Each new year unveils fresh trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 is no different. At FolioStudioCanyon, tracking what tickles the fancy of pizza aficionados worldwide is part of our commitment. Here's our latest collection of the most thrilling and favored pizza toppings that have taken center stage this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
Probiotics are making their debut on pizza menus, with fermented veggies gaining popularity as pizza toppings. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions bring a zesty nuance, adding a punch that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and tomato base. These toppings aren't just brimming with probiotic goodness; they're also introducing new textural elements to the classic pizza base.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with our own fermented cabbage, spiced kimchi, and sharp gorgonzola, all tied together with a hint of local honey for a perfectly balanced taste. It may be unconventional, but it's swiftly become a sought-after choice among our patrons.
2. Plant-Based Meats
As the move towards plant-forward diets continues to surge, there's been a noticeable increase in pizzas adorned with alternative protein options. Not just limited to traditional veggies, innovative plant-based proteins are tempting even the most ardent carnivores.
Options such as non-meat Italian sausage bits, herby tempeh, jackfruit treated as 'pulled pork,' and pea protein 'pepperoni' have become staples on our menu. These aren't exclusively for the vegetarian crowd—many select them for their distinctive taste profiles and the easier eating experience they provide.
3. Distinctive Chili Peppers
Those who enjoy a bit of heat on their slice are embracing distinct chili varieties over the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies are still favored, varieties like Aleppo, Spanish ñora, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also starting to garnish pizzas.
Our International Fire pizza presents a blend of four different chilies, each offering its individual spicy twist to separate sections of the pizza. It's become a spicy favorite, particularly with our boldest customers.
4. Wild-Caught Ingredients
Local sourcing has extended from farms to the wilderness, with wild-foraged ingredients increasing in popularity for pizza toppings. Exotic mushrooms are at the forefront of this trend, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods mushrooms surfacing during their peak seasons.
Our exploration doesn't stop at mushrooms—we've also experimented with wild ramps (leeks), seaweeds like dulse and nori, and even the needles of spruces to add a distinctive flavor. These naturally-sourced additives offer tastes that aren't found in commercially available ingredients, connecting our patrons to the wilderness through their palates.
5. Unique Honey Variations
The beautiful interplay of sweet and savory exemplified by honey drizzles on pizza has now transcended the boundaries of a mere fad. Following hot honey's rising popularity, 2023 has welcomed an array of special honey types as topping options on pizzas.
Exquisite variants such as truffle-infused honey, honey infused with fermented garlic, smoky honey, and even honey laced with CBD extracts are making their rounds in pizzerias. These final flourishes add a layer of sophistication and can transform even the simplest pizza into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that didn't quite make the top five but are nonetheless making an impact include:
- Air-dried egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza offering a dusting of golden flavor
- Preserved fruits, with a particular emphasis on orchard picks like peaches and apricots
- Ancient grains as toppings, such as crispy spelt or puffed millet, adding interesting textures
- Gourmet butter touches, such as cultured or herbed butter, enhancing the taste profile
Whether you're a pizza purist holding fast to the time-honored classics or you're an intrepid eater keen on pushing the boundaries with innovative flavor pairings, pizza's adaptability ensures it remains near and dear across the globe. At FolioStudioCanyon, we celebrate the heritage of pizza while welcoming the progressive styles—that's why you'll find, on our menu, a range that spans from the classic Margherita to avant-garde, custom-created pies.
Have you sampled any of these trendsetting toppings? Or is there a distinctive favorite topping mix you're eager to see on our roster? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!