As we usher in a new year, the pizza scene is not left behind with 2023 welcoming a slew of new flavor profiles. At UniversalInsights, we've got our finger on the pulse, dedicated to uncovering the flavors that pizza aficionados around the world can't get enough of. Below, we dive into the pizza topping trends that are currently taking the pizza world by storm.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As gut health becomes increasingly important, fermented vegetables have found their way onto pizza, offering a surprising twist with their complex flavors. Ingredients like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions not only add a probiotic punch but also contribute an interesting texture that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and hearty sauces common on pizza.
The standout Fermentation Fiesta pizza at our restaurant features a mix of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a hint of local sweet honey. The melding of these distinct flavors may seem odd at first, but it has quickly become a top pick among our specialty offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Amidst a thriving movement towards plant-based diets, pizzas with innovative meat substitutes are in greater demand than ever. Our vegetarian-forward toppings extend beyond the usual veggies, including new-gen plant proteins that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
We're now proudly serving pizzas with plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork with a tantalizing marinade, and pea-based pepperoni mimics. These options cater not just to vegetarians but also cater to those looking for distinctive tastes and a healthier overall experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase a fiery bite, 2023 has been a year of discovery with pizza lovers turning to specific, regionally significant chili varieties over the ubiquitous red pepper flake. While Calabrian chilies remain popular, we now find other such as the smoky Spanish ñora, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang spreading their heat on our pizzas.
Experience a tour of global spice with our International Heat pizza, which dedicates each quarter to a different chili, ensuring a varied and exhilarating spicy journey much applauded by our daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
For those tracking food from the wild to their plate, foraged seasonal items are gaining traction in the pizza space. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, with sought-after varieties such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing on pizzas in line with their growing seasons.
We've even branched out to include other wild edibles, such as springtime ramps (also known as wild leeks), sea-derived greens like dulse and nori, and the distinct taste of spruce tips. These natural ingredients offer a connection to the wilderness and flavor profiles that can't be replicated by cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Pairing the sweetness of honey with savory dishes has become more than a fleeting fancy. Extending beyond the once-vogue spicy honey, 2023 has ushered in a plethora of specialty honeys applied as a final flourish to pizzas.
Our menus now glimmer with unique offerings such as aromatic truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, the smokey undertones of mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey. These honeys add layers of complexity, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into a deluxe culinary treat.
Honorable Mentions
A number of other toppings almost made our list thanks to their growing popularity, including:
- Grated cured egg yolks, providing a luxurious dusting resembling yellow snow
- Tangy pickled fruits, especially those from stone fruit families like peaches and cherries
- Toppings made from ancient grains, bringing crispy farro or sorghum pops for added crunch
- Gourmet blobs of butter, whether cultured or infused with artisanal herbs
From those who swear by the timeless classic toppings to those eager for a taste of innovation, pizza's adaptability continues to endear it to the hearts (and stomachs) around the globe. At UniversalInsights, we pay tribute to time-honored recipes while pioneering new tastes, which is why you'll find both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde creations on our menu.
Have any of these top toppings made it onto your plate? Or is there a distinctive mix you're eager to see us introduce? Drop us a comment or share your thoughts during your next visit!