Each year, the pizza industry witnesses the emergence of new flavors and trends, and 2023 is no different. At ModularPath, we keep a close eye on the tastes preferred by pizza aficionados worldwide. Our list below highlights this year's trendsetting and well-liked pizza toppings.
1. Fermented vegetables
Gut health has gained focus, and as a result, fermented vegetables have risen to prominence on pizza menus this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with tangy flavors that nicely balance out the savory cheese and tomato sauce. Not only do these fermented extras bring probiotics to the meal, but they also offer intriguing new textures to the traditional pizza.
The Fermentation Fiesta pie at our establishment presents a mix of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a finishing touch of local honey to counteract the tang. While it may seem like an odd blend, it's quickly turning into one of our most sought-after specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-based meat substitutes
As more people opt for plant-centric diets, the demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes has surged. Different from ordinary veggies, the latest plant-based meat alternatives have impressed even staunch carnivores with their flavors.
Options like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit presented as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These items are popular not just with vegetarians but also with those who prefer their unique taste and the benefit of easier digestion.
3. Specialty chilies
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating the embrace of distinct chili varieties from various regions, moving beyond generic red pepper flakes. While the fiery Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, other types like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the sweet-tasting Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are now also gracing pizza toppings.
The International Spiciness pizza brings together an assortment of four separate chilies, each offering its unique taste to different sections of the pizza. It's a fiery exploratory dish that's gained popularity with our more daring patrons.
4. Foraged seasonal ingredients
Seasonal foraged items have become more popular, extending the concept of farm-to-table to forest-to-pizza. Leading the foraging trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear on pizzas in their prime seasons.
We've also dabbled with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and zesty spruce tips for that unique aromatic twist. These foraged ingredients offer a connection to the natural environment and provide flavors unattainable in cultivated products.
5. Unique honey varieties
The interplay between sweet and savory provided by honey has become a staple, building on the previous success of spicy honey. In 2023, the assortment of specialty honey like truffle, fermented garlic, and smoky mesquite, as well as CBD-enriched honey varieties, are being drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
These gourmet honey applications add layers of complexity to the flavor profile and enhance even the simplest pizza combinations to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that have nearly made the list and are worth mentioning include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a rich, umami-packed topping
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums leading the way
- Grains of heritage, adding crispy farro or sorghum pops for added texture
- Specialty butter dabs, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
No matter if you're someone who sticks to the traditional ways or you're willing to indulge in new taste experiments, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At ModularPath, we value tradition yet are keen on embracing novelty, which is why our menu features both timeless Margherita and exciting, experimental pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trendy toppings? Or do you have an exceptional flavor pairing you'd love to see us introduce? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!