Each year unveils new pizza topping fads, and 2023 is no different. At BluePointPress, we keep a close eye on the trends captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top trendsetting pizza add-ons that have taken center stage this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has risen to prominence, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their layered, tangy flavors that pair well with the creamy texture of cheese and the savory taste of pizza sauce. These toppings are not just a healthy dose of probiotics but also a way to introduce new textures to the pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fête pizza boasts in-house made sauerkraut, kimchi, and creamy gorgonzola topped off with a sweet drizzle of local honey that balances the sourness. This unusual combo turned into one our customers ask for the most.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based diets gain traction, there's been a noticeable spike in demand for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Apart from the familiar veggie toppings, we're witnessing an influx of plant-based proteins that even die-hard carnivores find satisfying.
Options like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and pepperoni made from pea protein have become staples on our menu. These alternatives go beyond catering to vegetarians, enticing customers with their distinct tastes and gentler impact on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who like some spice, the year has encouraged pizza lovers to delve into distinct regional chili types beyond the generic shake of red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a constant from previous years, and now we are also introducing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang as new fiery toppings.
Our International Heat pizza includes a blend of four diverse regional chilies, each item contributing its own distinct flavor profile to different sections of the pizza, creating a spicy experience that's popular with our bold-taste-seeking customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients on pizzas have become increasingly popular, originating from the farm-to-table concept. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured during their respective harvest times.
We've also been incorporating wild ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse, nori, and even spruce tips for their distinct aromatic essence. These components not only bring unique flavors to the front but also create a connection to the wilderness.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of honey's sweetness with the savory aspect of pizza has become well-established. Building off the hot honey trend from past years, 2023 has been marked by the rise of unique honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
We've seen truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey showing up on pizza menus nationwide, adding depth and transforming simple pizzas to artisanal experiences.
Honorable Mentions
A couple more toppings that didn't quite make the top list but are nonetheless leaving an impression include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over pizza for a luxurious topping
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums offering a unique twist
- Grains with heritage, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for added crunch
- Tiny dollops of artisan butter, particularly those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you're someone who sticks to the classic tastes or someone who's keen on trying innovative combinations, pizza remains one of the planet's most versatile and universally loved dishes. BluePointPress values old-school methods as much as we strive for novelty. That's why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde gourmet pizzas.
Have you tried any of these trending add-ons? Or do you have a specific unique combination in mind that you'd want to see on our menu? Share with us through a comment or on your next visit!