With each passing year, the pizza world sees an infusion of new taste trends, and 2023 follows suit. FreshCloudOrchid is on the frontline, scoping out which toppings are captivating pizza aficionados globally. We present a compilation of the top pizza toppings that are causing a stir this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With an increased focus on digestive welfare, fermented vegetables have unexpectedly soared in popularity on pizzas. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a distinctive sour edge that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and sauces. Offering probiotic qualities, these toppings are also bringing an innovative twist to pizza's traditional texture.
The Fermentation Celebration pizza is our latest creation, comprising in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, balanced with a drizzle of local honey. The blend may seem unconventional, yet it's swiftly risen to become a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based lifestyles gain traction, the call for pizzas topped with inventive meat free options has spiked. Going beyond just veggies, the emergence of plant-based proteins has yielded toppings that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Our menu now features plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, succulent jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These new protein types are appealing not solely to vegetarians but also those seeking novel tastes and an easier-to-digest pie.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
2023 is the year spice enthusiasts are favoring specific regional chili types over the mundane red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have preserved their popularity, unique picks such as smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are starting to dot pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a concoction that joins four distinct regional chilies, bestowing each pizza quarter with its own flavor signature. This spicy experience has garnered favor particularly among our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Farm-to-table has extended into the realm of pizzas with the increasing allure of foraged seasonal produce. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas during their peak seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we're utilizing springtime wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients offer diners a taste of nature and flaunt flavors not found in farmed counterparts.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating a delectable balance of sweet and savory has etched its place firmly in the pizza scene. Building on the hot honey trend, the year 2023 has witnessed a surge in unique honey types being lightly poured over pizzas before they're served.
Exotic varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey are making their rounds in pizzerias. These unique drizzles lend a layer of sophistication, transforming even the simplest pizza to a gourmet delight.
Honorable Mentions
Other noteworthy toppings that narrowly missed our main list but are still resonating include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over pizzas, akin to a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum adding crunch
- Gourmet dollops of butter, like cultured or herb-infused varieties
No matter if you're an aficionado of timeless pizza or someone eager to experiment with novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At FreshCloudOrchid, we pay homage to classic recipes while welcoming culinary innovation—you'll find both age-old Margherita and avant-garde specialties on our menu.
Have any of these trend-setting toppings caught your eye? Or perhaps you have a unique topping mixture in mind that you'd love for us to try? Drop us a line in the comments or on your next visit!