Every year introduces fresh culinary movements in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At IslandCommonsRealm, we keep a close watch on what captivates pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and widely embraced toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut-friendly foods has reached pizzerias, with pickled vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring layered tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add new texture dimensions to traditional 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 notable uptick in demand for pizzas with inventive protein alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options 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 distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat aficionados, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza enthusiasts embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have kept their popularity from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a blend of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to distinct sections of the pie. 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 evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged elements. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their respective 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 established itself as more than a fleeting trend. 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 combos to gourmet status.
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, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-butter blends)
Whether you lean traditional or crave bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and cherished foods. At IslandCommonsRealm, 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!