Each new year uncovers fresh trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 has brought its share of surprises. At SharedTransitLane, keeping an eye on what flavors are captivating pizza aficionados globally is what we do. We present to you our list of the top trendy and favored pizza toppings that are currently the buzz of the food scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive wellness has traveled to pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing intricate sour notes that enhance the deep flavors of the cheese and tomato base. These toppings don't just offer probiotic advantages; they also add new textural layers to conventional pizza offerings.
Our latest creation, the Fermentation Festivity pizza, is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, with a final touch of local honey to even out the sourness. It may be unorthodox, but it's swiftly becoming a top request among our unique pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets is not slowing down, leading to a noticeable uptick in interest for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Beyond usual veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins are offering alternatives that manage to please even the staunchest carnivores.
Items like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a place on our menu. These plant proteins are chosen not solely by vegetarians but also by customers who love their distinctive tastes and the lighter feeling they provide post-meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a fiery taste, 2023 is all about embracing specific chilies from various regions over the usual red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies maintain their popular spot, the likes of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also starting to adorn pizzas.
The Global Spice pizza, a feature on our menu, offers a blend of four different chilies, each contributing its distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. This spicy experience is a hit with our most intrepid customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table approach has expanded to include the forest-to-pizza trend, which has been gaining traction due to the appeal of seasonal foraged ingredients. Predominantly, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods are showcased on pizzas in their peak seasons.
We're also incorporating wild spring ramps (leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinctive botanical flavors. These foraged items offer diners a connection to the wild and tastes that can't be replicated with cultivated goods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors achieved by honey drizzles has become a mainstay and more than a fleeting fascination. Following the trend of spicy honey, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honey like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey, garnishing pizzas just before serving, adding a layer of sophistication and making even simple pizza choices feel gourmet.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are nonetheless making a mark include:
- Salted egg yolks, gently grated over pizza for a luxurious effect
- Marinated fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter dabs (esp. cultured or mixed herb butters)
Whether you're someone who sticks to time-honored favorites or a culinary explorer open to trying bold new flavor pairings, pizza retains its crown as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At SharedTransitLane, we honor the classics while also celebrating innovation—our menu features both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty options.
Have you had the chance to taste any of these notable toppings? Or is there a distinctive blend you'd wish to see offered? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!