Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At ClearGoldenPaper, we continuously track what appeals to pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The push toward gut wellness has reached pizzerias, with pickled and fermented veggies turning into a surprising hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy complexity that complements the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce intriguing new textures to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating grows in popularity, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even dedicated meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular staples on our menu. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang gracing pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each lending its distinct flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that has been especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with growing interest in seasonal foraged components. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aroma. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being 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 our 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 loves classics or a curious eater eager for bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At ClearGoldenPaper, we honor tradition 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!