Each new year introduces a fresh wave of pizza topping trends, and 2023 is brimming with innovations. At LumenShadeCliff, we're keenly observing the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our curated list of the current year's most sought-after and thrilling pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The trend towards gut health has infiltrated the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing a sophisticated tang to pizzas that perfectly balances the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only tasty but also add beneficial probiotics and new textures to classic pizza.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza adorned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of local honey to counteract the sourness. This unique mix is quickly ascending our popularity charts.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more diners adopt plant-based diets, the interest in alternative meat toppings on pizzas has soared. Leaving the typical veggie toppings behind, breakthroughs in plant-based protein have produced selections that appeal to staunch carnivores as well.
We now frequently feature toppings like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, savory tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These alternatives are a hit not just among vegetarians but also with customers who enjoy their distinctive taste and digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of spice, 2023 has welcomed the use of specific regional chili varieties over the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a hot pick, we're also seeing the rise of Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on our pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza offers a combination of four different chilies, each contributing its unique taste to the pie. It's a fiery journey that has been a particular favorite among our daring guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What once was farm-to-table is now forest-to-pizza, thanks to the increased popularity of foraged ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods that appear on menus seasonally.
We've also ventured into wild greens such as ramps, sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their distinct aromatic notes. These foraged items offer a unique connection to nature and flavors that are hard to find in commercially cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory noted for honey has firmly taken its spot as more than a short-lived fad. Expanding on the beloved hot honey, 2023 has seen an influx of specialty honey such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enhanced honey adorning pizzas. These drizzles add sophistication and can transform even simple pizzas to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
Some toppings that didn't make our top list but are still trending include:
- Seasoned egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas offering a flavor akin to cheese
- Quick-pickled fruits—particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains for crunch, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Gourmet butter varieties, like cultured or mixed with herbs, in small quantities
Whether your preference lies with timeless classics or you're keen on experimenting with innovative flavors, pizza remains a versatile and cherished dish. At LumenShadeCliff, we celebrate tradition and yet are at the forefront of culinary experimentation⎯evidenced by both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde pizzas we offer.
Have you experienced any of these trending toppings yet? Or perhaps you have an intriguing combination you'd wish to find on our menu? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!