As each year passes, new gastronomic fads emerge within the realm of pizzas, and the year 2023 is no different. At FairnessRegistry, keeping a pulse on the global palate of pizza aficionados is our specialty. We present to you the quintet of the most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The trend of emphasizing gut-friendly foods has reached pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a top hit on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their complex, tangy essence, perfectly offsetting the creamy gusto of traditional cheese and sauce. These toppings are beneficial for digestive health thanks to their probiotic qualities while adding a new layer of texture to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza is adorned with our in-house crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, enhanced with a touch of artisanal honey for a smooth balance of flavors. This avant-garde combination is swiftly ascending the ranks as a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has propelled the inclusion of meat alternative toppings on pizzas. These aren't just your typical veggies; the advancement of plant-based proteins now offer delectable substitutes that could fool even the most ardent carnivores.
Our menu now regularly includes items like plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. Opting for these proteins isn't restricted to vegans or vegetarians as customers are drawn to their distinctive tastes and lighter feel during digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who favor a fiery edge to their pizza, 2023 has marked a trend towards distinct, regional chilies over the generic red chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies retain their enduring appeal, we're witnessing a growing presence of Aleppo peppers, aromatic Spanish ñora chilies, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza offers a smorgasbord of these chilies, with each lending its unique flavor to a quadrant of the pie. This pizza has gained a following among customers looking for a spicy and diverse dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection between local foraging and pizza has become stronger with an uptick in demand for seasonal, wild-gathered ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, with sought-after types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas at the peak of their season.
Our foraging doesn't stop with mushrooms; we've ventured into wild leeks known as ramps, seaweed varieties like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, all serving to forge a bond between our customers and the wild, delivering incomparable flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Enhancements like honey intertjuicesweetness and savory to forge a flavor profile that's solidified its standing as a pizza topping mainstay. 2023 has witnessed a surge in exclusive types of honey being used for drizzles on pizzas just before they're served.
Assortments of honey including truffle-infused, garlic fermented, mesquite smoked, and even CBD-laced honey have found their way into pizzerias nationwide. These distinctive drizzles add a level of sophistication and are the perfect finishing touch for transforming even the simplest pizzas into gourmet masterpieces.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza for a luxe addition
- Pickled fruits, with a highlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum adding a crunchy texture
- Artisanal butter dots, particularly those cultured or infused with herbs
Whether you hold dear the classic flavors or are eager to explore innovative pairings, pizza retains its crown as one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At FairnessRegistry, we pay homage to convention whilst celebrating the new—that’s why you’ll see both the timeless Margherita and our pioneering creations gracing our menu.
Have you sampled any of these on-trend toppings? Or perhaps there's a novel topping combination you’d like to see us introduce? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or drop by to let us know!