Each year brings fresh influences to the realm of pizza, and this year is no exception. At PlenumFoyerHub, we continually track what delights pizza enthusiasts around the world. Here is our take on the most exciting and sought-after toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce intricate tangy notes that pair beautifully with cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also add new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unconventional, yet 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 pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional 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 menu items. These proteins aren’t exclusive to omnivores—many guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chiles remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chiles, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are now making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four regional chiles, each contributing its distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has appealed especially to 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 spearhead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods regularly appearing in their seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. 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 fad. Following the popularity of hot honey in 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 our 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, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-butter blends)
Whether you’re a purist who sticks to the classics or an explorer eager for bold new blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and beloved foods worldwide. At PlenumFoyerHub, 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 the next time you visit!