Each year, the pizza industry witnesses the emergence of new flavor trends, and 2023 has its own distinctive list. At PaperTrail, we consistently observe the topping preferences that have pizza enthusiasts worldwide excited. Here is our curated list of top pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The push for digestive wellness has driven fermented vegetables to the fore, emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring robust, tangy tastes, pairing well with the creamy cheese and tomato base. These fermented options are not only probiotic-rich but also add intriguing textures unlike those of conventional pizza toppings.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza includes an assortment of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a honey drizzle from local producers to offset the sourness. The fusion might seem unconventional, yet it has swiftly risen to be a top requested dish.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The uptick in plant-forward lifestyles has been followed by an upsurge in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Vegetables are being surpassed by new plant-based proteins that can entice even the most devout carnivores.
Options such as plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples in our recipe rotation. These additions aren't aimed solely at vegetarians—their distinct tastes and digestibility make them widely chosen among our clientele.
3. Specific Chili Variants
Those who favor spiciness are celebrating as pizza aficionados are selecting unique, localized chili varieties over the commonplace red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked from past years, but we're also seeing peppers such as Aleppo, smoky Spanish ñoras, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang spread onto crusts.
Our Spice Explorer pizza offers a quartet of distinctive regional chilies, each quadrant showcasing its singular flavor profile. This spicy voyage has found particular favor among our more intrepid customers.
4. Fresh, Wild-Harvested Items
The farm-to-table concept has broadened into a forage-to-table approach with the increasing allure of fresh, wild-harvested ingredients. Leading this trend are diverse mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, during their natural growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've dabbled with items like spring ramps, sea botanicals like dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips. These all-natural additions bring out flavors that cannot be replicated in a cultivated setup.
5. Exclusive Honey Drizzles
The contrasting flavors achieved with honey have secured its place as more than a mere fad. Progressing from the well-liked spicy honey, the year 2023 has witnessed an influx of unique honey types being dribbled on pizza just before it's served.
Variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and specialty CBD-infused honey are being introduced across numerous menus. These nuances provide depth and can turn a simple pizza into an exquisite creation.
Honorable Mentions
A couple more toppings that didn't quite make the cut but are still creating ripples include:
- Aged egg yolks, finely grated atop pizzas like golden dustings
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruit types like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Gourmet butter dollops, including cultured or mixed herb butters
Whether you stick to the time-honored classics or you're eager to venture into innovative flavor territories, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At PaperTrail, we value heritage while constantly adopting the new—that's why both the beloved Margherita and avant-garde pies have a place on our list.
Have any of these avant-garde toppings made their way to your plate? Or perhaps there's an imaginative topping mix you're eager to have us try? Drop your thoughts in the comments or mention it when you drop by!