Each year, the pizza industry is revitalized with new flavors, and the year 2023 follows this trend. At HeatherFen, we diligently track the evolving preferences of pizza aficionados worldwide. Let us present to you the topping trends that are currently stirring excitement among pizza connoisseurs.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Today's health-conscious environment has paved the way for the unexpected popularity of fermented vegetables on pizza. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are adding a zesty punch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy cheeses and rich sauces. These tangy elements promote gut health with their probiotic properties and introduce a novel texture to the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with in-house fermented cabbage, kimchi, and blue cheese, and finished with a local honey drizzle, may sound unconventional, yet it's becoming a swiftly growing favorite for our specialty pizza enthusiasts.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has sparked an increased demand for pizzas topped with innovative non-meat options. Beyond ordinary vegetables, advancements in plant-based proteins are providing choices that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
Our menu now features toppings like meat-free Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These plant-based alternatives appeal not only to vegetarians but also to customers seeking distinct flavors and a more digestible meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favor heat are celebrating as pizza lovers have started to choose specific regional chili varieties over basic pepper flakes. The previously popular Calabrian chilies remain a staple, but now we are also witnessing the emergence of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora peppers, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Inferno pizza includes a quartet of distinctive regional chilies, each lending its special taste profile to a separate quarter of the pizza. This spicy experience is particularly prized by our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The emphasis on local sourcing has extended into wild foraging, as seen in the increasing popularity of seasonally harvested ingredients on pizza. Leading the pack, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake are often featured during peak season.
In addition to these fungi, we've played around with wild spring leeks, ocean-sourced greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips, known for their distinctive aromatic flavor. These wild ingredients forge a connection to nature and offer tastes that commercial cultivation cannot replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey, with its capability to create a deliciously sweet and savory blend, has ingrained itself as a mainstay rather than a trend that will pass. In 2023, we're noticing an influx of unique honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas right before they are served.
Honey with the essence of truffle, honey fermented with garlic, honey with a smoky mesquite flavor, and even honey infused with CBD are making their way onto pizza menus nationwide. These refined additions lend a complex touch and elevate many a humble pizza into the realm of high cuisine.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly didn't make our top list, yet deserve a mention for their impact, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated like a blanket of golden snow over the pizza
- Marinated fruits, with an emphasis on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, providing crunch with toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of handcrafted butter, especially those that are cultured or infused with herbs
No matter if you lean towards time-honored classics or are open to experimental flavor unions, pizza remains one of the most universally adored and versatile dishes. At HeatherFen, we pay homage to the classics even as we celebrate innovation, ensuring our menu includes both the iconic Margherita and novel specialty creations.
Have any of these on-trend toppings caught your fancy, or is there a unique combination you'd love to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know during your next visit!