Each year introduces fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At GentleMountSignal, we continually track what captures pizza lovers’ palates worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and widely loved pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Growing interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizza this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bold tangy notes that complement the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dimensions to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. It may sound unconventional, but it’s rapidly 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 pizzas showcasing inventive meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins have introduced options that appeal even to devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now 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 distinct regional chilies, each bringing its own flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in their respective 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 quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast provided by honey has solidified itself as more than a passing trend. Building on the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 has witnessed an explosion 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 complexity and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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’re a traditionalist who leans into the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At GentleMountSignal, 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!