Each year brings fresh directions to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At EquableGateways, we continually track what excites pizza lovers across the globe. Here is our roundup of the most compelling and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the acidity. The pairing might seem unconventional, yet it has quickly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we've seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer choices that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu items. These proteins appeal to a broad audience, delivering unique flavors with a lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts are in for a treat! 2023 has brought a preference for specific regional chilies over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, and we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang making appearances on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza combines four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that has grown particularly popular among our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has expanded into forest-to-pizza with the rise of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that aren’t easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making a splash include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or compound herb butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or you’re an adventurous eater eager to try bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At EquableGateways, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that's why you’ll find both traditional Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you stop by!