Each year introduces novel trends to the domain of pizzerias, and 2023 does not disappoint. At LoftPassageFolio, keeping tabs on the global favorites of pizza aficionados is our thing. Dive into our insights on the trending pizza toppings that are currently the talk of the town.
1. Fermented Veggies
The wellness trend emphasizing gut health has impacted the pizza scene, with fermented veggies emerging as this year's unexpected crowd-pleaser. Varieties like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing an intriguing sour complexity that's well-matched with the traditional cheesy and saucy foundation of pizzas. Aside from their probiotic qualities, these toppings are a novel textural addition to the tried-and-true pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza is a new addition that boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a scoop of local honey on top to tone down the sour overtones. It may sound unconventional, yet it has soared in popularity as one of our most frequently ordered unique pizzas.
2. Meatless Protein Options
The surge in plant-based diets continues unabated, resulting in an uptick in the desire for pizzas adorned with inventive non-meat options. Beyond the standard array of veggies, plant-based protein innovations are attracting even steadfast carnivores.
Assortments like plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork marinated in savory sauces, and pepperoni crafted from pea protein are now staking a permanent spot on our menu. These plant-derived proteins are winning over customers not just for ethical reasons, but also for their distinct tastes and a gentler impact on digestion.
3. Distinctive Chilis from Various Regions
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating as 2023 has embraced a preference for specific chili varieties from distinct regions over uninspired hot pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to reign supreme, but now there's a burgeoning appetite for the likes of Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chilies from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat Wave pizza is an amalgam of four different chilis from around the world, each lending its own peculiar taste to the pizza's sections. This fiery sensation has been particularly well-received among our customers with a taste for culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Wild-Crafted Ingredients
The ethos of farm-to-table has evolved further into a trend from forest-to-pizza, thanks to the increasing engagement with foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, including favorites like chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms, appearing as they come into season.
We haven't stopped at mushrooms; our experimental toppings also comprise wild leeks known as ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an unusual hint of forest aroma. These naturally occurring ingredients tap into diners' yearning for the wild and deliver flavors that farmed produce simply can't.
5. Artful Honey Glazes
Honey's capacity to contrast savory notes has made it a longstanding favorite, and in 2023, unique types of honey have exploded in popularity as pizza drizzles just before serving.
We're seeing gourmet varieties like truffle honey, garlic honey fermented for added depth, smoky mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD joining the ranks. These drizzles are culinary flourishes that transform even basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Noteworthy Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed our main list but are still worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks shaved over the pizza for a rich umami dusting
- Pickled fruits such as stone fruits—to name peaches and plums
- Toppings made from heritage grains, like toasted farro or popped sorghum, for added crunch
- Small dabs of artisanal butter, with selections including cultured or blended herb butters
Whether you're a purist who cherishes classic pies or someone who delights in the thrill of new flavor pairings, pizza's versatility and enduring appeal have something for everyone. At LoftPassageFolio, we pay homage to tradition while also celebrating the new - that's evident in the presence of both age-old Margherita and our avant-garde creations on our menu.
Do any of these trendy toppings resonate with you, or do you have an inventive blend in mind you'd like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!