Each new year ushers in fresh culinary trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 isn't an outlier. Here at MediaPortal, we keep a close watch on the flavors that are delighting pizza connoisseurs across the planet. We're excited to share a list of this year's trendiest pizza toppings that are a hit with consumers.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has garnered attention, manifesting itself in the unexpected rise of fermented vegetables as a top pizza topping choice. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are contributing an intricate sour zest that admirably complements the deep flavors of dough, sauce, and cheese. Besides their probiotic qualities, these toppings add a novel textural element to the iconic dish.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our exclusive sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, sweetened with a touch of artisanal honey to offset the sour taste. Though it may seem atypical, it's rapidly become a sought-after item among our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The demand for plant-based diets continues to surge, leading to a similar rise in plant-based protein toppings on pizzas. Beyond typical vegetable toppings, the advancements in plant-based proteins have spawned alternatives that even die-hard carnivores enjoy.
Plant-derived substitutes like Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are among the standard options on our menu. These aren't exclusively for herbivores; these novel flavors also draw customers interested in a more digestible protein source.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Chili aficionados have much to celebrate, as 2023 welcomes a special embrace of distinct regional chili varieties over the typical red pepper flakes. We're seeing Calabrian chilies stay popular with newer additions like Aleppo pepper, smoldering Spanish ñora chili, tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing atop pizzas.
The International Zest pizza is our newest creation that includes a diverse range of regional chilies, each segment of the pizza having its unique heat profile. This fiery excursion has found particular favor with our more daredevil customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of local sourcing has been extended to include forest-to-pizza, highlighted by the popularity of seasonally foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms take the lead in this trend; chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods provide distinctive flavors during their natural seasons.
We've also incorporated wild spring onions, oceanic plants like dulse and nori, and spruce tips, all contributing unconventional tastes and connecting our customers to the wild outdoors in new ways.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The pairing of honey and pizza continues to captivate taste buds, transcending from a fleeting trend to a mainstay. The year 2023 especially highlights an array of special honey variations that add a final touch to pizzas before they reach the table.
Options such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey offer complexity and can transform simple pizza into a high-end dish.
Honorable Mentions
Additional toppings that didn't quite make our list but are nonetheless noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza for an opulent touch
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Whole grain garnishes, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- High-end butter dabs, particularly those infused with herbs or cultured
Whether you are one for the classics or are looking to explore audacious new flavors, pizza retains its reputation as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At MediaPortal, we celebrate time-honored methods as well as culinary creativity—you'll see everything from the iconic Margherita to avant-garde specialty pizzas in our collection.
What do you think of these trending toppings? Have a distinct favorite combination you believe we should try? Share with us in the comments or during your forthcoming visit!