Pineapple on pizza? Ketchup on steak? 7 food debates guaranteed to spark heated discussions

Don't deny it; you probably have a guilty pleasure when it comes to absurd food combos - like ketchup on steak - that you know will ruffle some feathers. Explore some of the most divisive food debates that are bound to spark intense arguments, whether it's about the best pasta shape or pineapple on pizza. Find out where you stand and how unique your taste preferences really are.

Pineapple on pizza: A crime or delicious combo?

The Hawaiian pizza, made of ham and pineapple, has been the center of debate since its creation. Fans argue that the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the savory flavors of the ham and cheese. Critics, however, claim that fruits should not be on pizza, as it isn't a traditional topping on authentic Italian pizza.

The best part of pizza is that it's highly customizable to your taste. You can make it using fathead pizza dough - a low-carb, gluten-free dough recipe - for those looking for a healthier alternative and top it with pineapples and ham or whatever you want. If you choose to embrace Hawaiian pizza, be ready to defend your decision.

Can ketchup go on everything?

Sure, ketchup and fries are a no-brainer combo, but what about ketchup on eggs or even steak? Ketchup fans believe this condiment goes well on anything, providing a sweet, tangy flavor that elevates the dish. Opponents argue that it's too overpowering and should best be left to serve with fried or greasy food. Your tolerance for ketchup depends on whether you grew up eating it on practically everything or if you just reserve the condiment for certain foods.

Cilantro: A soapy disaster or essential herb?

Cilantro is probably one of the most divided herbs, and believe it or not, it all comes down to your genes. To some, cilantro tastes like straight soap, and according to Flavour Journal, that's because their olfactory receptors - which allow you to recognize specific tastes and odors - have a genetic variation. This variant results in the aldehydes that make up cilantro to taste unpleasant. This common herb used in many cuisines may have a pleasing lemony and peppery taste to some, while others will find it revolting.

What's the best pasta shape?

There are hundreds of different pasta shapes you can buy, sparking debate on which is the superior one. Each shape has its own unique texture and sauce that works best with it. Spaghetti is undoubtedly the most popular type that has become the icon of Italian pasta. However, there are many more that contend for the first-place spot.

Radiatori is well loved for its thickness and ridges, which many believe make it perfect for pasta sauces. Conchiglie, a shell-shaped pasta, is best for mac and cheese, making sure that each bite is packed with flavor and cheese. Those who have visited Tuscany destinations will surely argue that pappardelle - a long, flat pasta famous in Tuscany - is the best. If you find yourself in a debate about pasta shapes, prepare for a heated discussion with no resolution in sight.

Does the order of the milk matter?

Whether you put in milk first or after the cereal can change your eating experience substantially. It may seem like a trivial conversation to have during breakfast, but it will lead to an intense debate.

On the one hand, cereal first allows you to pour just the right ratio of milk into your bowl. If you do almond milk first, the cereal just floats on top. However, fans of this method say that it prevents the cereal from getting soggy; by adding a bit every time, you get a bite of fresh and crunchy cereal with a spoonful of milk. It really comes down to how serious you are about your morning bowl of delight.

Are the best cookies crispy or chewy?

The warm, soft and gooey cookie may be an irresistible treat for some, while others would trade it in a heartbeat for the satisfying crunch of a crispy cookie. Your preference would likely be influenced by what's considered the norm where you live - traditional Swedish and Norwegian cookies are crispy and smaller than American cookies. The usage of the cookie can also sway your opinion. Perhaps you'd go for a drier cookie for dunking in tea and a soft cookie for any other occasion.

The texture preference for cookies even leads to questions about how long the baking time should be and the golden ratio for ingredients. Everyone seems to have their own recipe to get the exact chewy or crispiness of their ideal cookie.

Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?

Breakfast habits usually fall into two categories: Those who need it to function in the morning and those who skip the meal entirely. Breakfast is often stated as the most important meal of the day as it can help you meet your daily nutrient intake and support healthy eating habits. A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that evaluated American children found that breakfast eaters consumed less added sugar and more fiber, folate, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium.

Of course, what matters is the nutritious quality of your breakfast food. It makes a big difference if you're taking inspiration from a clean-eating food list rather than consuming sugary cereals or fatty foods.

However, breakfast skippers have a good argument as well. With intermittent fasting, you have to fast for a certain period of the day, which may mean you can't eat breakfast. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that when done properly, intermittent fasting can burn fat and protect organs against diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ultimately, your breakfast preference depends on your lifestyle choice and health goals.

Food sparks passionate debates

With food being a necessity in life, it's hard not to be passionate about your preferences. From the texture of cookies to the order of milk in cereals, everyone has a different ideal way of eating their food. Given the diversity of tastes, finding a universal right answer will be impossible. Nonetheless, debating contentious food topics around the dining table is still a fun activity where you get to see how fired up everyone gets.

Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind four inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating and Sustainable Life Idea. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.