This year continues the tradition of introducing new edible delights to pizza cuisine, and 2023 is full of surprises. At SliceOrbit, it’s our mission to track the global pizza landscape’s evolving flavors. We're excited to present the most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive wellness has reached pizza menus, with fermented veggies emerging as this year’s unexpected victors. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions deliver a zesty kick that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and robust sauces. Besides being probiotically beneficial, these additions infuse a novel texture into the classic pizza.
The Fermentation Celebration pie includes our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet honey drizzle to counteract the zesty flavors. Its unique profile is quickly making this pie one of the most popular.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge of plant-based diets is not slowing down, confirmed by the increased demand for pizzas with ingenious meat substitutes. Beyond traditional veggie options, we've introduced plant-based proteins that even staunch meat fans enjoy.
On our menu, you'll now find toppings like plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni.” These protein options are popular for their distinctive taste and ease on the digestion, not just their appeal to vegetarians.
3. Regional Chilies
For those craving some heat on their pizza, 2023 has brought about a specific love for distinct regional chilies over generic pepper flakes. Favorites include the persistently popular Calabrian chilies as well as newer additions like smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
The Global Heat pizza is an international fiery journey, with each of its four quarters showcasing a different regional chili. This has been a hit with patrons who enjoy culinary exploration.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection of food to its source has gone beyond farm-to-table and ventured into the forest with the growing trend for foraged toppings. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms – like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods – which appear atop pizzas in their respective seasons.
We've also been working with wild ramps, sea vegetables such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, bringing a pinch of the wilderness to our pizzas. These wild ingredients offer a connection to nature and flavors that can't be found in cultivated crops.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's capacity to enhance the interplay between sweet and savory has solidified its presence on pizza. Specialty honey varieties like truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-infused honey are now featured in innovative drizzles right before serving.
Such gourmet additions can transform even the simplest pizza into a deluxe experience with their layered complexity and depth of flavor.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings nearly made our list this year:
- Cured egg yolks grated over pizza toppings, showering them in a luxurious topping
- Pickled fruits, with peaches and plums being particularly notable
- Heritage grains, including crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter blobs, especially those infused with cultures or herbs
Whether you're a pizza purist or a pioneer eager for inventive flavors, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished cuisine. At SliceOrbit, we honor the timeless classics just as much as we celebrate culinary advancements—that's why both the iconic Margherita and boundary-pushing creations have a home on our menu.
What are your thoughts on these trending toppings? Is there a unique combo you’re itching to try? Drop a comment below or tell us the next time you drop by!