Each new year introduces exciting pizza topping fads, and 2023 is no different. At CommonSpark, we keep a close eye on the preferences that entice pizza aficionados globally. Below is our list of top pizza toppings that are trending this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has found its way into pizza-making, with pickled veggies emerging as this year's surprise pizza topping stars. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending zesty flavors that beautifully offset the creamy cheese and sauce, bringing probiotic properties and new textures to classic pizzas.
Fermentation Fiesta is our latest addition, which includes own-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a drizzle of local honey to soften the sharpness. While this combo may seem odd, it's on its way to becoming one of our most frequently requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-based diets, there's been an upsurge in demand for pizzas equipped with innovative meat substitutes. Stepping beyond common veggies, new plant-based protein options are impressing even the most ardent carnivores.
Items like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, pulled pork from marinated jackfruit, and pea protein pepperoni have become staple toppings on our menu. These options are chosen by customers not just for their health benefits, but also for their distinctive taste and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor spicy flavors are embracing local chili types over standard red pepper flakes in 2023. Calabrian chilies are still popular, and now Aleppo pepper, smokey Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also starting to feature on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza offers a combination of four unique regional chilies, giving each slice its individual punch of spice. It's particularly popular with our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Items
The trend of using locally sourced ingredients has branched out to include foraged seasonal items on pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, all appearing during their peak seasons.
We're also using spring ramps, a variety of sea vegetables, and even aromatic spruce tips. These wild ingredients are a way to unite pizza lovers with the great outdoors and offer flavors you can’t find in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The dynamic combination of sweet and savory that honey introduces has taken a permanent place in pizza gastronomy. After the rise of hot honey, 2023 has welcomed an array of unique honey types being drizzled on pizzas, like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and certain honey infused with non-intoxicating substances.
This final flourish adds depth and can transform even the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that almost made the top five but are certainly worth mentioning include:
- Salted egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza surface
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grains used as toppings for a crunchy texture, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butters, including cultured or herb-infused varieties, dotted across the pizza
Whether you adhere to the classics or seek out novel flavor pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes on the planet. At CommonSpark, we pay homage to timeless recipes and welcome culinary creativity—evident in our serving of both the iconic Margherita and novel specialty pizzas.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've tried, or would you like to suggest a distinctive topping combination for us to try? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!