Every year brings new culinary trends to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At GladeHavenPortal, we're always monitoring what's capturing the taste buds of pizza lovers around the globe. Here's our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut wellness has crept into pizzerias, with pickled veggies becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the creaminess of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings provide probiotic benefits and also bring fresh texture to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might sound unconventional, but it's rapidly 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 noticeable uptick in pizzas showcasing creative meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins have introduced 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 features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many of our guests choose them for distinct flavors and a lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor to different quadrants of the pizza. It’s a fiery adventure that's especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making frequent appearances during their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we've experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that simply can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than just a passing fad. 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making a splash include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or compound herb butters)
Whether you're a traditionalist who prefers the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new combinations, pizza continues to be one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At GladeHavenPortal, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that's why you'll find both classic 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 to see us offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!