Each year introduces fresh culinary ideas to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At ReflectValleyQuick, we continually track what excites pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s our rundown of the most intriguing and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has spread to pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies. 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 novel texture to classic 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 may seem unconventional, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
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 enthusiasts rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. 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 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 balance created by honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on 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-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few additional toppings that narrowly missed the 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 (particularly cultured or herb-infused blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves the classics or an adventurous eater who seeks bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At ReflectValleyQuick, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and avant-garde 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!