Each year, new foodie trends emerge in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At NorthPlain, we keep an eye on what’s catching the attention of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here’s our list of the top pizza toppings that are the talk of the town this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The spotlight on digestive wellness has reached pizza shops, as fermented vegetables make an unexpected entrance as top pizza garnishes. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with deep, tangy tastes that enhance the creamy flavors of cheese and tomato base. These toppings don't just offer healthy probiotics but also add new textures to the traditional pizza experience.
Fermentation Fiesta is the name of our new pizza, featuring in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, drizzled with local honey to balance the sour notes. Although it may seem unconventional, this combination is soaring in popularity as one of our signature pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets shows no signs of slowing down, resulting in increased demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Stepping beyond regular veggie toppings, new plant-protein variations have been introduced satisfying the palates of even the most staunch meat fans.
Options such as plant-derived Italian sausage sprinkles, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These meat alternatives draw in customers not only for their ethical appeal but also for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who seek a fiery taste, this year has experienced a shift in preference towards specialized regional chili types, moving away from the generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies are still in favor from past years, but now we observe a rise in varieties like the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and spicy Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Spice pizza incorporates a mix of these distinct regional chilies, lending individualized flavors to each quadrant of the pizza, making it a favorite amongst customers who prefer a spicy culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Taking cues from the farm-to-table movement, foraged ingredients from the wild have surged in popularity on top pizzas. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are appearing in their peak seasons, taking the lead in this trend.
Our explorations exceed mushrooms, featuring items like spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even the uniquely aromatic spruce tips. These foraged delights forge a connection to the wilderness while offering flavors that cannot be replicated in cultivated products.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet contrast against savory has become an enduring pairing, especially with its heightened popularity. In 2023, a variety of exotic honeys is being drizzled on pizzas, transforming ordinary pies into exquisite creations just before they reach the table.
We see innovative choices like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey making their way onto numerous menus. These drizzles bring a depth of flavor and sophistication that lifts even the simplest of pizzas to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that nearly made it to our top five but are definitely worth noting include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely shred over the pizza like flakes of rich yellow snow
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums standing out
- Ancient grain accents, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, for a crunchy texture
- Small dollops of artisan butter (like cultured or flavored herb butters)
No matter if you're a purist who sticks to tried-and-true favorites or someone who’s eager to explore new palate-pleasing mixes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. Here at NorthPlain, we pay homage to time-honored recipes while also pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity—our menu is home to both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have these new toppings caught your interest? Or perhaps there’s a particular combination you’d love to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments, or during your next visit!