Every year brings fresh culinary ideas to the world of pizza, and 2023 was no exception. At IslandSteadHub, we continually track what excites pizza lovers worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most thrilling and popular toppings shaping pies this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has found its way onto pizza menus, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce bold tang and complexity that pair well with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new textural notes to classic pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. It may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly become one of our most requested specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to grow, we’ve seen a notable rise in pizzas that showcase inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins bring flavors that satisfy even 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 guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice lovers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embrace specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remained popular, but we’re also 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 regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially beloved by bolder eaters.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making regular appearances in 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 note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while offering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a passing trend. Following the popularity of hot honey in 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-free honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the 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-infused)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves classics or an adventurous eater open to bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At IslandSteadHub, 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 combo you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!