Each year, new trends emerge in the pizza arena, and 2023 doesn't fall short. At ModernLifestyleUpdates, keeping a pulse on the trends that delight the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide is what we do best. Here are the top trending pizza toppings that are stealing the spotlight this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented vegetables are unexpectedly topping pizza charts as gut health continues to be a focal point for many. The sharp tastes of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are a perfect complement to the creamy cheeses and sauces, bringing unique flavors and a new layer of texture to the classic pizza, while also providing probiotic perks.
Try our Fermentation Jubilee creation, with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a bold gorgonzola cheese, lightly drizzled with local honey to counteract the sourness. The blend may seem odd at first glance, yet it has risen quickly among our most beloved specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more individuals adopt plant-based diets, there's been a noticeable uptick in interest for pizzas adorned with ingenious meat substitutes. These aren't just your ordinary veggie toppings; advancements in meat alternatives have brought forth plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni to our kitchen. Our guests aren't only vegans and vegetarians; even staunch carnivores are selecting these toppings for their unique tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the heat, 2023 welcomes the trend of specific chilies from distinct regions, moving beyond the standard crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies retain their lasting popularity, newcomers like Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are also finding their place atop our pizzas.
Experience “Global Heat,” our adventurous pizza offering that features a blend of four diverse chilies, granting each slice a distinct burst of flavor. It’s particularly favored by our guests who love to experiment with spice.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The philosophy of sourcing directly from nature is transforming pizza with the emergence of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are gathered at the peak of their seasons for the freshest taste.
We're also bringing to our pizzas ingredients like wild ramps, oceanic produce such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer an authentic taste of the wild while delivering sensations that cultivated varieties simply cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Enhancing pizzas with honey continues to linger as a well-established tradition into 2023. Particular to this year, an assortment of specialty honey like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey is making a statement by adding complexity to your favorite pizza right before it's served.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional noteworthy toppings that nearly made our top five and are still creating buzz include:
- Salvatore egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a luxurious touch
- Pickled fruits, like stone fruits such as peaches and plums, for a sweet and sour twist
- Ancient grain garnishes like crunchy farro or popped sorghum adding a unique texture
- Dollops of specially-crafted butters, like cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're a purist who stands by the timeless classics or an experimenter eager to dive into novel flavor fusions, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At ModernLifestyleUpdates, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also leading the charge in culinary innovation, which is why our menu features both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialties.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your eye? Or perhaps you have an unparalleled favorite combination you'd love to see us introduce? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!