Each year brings new culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At Crust & Co Pizzeria, we continually observe what captures pizza lovers' hearts worldwide. Here’s our snapshot of the most exciting and popular toppings that have been making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce tangy, complex notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding new textural depth 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 tang. The combination may seem unconventional, yet it’s rapidly become one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond the usual vegetables, advances in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have become regular menu items. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza lovers embracing specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a blend of four regional chilies, each imparting its own flavor profile to different slices of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be sourced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties 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 narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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 (particularly cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or enjoy bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At Crust & Co Pizzeria, 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 is there a unique favorite you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!