Each year introduces fresh trends in the pizza scene, and 2023 does not disappoint. At PepperMeadows, keeping an eye on global pizza trends is our specialty. Here's our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have been a hit this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has helmed the nutrition world, and pizzerias have taken note, with fermented vegetables taking center stage as a topping. The sour zest of kimchi, the acidity of sauerkraut, and tangy pickled onions elevate the traditional flavors of cheese and sauce. These toppings offer probiotic goodness and introduce new textures to classic pizzas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our brand combines homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and tangy gorgonzola, with a sweet touch of local honey balancing the sour notes. It's an unconventional blend that's quickly become a fan-favorite specialty pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-focused diets have surged in popularity, and as a result, there's been a surge in demand for plant-based protein toppings. Moving past basic veggies, inventive meat alternatives now offer satisfaction for the most resolute carnivores.
Our menu now includes items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, spicy tempeh, savory jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. Not reserved for just vegetarians, these toppings are chosen by many for their distinctive tastes and being easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans who like their pizzas with a spicy kick are celebrating the rise in use of particular chilies from distinct regions, moving away from generic chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be in favor, we're now seeing the introduction of diverse chilies such as sweet and smoky Spanish ñoras, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and fiery Korean gochujang to our pizzas.
Our World of Spice pizza showcases a selection of four distinct regional chilies, giving each quarter of the pizza a unique spicy taste. This creation caters especially to our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Wild foraged ingredients have made their way from woodland to pizza, riding on the trends of seasonal availability. Diverse wild mushrooms including chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms are showing up depending on the season.
Not limiting ourselves to mushrooms, we've also included wild ramps, coastal seaweeds like dulse and nori, and coniferous spruce tips, offering an aromatic twist. Such toppings offer a connection to nature and tastes not achievable through farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's contrasting sweetness has long since transcended being a fleeting fad. Continuing from the hot honey trend, 2023 has seen an assortment of special honey varieties gracing pizzas right before they're served.
Toppings such as decadent truffle honey, aromatic fermented garlic honey, bold mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are now being featured on pizzerias' menus nationwide. These add a complex layer of flavor and turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
There are also other toppings that are close contenders for our top five and have been creating a buzz:
- Rich cured egg yolks, grated over the pizza like fine cheese
- Tangy pickled stone fruits, including peaches and plums
- Crunchy toppings from ancient grains, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butters, notably cultured or mixed with flavorful herbs
No matter if you are a fan of the timeless classics or someone eager to sample novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and adored dishes worldwide. At PepperMeadows, we celebrate timeless recipes and welcome new culinary explorations—that’s why our menu boasts both the age-old Margherita and avant-garde creations.
What do you think of these emerging topping trends? Is there a unique combination you wish to see us offer? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!