Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At CalmLocalBright, we continually track what excites pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our curated list of the most intriguing and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has slipped into pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that complement cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also bring new texture dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Fest pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even the most 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 customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang finding homes on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four distinct regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. 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 achieved through conventional farming.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory balance created by honey has become more than a passing fad. Building on the hot honey trend 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 pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making an impact 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-infused)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At CalmLocalBright, 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? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!