As each year passes, the pizza industry is shaken up with new gastronomic trends, and the year 2023 is no different. Here at LeafandGrain, we continuously track what's trending among pizza connoisseurs worldwide. We're excited to present our list of the top five pizza toppings that are the talk of the town this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has become a significant influence in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as a top trend on pizzas. The incorporation of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions has been infusing pizzas with their distinctively sharp flavors that superbly contrast the creamy cheese and rich sauce. Aside from providing gut-friendly probiotics, these toppings also infuse pizzas with new textural elements.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a touch of gorgonzola cheese, and it's all tied together with a dollop of local honey for a sweet counterpoint to the tangy toppings. This quirky combination is steadily climbing the ranks as one of our most frequently ordered specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based diets are on the rise, and with them, the demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes has skyrocketed. More than just the usual assortment of veggies, our plant-based proteins are attracting even the most die-hard meat enthusiasts.
We now offer plant-based Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit in place of pulled pork, and pea protein slices akin to pepperoni. These alternatives not only cater to vegetarians but are chosen by many for their distinct tastes and lighter impact on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Pizza aficionados with a penchant for spice are celebrating the diversification of chili toppings on their favorite dish. While Calabrian chilies continue to be sought after, we're also bringing unique flavors to our pizzas with the likes of smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our World of Heat pizza introduces a selection of four distinct chilies, each lending its characteristic flavor to separate sections of the pizza. This has proven to be particularly well-received by our patrons who enjoy a zestful dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
From the forest to your pizza, foraged ingredients have become increasingly popular due to their seasonal nature. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear in sync with their natural growing seasons.
We're also incorporating other wild edibles like spring ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements bring our customers closer to the wild and offer flavors that can't be matched by cultivated ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to enhance the sweet and savory notes of a pizza has made it more than just a temporary fad. Riding on the ongoing popularity of spiced honey varieties, 2023 brings us a variety of artisanal honeys that we drizzle on our pizzas right before serving.
Connoisseur favorites now include truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even honey infused with CBD. These gourmet drizzles contribute to a rich and nuanced finish, turning even the simplest pizzas into deluxe creations.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that didn't quite make our top five but are nonetheless gaining traction include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza for a touch of umami richness
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums for a zesty twist
- Ancient grain crunches, like crispy farro or sorghum, for added texture
- Tiny dollops of artisanal butter, including cultured and herbed varieties
Whether you're a pizza purist or someone who enjoys exploring new and adventurous flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At LeafandGrain, we celebrate time-honored classics while also diving into the world of culinary creativity—our menu features both the traditional Margherita and innovative specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a personal favorite blend you'd like to recommend? Share with us in the comments section or during your next visit to LeafandGrain.