As each year unfolds, the pizza industry sees emerging culinary waves, and 2023 is surely not an outlier. At CalmQuarter, we diligently observe which flavors are captivating the palates of pizza aficionados globally. We present to you our compilation of this year's most vibrant and favored pizza toppings that are currently trending.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now paying attention to gut health, with fermented vegetables gaining unexpected popularity atop pizzas. Sourcing flavors like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions, these toppings are lending a layered tanginess that pairs exceptionally well with the creamy textures of cheese and savory sauces. Fermented choices are not only tasty but also come with the added benefit of probiotics, offering a novel texture twist to the classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Fiesta pie is adorned with our own sauerkraut and kimchi, along with gorgonzola cheese, and is subtly sweetened with local honey to offset the sour notes. What might initially seem like an idiosyncratic mix is rapidly becoming one of our most sought-after gourmet pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain more traction, there's been a noticeable surge in demand for pizzas that showcase inventive meat substitutes. Moving beyond mere vegetable toppings, the advancements in plant-based proteins are now offering meaty alternatives that are sure to attract even the staunchest carnivores.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage chunks, flavor-infused tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein standing in for pepperoni are becoming staples at our CalmQuarter. These protein choices aren't limited to those following a vegetarian lifestyle, as plenty of our customers select them for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase after heat in their meals, 2023 marks a year where pizza enthusiasts are opting for specific and diverse regional chilies over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue their popular streak, other variants such as Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to feature on pizzas.
Our International Warmth pizza offers a unique mixture of these four distinct chili peppers, delivering each's distinct taste to different parts of the pizza. This fiery journey enjoys particular popularity among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of sourcing directly from the wild, extending from farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza, is on the rise with seasonal foraged items gracing the menus. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which show up during their natural growing seasons.
We're also exploring ingredients like wild ramps (leeks), ocean-sourced greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips that present a distinctly aromatic essence. These wild harvestings create a connection between the diner and the wilderness while imparting flavors that cultivated foods simply cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory has long found its way onto pizza through honey, and this trend has only grown stronger in 2023 with chefs experimenting with various specialty honeys. This year, drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-rich honey are emerging on restaurant menus. These final touches serve to deepen the flavors, transforming even the most basic pizzas into deluxe creations.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that have nearly made our top list but are still creating ripples include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza creating a cheese-like effect
- Pickled fruits, with a spotlight on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accouterments, offering a crunch with options like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Fancy butter drops, particularly those cultured or infused with herbs
No matter if you lean towards tried-and-tested classics or lean into the thrill of novel and audacious combinations, pizza retains its status as a supremely versatile and universally adored dish. At CalmQuarter, we value legacy but are equally keen on embracing novelty—that's the reason our menu is a harmonious mix of traditional Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these emerging topping trends? Or maybe you harbor a unique topping blend that you'd love to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop a suggestion during your next visit!