As each year passes, the pizza industry sees new trends emerge, and 2023 has its own share of topping innovations. At NewExploration, keeping a pulse on what flavors and ingredients are delighting the palates of pizza enthusiasts is our forte. This is our curated list of the top unique and sought-after pizza toppings of the current year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizza and gut health have come together with the unexpected emergence of fermented vegetables as topping trendsetters. Add-ons such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are providing a depth of savory and sour notes that perfectly offset the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These toppings not only boast probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural elements to classic pizza perfection.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, a new addition, is adorned with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and a touch of gorgonzola, all balanced by a sweet, local honey drizzle. This unique blend may be out of the ordinary, but it’s quickly climbing the ranks as a fan-favorite pie.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise of plant-centric diets has been met with a surge in demand for pizzas adorned with imaginative meat substitutes. Vegetables being a staple is nothing new; however, the advent of plant-based protein has introduced a variety that even the most enthusiastic meat connoisseurs appreciate.
Assorted toppings like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, herb-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein-based pepperoni have found their way onto our menu. These plant-based options attract customers not just for their ethical appeal but also for their distinctive flavors and easier digestibility.
3. Specific Regional Chilies
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating the embrace of specialized regional chilies over generic pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to hold their position of favor, but now spices like the smoky Spanish ñora, the tangy Peruvian aji amarillo, and the fiery Korean gochujang are finding their way onto cheesy slices.
Our International Zest pizza offers sectored tastes of piquant chilies from around the world, supplying an individualized heat profile to each slice. For diners who dare to explore, this pizza has become a fiery discovery not to be missed.
4. Seasonally Foraged Additions
Connecting the wild to the baking stone, the current fascination with foraged ingredients has sparked a foray from woodland to pizza. Leading the trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, all gracing the dough during peak season.
We’ve also been crafting pies with foraged goods like wild ramps, seaweed variants including dulse and nori, and aromatic additions like spruce tips. This natural bounty brings diners closer to earth's offerings, delivering irreplicable taste experiences.
5. Artisanal Honey Infusions
Honey, with its ability to complement the savoriness of pizza, has graduated from a fleeting fad to a mainstay garnish. Riding on the coattails of spicy honey's popularity, this year has witnessed a burst in unique honey variations being drizzled atop pizzas.
Exquisite varieties like truffle-infused, garlic-fermented, smoky mesquite, and even CBD-enriched honey are embellishing dishes far and wide. This sweet finish adds another layer of sophistication, turning even the simplest pies into premium offerings.
Noteworthy Extras
Some other toppings nearly making it into our prime five but still causing a ripple include:
- Salted egg yolks, delicately shaved onto the pizza offering a luscious umami explosion
- Tangy pickled stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain accents, contributing crunch with toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Handcrafted butter varieties, particularly those infused with herbs or cultured for depth
No matter if you're a purist who cherishes timeless classics or a pioneering spirit open to experimenting with daring new flavor marriages, the world of pizza remains immensely versatile and universally adored. At NewExploration, we celebrate this culinary legacy while also infusing innovation—our menu hosts the age-old Margherita alongside avant-garde bespoke pizzas.
Have these topping trends tempted your taste buds? Do you harbor a specialty blend you'd love us to craft? Drop your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit to share!