Each new year ushers in fresh trends in the pizza arena, and 2023 is no different. We at CalmMeadow continually track what's captivating the palates of pizza connoisseurs worldwide. Here are the top trending toppings that are taking the pizza scene by storm this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now incorporating a focus on digestive health, with fermented vegetables garnering unexpected popularity on pizzas in 2023. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding a complex tang that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not only do these toppings offer probiotic advantages, but they also bring new textural variations to the classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Festival pizza comes topped with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, and it's finalized with a drizzle of artisan honey to tame the sour notes. This combo may seem odd at first, but it's quickly becoming a customer favorite specialty pie.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based diet trend continues to flourish, we've noticed a surge in demand for pizzas that feature inventive meat-free options. Stepping beyond ordinary veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins now provide alternatives that even meat enthusiasts appreciate.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein 'pepperoni' have found a permanent spot on our menu. These alternatives have attracted a broader audience due to their distinctive taste profiles and ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who enjoy spice, 2023 has been a year of embracing chilies with specific regional identifications, moving away from common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, we now witness the rise of Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Around the World Heat pizza spotlights a variety of four different regional chilies, with each type bringing its own flavor profile to separate sections of the pie. This spicy journey is particularly favored among our more intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table concept has spread into the realm of pizza with the increased popularity of foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which appear frequently at their peak times.
We also explore with wild spring ramps, sea veggies like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic twist. These ingredients give patrons a taste of nature and offer flavors that cannot be found in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to create a savory-sweet contrast has become more than a fleeting fad. Expanding on the popularity of spiced honey, 2023 has seen an array of specialty honey kinds drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Some examples include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey becoming frequent additions to pizza menus nationwide. These final touches bring a nuanced complexity and transform simple pizza recipes into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that nearly made our top five but are still creating buzz include:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a touch of luxury
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient grain garnishes, including crispy spelt or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter variations (like cultured or herb-infused butter)
Whether you're someone who holds the classics in high regard, or a daring foodie eager to sample novel flavor combinations, pizza remains one of the globe's most diverse and cherished dishes. At CalmMeadow, we respect traditional tastes while also exploring new culinary ideas—that's why our menu showcases timeless Margherita alongside groundbreaking specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite blend you think we should offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you dine with us!