This year stands out with fresh and exciting pizza topping trends, and WholeFoodLane keeps its finger on the pulse of what's capturing the attention of pizza enthusiasts globally. Here are the leading toppings that have made a significant impact this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now highlighting gut health with fermented vegetables gaining spotlight atop their pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing a new layer of tangy flavors that enhance the creamy cheese and hearty sauce. These fermented options aren't just tasty; they offer probiotic advantages while introducing a novel texture play to the classic pizza fare.
Our signature Fermentation Fiesta pizza includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, crowned with a sweet drizzle of local honey to counter the acidic taste. While it may seem an unconventional pairing, it's rapidly gaining popularity as a requested signature dish.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people turn to plant-based diets, there's been an upsurge in the demand for pizzas featuring imaginative meat substitutes. Departing from typical vegetable toppings, the latest generation of plant-based proteins offers mouthwatering alternatives that even staunch carnivores appreciate.
We've incorporated plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, seasoned jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni into our pizzas. These alternatives are not just for those following plant-based diets; they're chosen by many patrons for their distinct taste and ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spice are in for a treat! In 2023, aficionados are favoring distinct regional chilies over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue their streak of popularity, but now Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making bold statements on pizzas as well.
Our Global Heat pizza offers an assortment of four different regional chilies in a quartet of spicy flavors that has especially appealed to our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged fares are transitioning from forest to pizza with an increasing trend in seasonal wild ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushroom, each making an appearance in sync with their natural growing season.
In addition to fungi, we've been experimenting with wild spring ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for an aromatic twist. These wild-harvested ingredients offer a taste of nature while delivering unique flavors that aren't found in farm-grown produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The pairing of sweet and savory with honey has entrenched itself as a staple flavor enhancer. Following the footsteps of spicy honey's success, this year has introduced a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled over pizzas just before serving.
Exotic variations like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are being featured across pizzerias. These honeys provide a sophisticated edge to even the simplest pizza variations, elevating them to gourmet delights.
Honorable Mentions
There are additional toppings that nearly made our top list but are still creating buzz:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza offering a velvety touch
- Pickled fruits with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for crunch, with crispy farro or puffed sorghum as textural enhancements
- Artisanal butter additions, especially cultured butters or herb-infused spreads
Whether your preference lies with time-honored classics or you're inclined to explore innovative toppings, pizza's versatility makes it a universally endeared dish. At WholeFoodLane, we pay homage to traditional recipes while also exploring novel creations — and that's evident by the presence of both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde pizzas on our menu.
Are there any new toppings you've tried recently? Or perhaps there's a unique combination you think we should feature? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us about it on your next visit!