The domain of pizza sees new taste sensations emerge annually, and the year 2023 is brimming with innovation. At EvenQuarter, we're keenly observing the flavors that are captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. We are excited to present a compilation of the top trending pizza toppings that are currently in the limelight.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on gut wellness has crossed over into the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables showing up as a surprising new topping favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions offer complex, zesty tastes that balance well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these fermented additions enrich the meal with probiotics, but they also bring intriguing new textures to the classic pizza foundation.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie, with its in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and a finish of local honey to even out the sharpness, might seem unconventional, but it's swiftly climbing the popularity ranks as one of our signature requests.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets garner more followers, pizzas with creative meat substitutes have seen a notable upswing in popularity. Diverging from routine veggie toppings, the advent of plant-based proteins has brought forth selections that even true carnivores can enjoy.
Options like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated as “pulled pork,” and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices are now fixed options on our menu. These choices entice not only vegetarians but also customers desiring distinctive tastes and a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Specific Chili Peppers from Various Regions
For those who seek a heated experience, 2023 has heightened the preference for unique, region-specific chili peppers over the less distinct red pepper flakes. Although Calabrian peppers maintain their stronghold from past years, varieties such as the smoky Spanish ñora pepper, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have been making their presence known among pizza aficionados.
Our International Spice Trail pizza assembles a medley of these distinct chili peppers, assigning each its own space on the pizza to showcase its individual flavor notes. This fiery assortment has proven to be a hit with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Wild-Foraged Ingredients
The connection from farms to tables has reached a new frontier with the forest-to-pizza trend, thanks to the growing interest in wild, seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with types like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods surfacing on pizzas in their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, our culinary experiments include wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic twist. These ingredients not only offer a taste of the wild but also bring flavors that can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Exotic Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet and savory interplay has secured its place far beyond a fleeting fad. Advancing past the popular hot honey, 2023 has seen a surge in unique honey drizzles right out of the gate, with the likes of truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey making their way onto national pizza menus. These drizzles add nuanced flavor and turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that didn't quite make the top five but are nonetheless contributing to the trend include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for that bit of golden indulgence
- Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains including crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dabs of select butter, including cultured or herb-infused varieties for extra flavor
Whether you stick to time-honored classics or you're eager to explore new and daring blends, pizza remains one of the most beloved and versatile dishes worldwide. At EvenQuarter, we cherish pizza-making traditions while also striving for originality—which is why our menu features both the traditional Margherita and the avant-garde special concoctions.
Have you experienced any of these current toppings? Or do you have an innovative topping idea you'd want to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit to us!