Every year brings fresh culinary influences to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At StreamSteadyField, we continually track what resonates with pizza enthusiasts around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy, layered flavors that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also add new textural depth to classic pizzas.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to gain traction, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins bring options that appeal to even the most devoted meat fans.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now common on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers 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 appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to a different quadrant of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with the more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear as their seasons allow.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors difficult to cultivate commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly 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’re a traditionalist who leans toward classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At StreamSteadyField, we honor heritage 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 us to offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!