Each year introduces new fads in the pizza domain, and 2023 has followed suit. At MindfulMeals, we're keenly observing which toppings are seizing pizza enthusiasts' palates worldwide. We present our list of this year's most thrilling and preferred pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing gut wellness has extended into pizza shops, with fermented veggies gaining traction as unconventional pizza toppings. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their layered sour notes, enhancing the creamy cheese and tomato sauce's flavors. These toppings are celebrated not only for their probiotic advantages but also for introducing an array of new textures to the classic pizza composition.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pizza boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, drizzled with artisanal honey to soften the sourness. Though it may sound atypical, it's swiftly becoming a top-requested item on our specialty menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has escalated the call for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Breaking away from ordinary veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based protein have ushered in alternatives that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Items such as plant-derived Italian sausage, savory tempeh, marinated jackfruit in the guise of pulled pork, and pea protein designed to mimic pepperoni are now staple offerings. These plant-sourced proteins are favored not just by vegetarians, for their distinctive tastes and ease of digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Afficionados of spiciness are celebrating! In 2023, pizza lovers have started preferring specific regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have kept their stronghold in popularity, and now we're witnessing a surge in unique chilies such as the smoky Spanish ñora, the bittersweet Aleppo pepper, the tropical Peruvian aji amarillo, and the savory Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza offers a selection of four distinct chilies, giving each quadrant its fiery taste sensation. This option is an especially big hit among those who prefer a walk on the wild side of flavor.
4. Seasonal Foraged Items
The farm-to-table initiative has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with foraged seasonal ingredients growing in popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including delightful chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make appearances in their peak seasons.
Apart from these fungi, we're utilizing spring ramps (wild onions), oceanic plants such as dulse and nori, and even pine tips for their singular aromatic essence. These elements offer a connection to nature and proffer flavors unattainable in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory provided by honey has become more than just a fleeting phenomenon. Continuing from the hot honey trend of previous years, 2023 has experienced a surge in specialty honey varieties being used as pizza garnishes.
Honeys enriched with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and specialty honeys deliver a final flourish to the pizzas, enhancing even the most basic combinations to a high-end experience.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings might not have made our top five but are still noteworthy:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated to cascade over pizzas like golden flakes
- Pickled stone fruits, particularly peaches and plums
- Ancient grain garnishes, such as crispy farro or toasted sorghum adding crunch
- Gourmet butter dollops, especially those with cultured or compounded with herbs
Whether you favor the time-honored toppings or are keen to explore innovative flavor combos, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At MindfulMeals, we honor pizza-making customs while also embracing contemporary twists—that's why our menu boasts both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde craft pies.
What are your thoughts on these trending toppings? Do you have a custom topping blend you'd love to see us offer? Share with us in the comments or at your next visit!