Each year introduces new trends in pizza gastronomy, and 2023 has its own unique demographic. At RusticBites, we're vigilant at observing the tastes that are charming pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Following is a curated list of this year's most distinguished and sought-after pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Emphasizing digestive health, fermented vegetables have emerged as a best-selling pizza topping this annum. Flavours like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are known for their intricate tangy taste that enriches the flavours of the cheese and sauce. Besides their probiotic advantage, these fermented options bring a novel texture to classic pizzas.
Fermentation Celebration pizza, our new creation, boasts homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, and a touch of regional honey for a perfect sweet-acidic balance. The fusion may appear eclectic, but it's quickly climbing the chart as a top-requested speciality pizza.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With the continued surge in plant-forward diets, there's been a notable demand increase for pizzas decorated with inventive meat substitutes. New plant-derived proteins have gone beyond standard veggies, introducing alternatives that cater to the palate of traditional meat fans.
On our menu, items like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni take leading roles. These toppings attract not just vegetarians but also those who prefer their flavour signatures and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who favour spiciness are in for a treat this year as pizza lovers are gravitating towards distinct regional chilies over the basic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to hold their place in the limelight, but now Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also starring on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza presents an assembly of four distinct regional chilies, each quadrant of the pizza sporting a different variety. It's an entire whirlwind of spice, well-received by our clientele who dare to venture into bolder territory.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The passion for locally sourced ingredients extended into the pizza world with the rising appeal of seasonal foraged toppings. Wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are staple items when in season.
Apart from mushrooms, our culinary experiments have brought spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and spruce tips for their unique aroma. Unique to their natural environments, these wild ingredients bring the untouched charm of nature and flavours which are not replicable in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savoury duet leveraged by honey has proven to be more than a fad. Building on the established trend of spicy honey, this year has introduced an assortment of exclusive honey types drizzled on pizzas just before they're served.
Enhanced honey varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD honey are cropping up in restaurant menus nationwide. These final touches contribute an element of sophistication and push even the simplest pizza choices towards gourmet refinement.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make the top five but are nonetheless creating a buzz include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a golden snow effect
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Ancient grains as toppings, for instance, crispy farro or puffed sorghum for an added crunch
- Dollops of artisanal butter, inclusive of cultured or mixed herb varieties
Whether one is a purist hailing classic favorites or a gastronomic explorer seeking newly-minted pairings, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and universally cherished dish. At RusticBites, we celebrate heritage while also embracing new culinary advances—you'll see both age-honored Margheritas and avant-garde specialties gracing our menu.
Have these trending toppings caught your eye? Or maybe there's an exclusive flavour combination you would love us to introduce? Share in the comments or during your next visit!