Every year introduces fresh culinary movements in the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At MellowPlanetQuiet, we continually track what captures pizza enthusiasts’ palates worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings that have surged in popularity this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce bold texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based dining continuing to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable surge in demand for pizzas featuring creative protein alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devout meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor profile to different quadrants of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s been especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that simply can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb compound butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At MellowPlanetQuiet, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both the classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!