Each year ushers in a new wave of food trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 is no different. Here at GreenPortlane, we keep an eye on global trends that pizza aficionados enjoy. This is our list of top pizza toppings that are receiving a lot of attention this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has moved into the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Items like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing distinctive zesty tastes that balance the opulence of cheeses and sauces. These toppings don't just offer health benefits—they introduce a novel textural interplay to a pizza's traditional profile.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we serve includes our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, topped with a spread of locally sourced honey to offset the sour notes. Even though it might seem unconventional, it's quickly become one of the pizzas that we get asked for the most.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-focused diets, we've observed an upsurge in the request for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Moving past the typical veggie toppings, the emergence of plant-based protein replacements has introduced options that even convince the staunch carnivores.
We now regularly offer toppings like plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as an alternative to pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into pepperoni slices. These choices are winning over not just vegetarians but also those who are seeking distinctive tastes and a meal that's gentler on the stomach.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year is a win for those who crave spicy flavors, with pizza fans now choosing certain regional chili types over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a fan favorite, we're also seeing spices like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on pizzas.
The Global Heatwave pizza we offer combines four distinct chilies from various regions, each quadrant of the pizza boasting its own distinctive spice profile. It's a fiery journey that has become exceptionally popular among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The local sourcing trend has expanded to include forest-to-table, with the rising inclusion of foraged seasonal treats. Wild mushrooms are leading this trend, with sought-after variants such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their natural growing seasons.
In addition to fungi, we've been experimenting with wild ramps (wild leeks), oceanic greens like seaweed varieties dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These components not only bring novel flavors to pizza but also connect the palate to the shades of nature.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The blend of sweet and savory notes from honey has become more than just a fleeting fad. Building upon the trend of chili-infused honey from the past few years, 2023 has seen a burst in the use of unique honey types drizzled over pizzas just before they're served.
Varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, sweet smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-based honey are now seen across pizzerias nationwide. These honeys are used as finishing touches to add layers of taste and elevate even straightforward pizza pairings to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that barely missed making our top list but have still been impactful include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately shaved over the pizza for a rich burst of flavor
- Pickled fruits, notably drupes such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain crunch, with crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Artisanal butter dollops, such as cultured or mixed herb butters
Whether you lean towards the classic, timeless preferences or you're eager to explore intrepid new flavor combos, pizza remains among the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At GreenPortlane, we pay homage to heritage while also welcoming culinary creativity—that's why our menu sees both a traditional Margherita and innovative custom crafts.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your eye? Or perhaps you have an unusual favorite mix you'd hope to see us try out? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit.