Each year, the pizza world is greeted with new flavor trends, and 2023 is certainly no different. At GardenLocalMarket, we're keen observers of what flavors are capturing the hearts of pizza connoisseurs worldwide. We proudly present this year's list of trendy and highly sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As interest in gut health gains momentum, fermented vegetables have surged in popularity as a pizza topping this year. Tangy elements like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are adding delightful complexity to the traditional richness of pizzas. Not only are these toppings great for their probiotic qualities, but they also introduce an innovative textural twist to classic pizzas.
Featuring our in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and distinctive gorgonzola cheese, our Fermentation Festivity pizza is finished off with a local honey drizzle, balancing the tartness beautifully. This unconventional combination has rapidly climbed our charts as one of the most requested pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people hop onto the plant-based diet wagon, we've observed a surge in pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Gone are the days when vegetables were the only plant-based toppings, with new protein alternatives now pacifying even the most devout carnivores.
Pizza toppings such as plant-derived crumbled Italian sausage, savory tempeh, marinated jackfruit resembling pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni have found their way onto our menu. These inventive proteins are not solely reserved for vegetarians; many customers opt for them due to their distinct taste profiles and being easier on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year, aficionados of spicy flavors are choosing specific regional chili varieties over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to hold favor, other peppers such as the smoky Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also becoming pizza staples.
Our Global Heat pizza combines a blend of regional chilies from around the world, each lending its distinct flavor to our pizza. This fiery experiment has garnered popularity among our patrons who have a penchant for heat.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The emergence of farm-to-table dining has expanded into the realm of pizzas through the increased use of seasonally foraged items. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are regulars during their growing seasons.
We've also explored ingredients such as wild spring leeks, sea-based greens like dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These foraged gems offer a link to the natural world and impart unmatched flavors that can't be reproduced industrially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The enchantment of pairing honey's sweetness with savory flavors has proved its staying power, with specialty honey varieties becoming a beloved pizza topping. Diverse selections like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and mesquite honey are gracing pizzas across the nation. Some places even serve pizzas drizzled with CBD-infused honey. These drizzles not only contribute to the complexity of flavors but also take a simple pizza to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed the top rankings but are nevertheless causing ripples include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a velvety finish
- Pickled fruits, with a predilection for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain additions, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butters, specifically those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Whether you're a purist who holds the classic flavors dear or an explorer eager to sample innovative combinations, pizza retains its place as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At GardenLocalMarket, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also embarking on culinary innovation — thus, our menu boasts both the classic Margherita and avant-garde pizzas.
Have you already indulged in any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinct favorite blend you'd like us to feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!