Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At MarketFollowOpen, we continuously track what captures the palates of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also add new texture dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unconventional, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins offer 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 menu fixtures. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza lovers embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from earlier years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang feature on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza presents a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing a unique flavor to different segments of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey 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 seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic quality. 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 confirmed its status beyond a fleeting trend. Building on the hot-honey craze from 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 levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making an impact 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)
Whether you lean toward tradition or crave bold, new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At MarketFollowOpen, 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 is there a unique combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!