Each year introduces fresh culinary trends to pizza, and 2023 is no different. At PublicFoyerExchange, we track what pizza enthusiasts worldwide are savoring. Here is our guide to the most engaging and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute rich, tangy notes that pair well with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding new texture dimensions to traditional 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. It may sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating grows in popularity, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, new plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers, rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with rising interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods frequently appearing during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic nuance. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself beyond a passing 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you prefer timeless classics or bold, inventive combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At PublicFoyerExchange, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!