Each year brings fresh culinary trends to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At StreamForestWindow, we continually track what captures pizza enthusiasts’ imaginations around the world. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has made its way onto pizzerias’ menus, with pickled and fermented produce becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy, layered flavors that complement cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic perks and introduce new textural dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combo may sound unconventional, but it’s rapidly become one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based eating continuing to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins bring 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 distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pie features a medley of four regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor to different portions of the pizza. It’s a spicy journey that’s especially loved by 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 ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up as their seasons allow.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature 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 drizzled on pies 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 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 (notably cultured or herb butter blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or a curious eater ready to try bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At StreamForestWindow, 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 us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!