Each new year unveils fresh pizza topping trends, and 2023 is no different. Here at FenlandSpark, it's our mission to keep track of what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados across the globe. We've compiled a list of this year's buzzworthy and preferred pizza additions.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on digestive well-being has transitioned into pizza kitchens, with fermented veggies emerging as a surprising choice for toppings this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with layered, sour flavors that enhance the traditional richness of cheese and tomato sauce. These fermented elements are not only a source of probiotics but also introduce a novel texture contrast to classic pizza.
Our newest creation, the Fermentation Fiesta pizza, is loaded with our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, then topped with a drizzle of local honey to counteract the sourness. It may sound unconventional, yet it's quickly becoming a fan favorite among our specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The momentum behind vegan diets has spurred an increased desire for plant-based meat alternatives on pizzas. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, innovative plant-based proteins are satisfying even the most ardent carnivores.
We're now serving pizzas with plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, spiced tempeh, marinated jackfruit mimicking pulled pork, and pea protein substituting for pepperoni. These protein options are chosen not just by vegetarians but also by customers who appreciate their distinct tastes and gentler effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans of spice are celebrating in 2023! Pizza lovers are turning to unique regional chilies instead of the ubiquitous red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain trendy, Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang paste are now making their mark on pizzas.
The Global Heat pizza at our restaurant presents a selection of four distinct regional chilies, with each bringing its individual taste to different sections of the dish. The result is a fiery globetrotting experience that's got our more adventurous patrons coming back for more.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Tracing the farm-to-table trend's evolution, wild and locally foraged ingredients are surging in popularity as pizza toppings. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make regular appearances in their seasons.
We're also introducing seasonal wild leeks, sea greens like dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips. These wildcrafted toppings connect our customers to nature and bring irreplicable flavors to their pizzas.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The trend of drizzling honey on pizza persists, offering a sweet counterbalance to savory notes. Continuing from the widespread affection for spicy honey, 2023 has showcased a variety of specialty honeys adorning pizzas just before they're served.
Truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-enriched honey are becoming staples on menus nationwide. These drizzles add sophistication and can turn even the most basic pizza into a gourmet masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that have nearly made our list but are still causing a stir include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich finish
- Pickled stone fruits like peaches and plums, adding a tangy touch
- Ancient grains for crunch, such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Dollops of artisanal butter, featuring varieties like cultured or mixed with herbs
Whether you're a purist who adores classic flavors or an epicurean eager to explore new taste profiles, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At FenlandSpark, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also encapsulating culinary progress, which is why our menu proudly presents both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Eager to sample any of these trendsetting toppings? Have a unique topping combo in mind you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to let us know!