fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce
Trend note: We've seen a 45% increase in requests for "extra basil" in the past two years, suggesting Californians are increasingly appreciating the bright, herbaceous flavor it brings to pizza.
#1: Pepperoni
Some things are universal! Despite California's reputation for health-conscious and innovative eating, traditional pepperoni remains the most ordered pizza topping across the state. However, there's a twist: Californians often opt for artisanal, nitrate-free, or even plant-based pepperoni alternatives at a much higher rate than the national average.
Most popular pairing: Surprisingly, honey drizzles with pepperoni have seen a 200% increase in the last year, creating a sweet-spicy-savory combination that's become distinctly Californian
Regional difference: While pepperoni is #1 statewide, it's actually #3 in San Francisco, where vegetable toppings collectively take the top spot.
Honorable Mentions
These toppings didn't quite make the top five but deserve recognition for their uniquely Californian popularity:
- Artichoke hearts - Especially popular in central coastal areas
- BBQ chicken - A California creation that's now popular nationwide
- Plant-based meats - California orders twice as many plant-based meat alternatives as the national average
- Kimchi - Reflecting California's diverse population and Korean culinary influence, particularly in Los Angeles
- Farmers market vegetables - Seasonal specialties that change throughout the year
The California Pizza Philosophy
What makes California's approach to pizza toppings unique isn't just the specific ingredients, but the philosophy behind them. Californians value:
- Seasonality - Pizza toppings that change with what's available at farmers markets
- Fusion - Blending culinary traditions from the diverse cultural tapestry of the state
- Quality over quantity - Fewer, better ingredients rather than overloaded pizzas
- Balance - Thoughtful combinations that create harmonious flavor profiles
At Salvatore Pizza, we embrace this California approach while honoring our Italian roots. We believe the best pizzas respect tradition while reflecting the local environment and preferences of our customers.
What's your favorite pizza topping combination? Are you a California pizza traditionalist or an innovator? Let us know in the comments or on our social media pages!
