The right way to eat pizza, according to Italians - and it's not with a knife and fork

Research has unveiled that Londoners are the biggest lovers in the country, devouring four a month - double the amount of those in the South East who, when they do indulge, are the biggest fans of mozzarella. Those living in the capital city are most likely to savour the crusts - and most likely to appreciate their pizza made in the .

However, there are certainwhich are absolute turn-offs according to new research which has exposed Brits' biggest pizza 'icks'. The study discovered that four in ten said their meal would be completely spoiled if they were to witness someone exhibiting these 'pizza icks' while they were trying to enjoy their own.

Some of the top pizza 'no-nos' include fish or raw veg on pizza, with a third also finding egg as a topping off-putting. And as the age-old debate continues, many voiced that pineapple on a pizza is a definite red flag.

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The survey of 2,000 adults also revealed that 32% believe ketchup should never be used, while 41% say sweet toppings like chocolate shouldn't be added. A thin crust was the favourite for 31%, while a stuffed crust secured a respectable second place (20%).

Italian pizza specialists, conducted the research in anticipation of the opening of its pop-up pizzeria, 'Il Leopardo', in Shoreditch on Friday and Saturday, 16th and 17th of May.

Customers will only pay £2.50 per pizza - but those who dare to add pineapple to theirs may be in for a surprise - as this deviates from the Italian rules on how to authentically enjoy pizza.

A spokesperson from the brand said: “There are many ways to eat a pizza – and it seems the nation is divided. But like many Brits, pineapple for us is the ultimate pizza ‘ick’. Just like in Italy, there is no place for the likes of pineapple or ketchup dips at our pop-up pizzeria.

“So if diners fail to follow tradition, they may have to face the consequences of their culinary faux pas. However, our very own ‘toppings’ sommelier will be on hand to help guests create the perfect Italian pizza." Interestingly, a third wouldn't hesitate in telling someone that what they were doing was giving them the 'ick'.

When it comes to eating habits, a predictable 72% prefer to eat pizza the Italian way with their hands, while 32% surprisingly opt for a knife and fork.

According to the study those in the East Midlands most likely to use cutlery to eat their pizzas a contrast to their neighbours in the West Midlands, who are the least likely. Overall, a fifth of those surveyed can't imagine anything worse than cutting slices with scissors.

The OnePoll.com data also discovered that when sharing a pizza, 24% find it tricky deciding on what to go for due to different tastes. But 27% don't have to worry about this as they don't particularly like to share with anyone else.

The spokesperson added: “You would never see an Italian leaving their crusts, topping their pizza with pineapple or submerging it in dipping sauce, and it's good to see that Brits agree with us on these pizza no-goes.

“Our Il Leopardo Pizzeria will celebrate the art and craftsmanship of pizza, and Italy’s passion for flavour combined with style, so if you’re craving a BBQ base or stuffed crust, this restaurant isn’t for you.

“For us, there is only one true way to eat pizza, and it’s the authentically Italian one.”

TOP 15 PIZZA ICKS:

Using sweet toppings such as Nutella or chocolate

Putting fish on a pizza

Using an egg for a topping

Putting ketchup on pizza

Using ketchup as a pizza base sauce

Putting uncooked or raw vegetables on as toppings

Serving with a burnt crust

Cutting pizza with scissors

Putting pineapple on pizza

Eating pizza cold

Leaving the crusts behind

Eating pizza with a knife and fork

Dipping pizza slices into a dipping sauce (such as ketchup or mayonnaise)

Eating the crusts first then the centre

Taking a slice in your hand and folding in half before taking a bite