Each year ushers in fresh pizza trends, and 2023 is no exception. At FoyerAccessPlaza, we keep an eye on what pizzaiolos and diners around the world are craving. Here’s our compilation of the most exciting and in-demand toppings shaking up the scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Focus on gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tangy notes that pair well with the richness of cheese and sauce. These toppings also offer probiotic benefits and introduce lively textures to classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Celebration pizza showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination might sound unusual, but it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to grow, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional vegetables, 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 of our customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts are in for a treat! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor profile to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially popular with our more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in popularity. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in season.
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 delivering flavors that can’t be produced commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey, 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making a splash 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 butters)
Whether you lean toward the classics or enjoy bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At FoyerAccessPlaza, 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 combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!