Each year, the pizza industry witnesses the emergence of new flavor trends, and the year 2023 is following suit. At ConnectedCommonsZone, we closely track the toppings that are winning over pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our list of the top pizza toppings that are making a splash in the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
This year, the surge of interest in gut health has extended into the realm of pizza-making, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing layers of zesty flavors that perfectly balance the rich taste of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings aren't just tasty—they also offer probiotic benefits and add novel textures to a classic pizza.
Try our Gut-Friendly Fest pizza, which pairs in-house fermented sauerkraut and kimchi with creamy gorgonzola and a sweet splash of locally sourced honey to counteract the sour notes. While it may seem like an unconventional mix, it's swiftly rising in popularity among our unique offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The popularity of plant-based diets is climbing, and this trend is reflected in the increasing demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. These aren't just your typical veggie toppings; there are new plant-derived proteins that even die-hard carnivores can enjoy.
We're offering a variety of plant-based proteins such as crumbles of Italian sausage made from plants, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as an alternative to pulled pork, and pepperoni substitutes crafted from pea protein. These options cater to not just those who avoid meat but also those who love their distinctive taste and how they sit lighter on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Lovers of spicy flavors can celebrate, as 2023 has ushered in an appreciation for specific types of regional chili peppers over the common crushed red pepper. Though Calabrian chilies remain popular, other varieties like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies with their smoky notes, the fruity kick from Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also finding their way onto pizzas.
Our Spice Trail pizza is crafted with an assortment of chilies from different regions, each lending a distinct flavor note to each slice of the pizza. It's a fiery experience that's found a following especially among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The transition from farm-to-table has evolved into woodland-to-pizza with foraged seasonal ingredients growing in popularity. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake that are featured prominently on pizzas during their growth seasons.
We've also been experimenting with wild-foraged greens like ramps, as well as sea greens including dulse and nori, and we've introduced the aromatic addition of spruce tips. These natural ingredients connect our customers to the wild and impart flavors that can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has become a key element in creating that perfect sweet and savory balance on pizzas and its popularity shows no signs of waning in 2023. Not just any honey, but specialty honey varieties have burst onto the scene and are now drizzled on pizzas right before serving.
Options like aromatic truffle honey, zesty fermented garlic honey, the robustness of smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are enhancing the flavor profiles of pizzas nationwide. These final touches add depth and can transform even the simplest pizzas into gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that are gaining popularity, though they didn't make our main list, include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusted over pizza like fine gold flakes
- Pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Topical grains for added texture, like crispy farro or air-popped sorghum
- Spots of artisan crafted butter, especially those infused with herbs or cultured
Whether you're someone who sticks to time-honored classics or are eager to try modern eclectic flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally enjoyed dishes. At ConnectedCommonsZone, we pay homage to the traditional while simultaneously embracing the new, which is why our menu includes everything from the classic Margherita to avant-garde pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these contemporary toppings? Or do you have a distinct flavor combo in mind that you think we should try? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!