Each year introduces new culinary trends to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At PublicPlainPortal, we continually monitor what’s capturing the palates of pizza lovers around the world. Here’s our take on the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut wellness has spilled into pizzerias, with fermented vegetables proving to be a surprising hit on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions provide a complex tang that enhances the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while introducing fresh texture to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly 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 notable uptick in pizzas featuring creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even the most devoted 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 customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular from earlier years, 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 features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its own flavor profile to different quadrants of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has been especially popular with 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 during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has grown into more than a passing trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties finished on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus across the country. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just 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 (especially cultured or herb-infused blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At PublicPlainPortal, 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 to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!