Pizzerias are seeing fresh food trends with each new year, and 2023 is shaping up with unique flavors. At MutedSphere, we're keenly observing what's captivating the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the most thrilling and sought-after pizza toppings of the year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health is making its mark on pizza, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. The addition of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions imparts a sophisticated, tangy flavor, which harmonizes with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These tops offer a probiotic punch and add intriguing new textures to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza showcases our very own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a honey drizzle for a touch of sweetness against the acidic flavors. Unconventional it may be, it's swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-based diets, the demand for pizzas featuring meat substitutes has skyrocketed. Beyond typical veggies, breakthroughs in plant-derived proteins have led to options that even impress staunch carnivores.
We're serving up toppings like plant-based Italian sausage bits, zesty tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea protein crafted to mimic pepperoni. They're picking up fans not merely among vegetarians but among those who love their distinctive tastes and easy digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for spicy flavors are celebrating as pizza lovers turn to specific chilies over generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers are holding their own, whilst others such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are finding their way onto pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza allows diners to sample a mix of four different chilies, each adding a distinct flavor to the pizza sections, making it a hot favorite among our most adventurous customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The wave of forest-to-table is ushered in through the increased use of seasonal foraged items. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are gracing pizzas when they're in season.
We're also incorporating spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even the crisp aroma of spruce tips. These ingredients offer a connection to nature and flavors that can't be found in cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's pairing with savory pizza flavors has moved beyond a simple trend. The year 2023 has unveiled a variety of specialty honeys being drizzled over pizzas prior to serving.
Among these are truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey. They add an element of sophistication and transform simple pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings which narrowly didn't make our top five but are still causing a stir are:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizzas like fine, golden dust
- Preserved fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain sprinkles, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter spots, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you stick to timeless classics or you're keen to test out daring new flavors, pizza remains a versatile favorite globally. At MutedSphere, we're proud to offer a balance of traditional flavors and contemporary tastes—that's why you’ll spot both age-old Margherita and innovative pies on our menu.
We're curious to know if you've sampled any of these current toppings, or if you have a distinctive topping combo that you think we should serve. Share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know when you drop by next!