As the calendar turns, so do the trends in the pizza industry, and 2023 has brought fresh favorites to pizza aficionados worldwide. At LongShoreLine, we are keen observers of the flavors captivating the palates of pizza enthusiasts. Here, we share the top trending pizza toppings that have gained ground this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has influenced pizzeria menus, with a notable rise in fermented vegetables as a topping preference. Complex, sour flavors from kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions add a new dimension to the traditional taste and texture of pizza. Besides their delicious tang, these toppings are a source of probiotics.
Fermentation Celebration, our unique pizza offering, combines homemade sauerkraut, kimchi and gorgonzola, with a touch of local honey to soften the sharp flavors. This unconventional blend is quickly becoming a customer favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has not spared the pizza scene, causing an uptick in demand for innovative meat substitutes. These toppings go beyond the usual vegetable selections, providing options that even meat enthusiasts appreciate.
Options like plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit that mimics pulled pork, and a pea protein substitute for pepperoni are now staples on our menu, appealing to customers for their distinctive taste and ease of digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who like it hot, this year is celebrating a variety of specific regional chilies on pizzas over generic red pepper flakes. Chilies such as Calabrian, Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are popping up as flavorful toppings.
The Global Heat pizza is an assortment of four different chilies, each providing a unique flavor to the pizza’s four quadrants, attracting those who enjoy a spicy culinary experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection from the wild to the table has strengthened with an increased use of seasonal foraged ingredients on pizzas. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are gathered and used at the height of their season.
Our exploration into this trend includes using wild ramps, marine vegetables such as dulse or nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, delivering wild, natural flavors that cultivated produce simply can’t match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey has long created a delightful contrast of sweet and savory on pizza, and this year, specialty honey variations have exploded upon the scene as a finishing touch.
Honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and CBD-rich varieties are enhancing dishes nationwide, adding depth and sophistication to even the most basic pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings on the cusp of our top five but still creating buzz:
- Cured egg yolk, finely grated over the pizza for a golden dusting
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Whole grains, using crispy grains like farro or sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of artisan butter, like cultured or herbed compound versions
Whether you’re someone who sticks to timeless classics, or you’re the type to sample the newest tastes, pizza remains a universally adaptable and cherished dish. At LongShoreLine, we pay homage to the classic pie while also celebrating the new—that’s why you'll spot both time-honored Margherita and innovative creations on our menu.
Which of these trending toppings have you enjoyed? Or do you have a unique favorite you think we should introduce? Share with us in the comments or drop by for a visit!