The Delicious History of Pizza Dips in Canada 🍕

And how your next order could help kids across Ontario

Good morning Newsroom,

What started as a sidekick to the crust has become a star in its own right. In Canada, pizza dipping sauces have earned a beloved spot on our takeout tables, from garlic butter to creamy jalapeño and beyond. But did you know that your next dip could do more than satisfy your tastebuds?

🍕 A Brief History of Pizza Dips in Canada

The pizza dip phenomenon in Canada really began to take hold in the 1990s. Inspired by the extra sauce cups offered at chicken wing joints, pizza chains soon followed suit. Canadians—known for our passion for personalized flavour—quickly made dipping sauces a staple of pizza night.

From coast to coast, pizza dips became a way for people to make each bite their own. It wasn’t long before chains like Pizza Pizza, Domino’s, and Pizza Nova started offering a full lineup of dips to go with every pie and panzerotti.

🌶️ Popular Flavours That Canadians Love

While regional tastes vary, a few flavours dominate the Canadian pizza dip landscape:

• Garlic Parmesan – The OG of pizza dips, perfect for crust dunking.

• Creamy Garlic – Rich, smooth, and the #1 seller at many chains.

• Marinara – A purist’s choice that doubles down on tomato goodness.

• Ranch – Because when in doubt, ranch it out.

• Buffalo or Spicy Jalapeño – For those who like to turn up the heat.

• Cheddar Jalapeño or Chipotle – Smoky, bold, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.

These dips usually cost between $1.25 and $1.99 per cup, but for many Canadians, they’re a must-have sidecar to the main event.

💛 Dipping for a Cause: Pizza Nova’s “That’s Amore” Campaign

This May, your go-to dipping habit can help make a real difference. Pizza Nova has officially launched its 26th annual That’s Amore Pizza for Kids campaign in support of Variety Ontario—an organization dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for children with disabilities.

Throughout the month, proceeds from the sale of all dips at Pizza Nova locations across Ontario will be donated to Variety. That means every creamy garlic, spicy jalapeño, or pesto dip sold helps kids build confidence, break down barriers, and discover their abilities in a supportive environment.

Talk about guilt-free dipping.

🍕 So, What’s Next?

Whether you’re ordering in on a rainy night or planning your next pizza party, don’t skip the dips. They’re more than just tasty add-ons—they’re part of our pizza culture, and this month, they’re also part of something bigger.