Each year, the pizza industry sees the emergence of new taste sensations, with 2023 unveiling its share of exciting toppings preferences. At HarmonizedPlatform, we diligently track the flavors that pizza aficionados are craving worldwide. Below is our list of this year's top trending pizza additions that have won over diners.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive well-being has transitioned into pizza shops, as fermented vegetables have garnered an enthusiastic following on pies this year. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions contribute a complex sour taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings are not just tasty; they add a probiotic edge while adding a new texture to the classic pizza.
Our unique Fermentation Festivity pizza is topped with our own fermented cabbage, homemade kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola cheese, topped with a sweet drizzle of local bee's honey to counteract the sharpness. It may seem eccentric, but it quickly rose to fame as one of the favorites among our array of special pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trajectory of plant-based diets isn't dwindling, as illustrated by the rising popularity of meat alternative toppings on our pizzas. Vegetables are a staple, but advancements in meat substitutes have introduced satisfying options that appeal even to those who usually prefer meat.
Our selection now commonly includes veggie versions of Italian sausage, zesty tempeh, tropically-flavored jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pea protein fashioned into pepperoni. These substitutes have garnered a fan base not limited to vegetarians; many customers pick them for their distinctive tastes and the ease on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who like their pizza with a kick, 2023 has been the year to celebrate specific chili peppers instead of ordinary crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies are still a fan favorite from the past, other varieties like the smoky ñora from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have surfaced as flavorful pizza toppings.
Try our Spice Sojourn pizza, which boasts an assortment of four distinct regional chili types, adding their singular heat profiles to different sections of the pie. It's a favorite among those who seek a fiery taste experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The chain of ingredients from wilderness to table to pizza has grown popular with the increased use of wild ingredients found in nature. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, with sought-after varieties like chanterelles, morels, and maitake (hen of the woods) showing up when in season.
Additionally, we're experimenting with wild leeks known as ramps, oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even the fragrant spruce tips to impart a uniquely aromatic essence. These naturally occurring toppings bring earthly flavors to the table, delivering a culinary experience not possible with commercially-grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The culinary duo of sweet and savory achieved by honey has been embraced as a mainstay topping much beyond a novelty. The recent demand for special honey varieties drizzled over pizzas has continued to flourish in 2023.
Pizzas are now being enhanced with varieties of honey like those infused with truffle flavor, garlic that's been left to ferment, honey with a smoky mesquite taste, and honey infused with CBD, providing a gourmet touch to every bite.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that have nearly made it to the top spots but are still leaving a mark include:
- Delicately cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, mimicking a shower of golden flakes
- Pickled fruits that give a tangy twist, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain crunch, like toasted farro or puffed sorghum for texture
- Gourmet spreads of butter (such as those cultured with herbs or other compounds)
Whether you're someone who treasures time-honored recipes or a trailblazer eager for innovative concoctions, pizza retains its place as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At HarmonizedPlatform, we celebrate the classics while also welcoming the new – that's why our offerings range from the traditional Margherita to avant-garde pie creations.
Have any of these contemporary toppings made it onto your plate? Or perhaps you've got a personal blend you'd wish us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know on your next visit!