This year continues to see the pizza landscape evolve with fresh trends. At VerdantWay, we keenly observe the preferences that captivate pizza aficionados everywhere. Here are the toppings that are riding the wave of popularity in the current year.
1. Pickled Veggies
Emphasis on digestive wellness has spilled over into the pizza scene, with pickled veggies becoming an unexpected chart-topper. Items like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute a layered, tart flavor profile that pairs well with the creamy texture of cheese and the savory essence of the pizza sauce. Alongside their probiotic advantages, these toppings also bring novel textural elements to classic pizza fare.
The Probiotic Party pizza at our establishment marries homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a punch of gorgonzola, mellowed out with a dash of local honey to counteract the sourness. Although it may sound esoteric, it's swiftly joined our most-sought-after signature pizzas.
2. Alternative Plant Proteins
The rise of plant-centered diets has sparked an uptick in the desire for pizzas decked with innovative meat substitutes. Instead of just traditional vegetables, this surge has seen the introduction of plant-sourced alternatives that can fool even the most ardent meat fanatics.
We've incorporated items like plant-based sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit in a pulled pork style, and pea protein pepperoni into our menu. These proteins win over our customers not only for their dietary benefits but also for their distinctive tastes and lighter feel when digested.
3. Distinctive Local Chilis
Those with a penchant for spiciness are celebrating as 2023 ushers in a trend of selecting unique local chili varieties over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilis continue to be a hit, other chili types like flavorful Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilis, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang are starting to grace pizzas.
The Spice Symphony pizza introduces an array of these diverse chilis, each lending its distinguishable taste to different portions of the pizza. This pie has particularly caught the attention of our patrons with a penchant for culinary adventure.
4. Wild-Harvested Seasonal Ingredients
The connection from wilderness to pizza is gaining fans with the popularity of wild-harvested, seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend, wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake are spotted more frequently, aligning with their natural growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, our pizzeria has played with ingredients like wild ramps (leeks), seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural components offer diners a taste of the wilderness and showcase flavors that are rarely found in commercially grown produce.
5. Unique Honey Infusions
The sweet contrast brought by honey to savory dishes has rooted itself as more than a fleeting curiosity. Going beyond the loved hot honey of yesteryear, 2023 sees a burgeoning variety of specialty honeys being applied to pizzas. Truffle-infused honey, garlic honey, a smokier mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are popping up on menus around the nation. These final drizzles add depth and sophistication, transforming even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Notable Mentions
Other toppings that narrowly missed making our top five but are still causing ripples include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizza to resemble a lavish dusting
- Quick-pickled fruits, with a focus on stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grain toppings, including crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter blobs (in particular, those cultured or infused with herbs)
Whether you're someone who swears by time-tested classics or a daring consumer in pursuit of novel flavors, pizza remains one of the globe's most versatile and endearing cuisines. Here at VerdantWay, we pay homage to age-old traditions while also celebrating culinary creativity—that's the reason our menu features everything from the quintessential Margherita to boundary-pushing gourmet options.
Have any of these trendy toppings caught your eye, or do you hold a distinct combination dear? Do share your thoughts in the comments or drop by for a visit!