Each year presents a new wave of pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no different. At PantryCollect, our goal is to keep track of the flavors captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our list of the top trending pizza toppings this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
The spotlight on digestive wellness has brought fermented vegetables to the forefront of pizza innovation this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing zesty flavors that add complexity to the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings offer probiotic advantages and add new textures to the classic pizza experience.
Our special Fermentation Celebration pizza is topped with in-house fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a final touch of local honey to counter the sourness. While it may seem unconventional, it's rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after pizzas on our menu.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt a plant-based lifestyle, the demand for pizzas with inventive vegan proteins is on the rise. Beyond usual vegetable additions, newer plant-based meat alternatives have won over even the most avid meat enthusiasts.
We now serve up options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, marinated tempeh, jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni.” These aren't just for vegan guests—many choose them for their distinctive taste and ease of digestion.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
2023 has been a joyous year for those who like their pizza with a kick. Pizza aficionados are now choosing specific regional chilies over generic hot pepper flakes. The Italian Calabrian chilies keep their stronghold, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are seen gracing more pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a tantalizing mix of four diverse regional chilies, bringing unique tastes to each quarter of the pizza. It's been a favorite pick for customers who are up for a fiery culinary journey.
4. Seasonal Wild Ingredients
The concept of farm-to-table is expanding to include forest-to-pizza through the use of seasonal foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in sync with their growth seasons.
We also feature spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic punch. These ingredients offer a connection to the wilderness and flavors not replicable by commercial cultivation.
5. Artisan Honey Drizzles
Honey has long been celebrated for creating delicious sweet-savory combinations on pizza. 2023 has welcomed a variety of artisan honey which we drizzle on our pizzas for a finishing gourmet touch.
Truffle-infused honey, garlic fermented honey, mesquite flavored honey, and others are becoming commonplace across different pizzerias. These honeys can transform even the simplest pizza into an exquisite gourmet meal.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make it to our top five but deserve recognition include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza offering a rich burst of flavor
- Pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, notably cultured or herbed versions
Pizza remains one of the most versatile and popular dishes around the globe. At PantryCollect, we respect the classics but also encourage culinary creativity, evident by our mix of traditional Margherita and innovative special pizzas.
Have any of these top toppings graced your palate? Or perhaps you have a unique topping in mind you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!