Each year, the pizza industry sees new trends emerging, and 2023 is no different. Here at CollectiveKnowledge, we're always on the lookout for what's new and beloved in the world of pizza toppings. Below is our list of top innovative and sought-after toppings that have gained popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The growing attention to digestive health has led to an unexpected topping trend for pizzas: fermented vegetables. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with sophisticated, tart flavors that perfectly complement traditional rich cheeses and sauces. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic health benefits, but they also add intriguing new textures to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza is garnished with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and it's delicately finished with a drizzle of artisanal honey to soften the sourness. Although this mix may seem unconventional, it's rapidly become one of our frequently demanded specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward diets has triggered an increase in the demand for pizza topped with imaginative meat substitutes. Apart from the typical vegetable toppings, advancements in plant-based protein have brought forth alternatives that even convince staunch meat enthusiasts.
Items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinated to perfection, and pea protein pepperoni are now mainstays on our menu. These plant proteins are chosen not only by vegetarians but also by customers interested in their distinct tastes and their lighter impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are thrilled that in 2023, pizza aficionados are opting for specific types of regional chilies over generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies have continued their streak of popularity, and now we're witnessing the inclusion of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Spice pizza introduces a blend of four diverse regional chilies, each imparting its distinctive taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery journey that's become a favorite among our clientele with a taste for adventure.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of farm-to-fork has morphed into a forest-to-pizza move, as foraged seasonal ingredients gain traction. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms such as the chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are finding their way onto pizzas during their specific growing seasons.
Not stopping at mushrooms, we've dabbled with wild ramps (wild leeks), marine greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients offer a connection to nature and flavors that cannot be replicated by commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The blend of sweet and savory provided by honey has now become entrenched as more than a temporary fad. Expanding upon the popularity of hot honey, 2023 has welcomed a variety of specialty honey drizzles. Truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are being offered on pizzas as a final touch at establishments nationwide. These unique flourishes are adding layers of flavor and elevating even the simplest of pizzas to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that didn't quite make our top list but are still leaving an impact include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, dusting the pizza like a delicate yellow confetti
- Pickled fruits, namely stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Toppings made from heritage grains, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Smears of artisan butter, especially cultured or compound ones with mixed herbs
No matter if you're someone who cherishes timeless staple flavors or a culinary explorer eager for bold, novel mixtures, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally adored dishes. At CollectiveKnowledge, we pay homage to classic flavors while also welcoming innovation, which is why you'll find both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialty creations on our menu.
Have any of these trending toppings caught your interest, or do you have a unique topping combination in mind that you'd like us to consider? Drop us a line in the comments or tell us about it on your next visit!