Every year brings fresh culinary moves to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At CivisTransitNode, we continually track what captures pizza lovers’ palates worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and sought-after toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented veggies becoming a surprising favorite topping this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new texture dynamics to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to mellow the tang. The mix may sound unconventional, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most in-demand specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins bring options that satisfy even devoted meat fans.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, 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 blend of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey that has been especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has grown into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. 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 distinct aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast from honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze from 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated 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-rich butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who leans toward the classics or an adventurous eater eager to sample bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At CivisTransitNode, we honor heritage 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 us to offer? Let us know in the comments or the next time you visit!