The pizza landscape is constantly evolving, and the year 2023 has welcomed a new batch of topping trends. At GlenFootPath, we keep a close eye on the global preferences of pizza aficionados. We're excited to present the top five toppings that are currently dominating the pizza scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
This year, gut health has stolen the spotlight in the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a burst of complex, sour flavors that perfectly offset the creamy cheese and hearty sauces. Besides their gut-friendly probiotics, these toppings add a novel texture to the classic pizza base.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pie, which includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and a bold gorgonzola, all harmonized with a sweet touch of regional honey. This innovative mix may seem unconventional, yet it has swiftly become a best-seller.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum of plant-forward diets hasn't slowed down, causing a surge in pizza options featuring imaginative meat substitutes. Moving beyond typical veggie toppings, today's plant-based proteins offer satisfying alternatives even for staunch carnivores.
We're now proudly serving plant-derived Italian sausage bits, savory tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni. These options cater to more than just plant-based eaters, with customers enjoying their unique tastes and digestive benefits.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who like a bit of spice in their slice are getting excited about the inclusion of distinctive regional chilies over the ordinary crushed red pepper. Calabrian chilies continue to be well-liked, but we're also witnessing an interest in the fruity notes of Aleppo pepper, the smoke of Spanish ñora, the bright kick of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the depth of Korean gochujang.
Our World of Spice pizza is a hot hit, featuring an assortment of exotic chilies each taking center stage on a separate portion of the pizza. It's a fiery journey favored by our more explorative customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Forest-to-table is the new trend, thanks to the growing popularity of wild, handpicked ingredients. Leading the charge are rare mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake, which grace our pizzas during their natural growing seasons.
We've also been incorporating wild ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even the piney essence of spruce tips. These natural elements offer a taste of the untamed wilderness and a complexity that cultivated foods can't match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's role in creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory has secured its place on the pizza palette. The year 2023 is buzzing with a variety of unique honey drizzles on pizzas, right before serving.
Selections including truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, a smokey mesquite variant, and even honey mingled with CBD are beginning to grace the menus of many establishments. These honeys are the final flourish that transforms even the most straightforward pizza into a refined delicacy.
Honorable Mentions
A few noteworthy toppings that didn't make it into our top five but are nevertheless making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks finely grated over the pizza like a luxurious garnish
- Pickled fruits, in particular stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Heritage grain sprinkles such as crunchy farro or sorghum for an added bite
- Artisanal butter touches, including cultured or herbal variations
No matter if you're a purist who stands by timeless favorites or a culinary adventurer open to novel flavors, pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally cherished dishes. At GlenFootPath, we respect the old while welcoming the new—that's why you'll encounter both the eternal Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas on our menu.
Which of these trendy toppings has graced your palate? Or perhaps there's an uncommon pairing you'd love to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you drop by for a visit!