Every year brings new culinary waves to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At PizzaPiazza Crust & Crown Pizzeria Napoli Flame Bella Mozza Pizzeria Veloce Slice Stone Hearth Pizzeria, we continually track what captures pizza lovers’ palates across the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and in-demand toppings making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pizzerias’ menus, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute bold, tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce fresh texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to mellow the tang. The combination might sound unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen strong demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted carnivores.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t reserved for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts rejoice! In 2023, pizza lovers have embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each delivering a unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey that has proven especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their 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 delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on hot honey’s popularity in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still turning heads include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At PizzaPiazza Crust & Crown Pizzeria Napoli Flame Bella Mozza Pizzeria Veloce Slice Stone Hearth Pizzeria, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that's why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!