Each new year introduces fresh gastronomic trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 has certainly brought its fair share. At TideGlassLane, we’re at the forefront, keeping a pulse on and adapting to the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Discover our list of the year's most innovative and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has worked its way onto pizza menus, with fermented vegetables emerging as a trending topping. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver a punchy zestiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of cheese and a rich sauce base. These toppings bring not just probiotic gains to the meal but also intriguing new textures to the traditional pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with in-house sauerkraut and kimchi along with gorgonzola and a drizzle of local honey, has quickly ascended the ranks to become a fan favorite, despite its unconventional flair.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With a surge in plant-based diets, the pizza scene has noted a marked increase in toppings that feature inventive meat substitutes. Beyond just veggies, the pizza realm now includes plant-based Italian sausage, perfectly seasoned tempeh, jackfruit with a pulled pork vibe, and pea protein slices akin to pepperoni. These offerings have broadened our menu, attracting not just vegetarians but all customers who appreciate the distinct taste and digestibility of plant proteins.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the heat, the spotlight in 2023 is on specific chili types beyond the generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have held onto their popularity, additions such as the smoky Spanish ñora, Aleppo pepper, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now gracing pizza toppings.
Adventure through spice with our “Global Heat” pizza, which is divided into quadrants each featuring a distinct regional chili for an all-encompassing fiery experience that has proven especially popular amongst our bolder patrons.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged foods are moving from the forest to your pizza plate as this trend rises in popularity, particularly seasonal wild mushrooms including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods. We also toss in other foraged items like spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their uncommon aromatic qualities. These fresh toppings offer a tantalizing connection to nature and flavors not found in cultivated ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Contrasting pizza’s savory taste with a hint of honey sweetness has become a staple technique. Expanding from the hot honey trend, this year has seen an array of unique honey variations drizzled over pizzas, including truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-rich honey. These additions serve to add a sophisticated layer of complexity to even the simplest of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that have narrowly missed our main list but are still worth noting include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich finish
- Pickled fruits, with a highlight on stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Toppings made from heritage grains such as crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Pats of artisan butter, including varieties like cultured or mixed with herbs
Pizza continues to be a universally adored and versatile dish, whether you stick to time-honored favorites or seek novel flavors. At TideGlassLane, we honor the timeless classics while also pioneering new combinations, ensuring our menu caters to both traditionalists and innovative eaters alike.
Are any of these contemporary toppings on your radar? Perhaps you fancy a different, unique topping you'd like to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!