As we continue to move through the year, the pizza industry is witnessing the rise of new flavors and trends that capture the palates of pizza aficionados. Here at GardenBookStudio, our focus is on identifying global trends in pizza toppings that are gaining traction. Take a look at our curated list of the top pizza toppings that are leading the charts in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The push for digestive wellness has reached the world of pizza making, as fermented veggies emerge as a surprising favorite. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring out delightfully complex sour flavors that enhance the creamy, savory components of the pizza. These toppings aren't just tasty; they also add a rich texture and are packed with gut-friendly probiotics.
On our menu, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola; a drizzle of locally-sourced honey adds sweetness to the sourness. It might be an unconventional combination but it has quickly become a best-seller.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-based diets doesn't stop, as shown by the growing demand for pizzas adorned with meat alternatives. Moving past traditional veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins are now attracting the attention of meat-lovers.
We feature toppings such as plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings are chosen both by vegetarians and by those interested in their distinct tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spice are celebrating the shift to specific chili peppers over generic flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to hold their ground, while peppers like the Aleppo, Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are finding their way onto savory pies.
The Global Heat pizza is a patchwork of fiery flavors, with each region's chili pepper adding a different taste to the pizza quarters, creating a hit with our boldest customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend for locally-sourced, natural ingredients has extended to include seasonally-foraged items on pizza. Leading the forefront are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear when they are in season.
Our experimental toppings have included wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori seaweed, and aromatic spruce tips, all of which serve to connect our clients with nature and offer unique tastes not found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting tastes of honey have now been solidified as a long-term addition to pizzas. Continuing from the wave of hot honey, this year has introduced an array of specialty honeys that are used as a final garnish on our pizzas.
Honeys such as truffle-infused, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-infused varieties are now being drizzled on pies all over the country, these add a layer of sophistication and accentuate even the simplest pizza creations.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings that did not make the top list but are nonetheless trending:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza, akin to a flurry of gold
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Whole grains for texture, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butters (especially those cultured or infused with herbs)
Whether you're someone who sticks to classic flavors or a gastronomic explorer eager to experience innovative blends, pizza remains as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes. At GardenBookStudio, we pay homage to tradition while bridge-building towards culinary novelty—this is why our menu features both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde speciality pizzas.
Have you had the opportunity to try any of these trending toppings? Or is there a distinctive combination you would like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!