Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 was no exception. At EquiDistantMeadow, we continuously track what wins over pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most intriguing and in-demand toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut well-being has reached pizzerias, with pickled vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex tangy notes that pair well with the richness of cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce exciting new texture to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly turning into one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to surge in popularity, we’ve noticed a notable rise in pizzas featuring creative meat substitutes. Beyond the usual veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even 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 digestion footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties instead of generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have stayed popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure especially liked by our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with rising interest in seasonal foraged components. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up across their seasons.
Beyond 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 offering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 saw 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our 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, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-enhanced butters)
Whether you prefer timeless classics or bold, new pairings, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At EquiDistantMeadow, 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 the next time you visit!