Each year unveils fresh culinary trends in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At QuietFreshSignal, we continually track what delights pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our pick of the most exciting and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, as fermented veggies have become a welcome hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute layered tangy notes that pair well with cheese and sauce. Beyond probiotics, these toppings bring intriguing textural contrasts to classic pizza.
Our 'Fermentation Celebration' pizza showcases homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to temper the tang. The pairing may seem unconventional, yet it's rapidly rising as a top-sought signature pie.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to grow in popularity, we've seen a significant rise in demand for pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond the standard vegetable toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins have introduced options that satisfy even dedicated meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins are not just for vegetarians—many of our customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have maintained their popularity from previous years, but we're now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor profile to different quadrants of the pizza. It's a spicy adventure that's been especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making frequent appearances during their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we've experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while providing flavors that simply can't be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than just a passing trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen an explosion of specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus across the country. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making a splash include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or compound herb butters)
Whether you favor time-honored classics or seek bold, new pairings, pizza remains one of the globe's most versatile and cherished dishes. At QuietFreshSignal, we respect tradition while pursuing innovation—hence our menu features both timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a distinctive favorite combo you'd like us to add? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you stop by next time!