Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At MountImagineStudio, we continually track what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our rundown of the most dynamic and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy, intricate flavors that pair well with cheese and sauce. These toppings also offer probiotic benefits and add new texture layers to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tanginess. 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 rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable increase in pizzas boasting inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu items. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for unique flavors and lighter digestive footprints.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans adopt distinct regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are appearing on pies as well.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing a unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure 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 rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing across seasons.
In addition to 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 of honey has solidified its place as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the craze for hot honey, 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 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, 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 (notably cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and loved foods. At MountImagineStudio, we honor heritage while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique pairing you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!