Each new year introduces novel trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 is brimming with them. At MellowFiberGlade, we stay ahead by tracking the flavors that enchant pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Take a look at the most tantalizing and beloved pizza toppings that are making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health remains a focal point, pizzerias are getting on board, with fermented vegetables becoming an unexpected but welcome topping sensation this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing a burst of tangy flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings don't only offer probiotic advantages, but they also introduce intriguing new textures to the familiar pizza base.
The introduction of our Fermentation Fest pizza has been a success, topped with our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, then finished with a dribble of local honey to counteract the sourness. While this may seem like an unconventional pairing, it's rapidly become one of our most sought-after special offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people opt for plant-based lifestyles, the demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes has notably increased. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins have furnished us with options that can please even staunch carnivores.
Plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh bites, marinated jackfruit posing as pulled pork, and pea protein-made pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These plant-based choices appeal not just to vegetarians but also to those who prefer their distinct flavors and less heavy impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor a bit of spice on their pizza are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans are becoming avid samplers of distinct regional chili types over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a crowd-pleaser, we're now noticing the rise of Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Heat pizza is a combination of four unique chilies from across the globe, each bringing its distinct taste to different parts of the pizza—a fiery journey that's a hit with our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has expanded beyond to include forest-to-pizza, courtesy of the emerging trend of using foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, displayed prominently during their respective harvesting times.
In addition, we've been experimenting with spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, as well as spruce tips for an extraordinary aromatic twist. These nature-sourced ingredients offer customers a connection to the wild and pack flavors that cannot be found in the mass market.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory with honey has taken root in the world of pizza. Expanding upon the already popular spicy honey trend, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honey drizzles that are added to pizzas just before serving.
Truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-enhanced honey are becoming common choices across pizzerias. These unique drizzles contribute depth to the flavors and uplift the humble pizza to haute cuisine echelons.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that have narrowly missed the cut for our top five but are still becoming popular include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza for a rich umami topping
- Pickled fruits, particular stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grain sprinkles, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum to add texture
- Gourmet dollops of butter, especially cultured or compound butters with herbs
No matter if you're a purist who loves the classics or a culinary explorer open to trying novel flavor combos, pizza remains a versatile and universally adored dish. At MellowFiberGlade, we revere the classics while also welcoming new creations—our menu hosts both the timeless Margherita and the forefront specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these on-trend toppings? Or perhaps you have your own distinctive favorite you'd like to see available? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!