Each new year introduces fresh food trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At HerbalMorsel, our team keeps an eye on the flavors that captivate pizza aficionados worldwide. We present the top trending pizza toppings that have gained popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has influenced pizza menus, with fermented veggies emerging as a top choice. Tangy delights such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are enhancing pizzas with their deep flavors, meshing well with the traditional cheese and tomato sauce. They not only serve up probiotic advantages but also add a new twist in texture to the classic pizza.
Our signature Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and is perfected with a sweet drizzle of local honey to offset the sour notes. Although the combo might seem atypical, it's winning over customers quickly and has become a sought-after specialty.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets has led to an increase in pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Instead of just the usual veggies, we now see a variety of plant-based meats winning over even the staunchest carnivores.
Our menu now features items like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These toppings cater to not just vegetarians but anyone fascinated by distinctive tastes and lighter meals.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who crave a spicy bite are in for a treat! The year 2023 marks a trend where pizza lovers are preferring specific types of chilies over the conventional crushed red pepper. Hot favorites include Calabrian chilies, along with Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, and the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo as well as Korean gochujang.
Our Intense Heatwaves pizza combines these diverse chilies, each lending its special heat to the pie. It's been particularly favored by customers who enjoy a culinary challenge.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement's latest evolution is foraged toppings, straight from nature to your pizza. Leading this trend are numerous types of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, according to their season.
We've also started incorporating wild spring ramps, different types of sea vegetables, and even the distinctively flavored spruce tips. These items create a connection to the wild and offer irreplaceable tastes.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of honey on savory foods has now become a stable preference. 2023 ushers in an array of special honey variations that are drizzled over pizzas post-bake.
Exotic truffle honey, pungent fermented garlic honey, rich smoky mesquite honey, and innovative CBD-infused honey have started making their marks. The right drizzle can transform a straightforward pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that have generated interest but didn't quite make our top list include:
- Cured egg yolks grated over the pizza to create a luxurious topping
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grains adding a crunch with toppings like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Artisanal butter dollops, using varieties such as cultured or herbed butter for a rich taste
Whether you're set in your ways with classic preferences or open to sampling innovative flavors, pizza remains a global favorite with endless versatility. At HerbalMorsel, we pay homage to the classics while also leading the way with novel creations—that’s why our menu boasts tried-and-true Margheritas alongside avant-garde specialties.
Which of these trendy toppings has made its way to your plate? Or perhaps you have an uncommon custom combination in mind that you'd like to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tell us during your next visit!