With each passing year, the pizza industry witnesses evolving trends, and 2023 is no different. At DriftValley, we stay ahead of the curve by tracking global pizza topping trends. Behold our latest compilation of the most dynamic and beloved pizza toppings this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has carved out its niche in the pizza space, with fermented vegetables rising to popularity. Components like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring a sophisticated tanginess that pairs well with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. In addition to offering gut-friendly probiotics, these toppings add a new level of texture to the classic pizza.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza stars house-fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, interspersed with a drizzle of artisan honey to make the sour notes sing. This combination might seem unconventional, but it has swiftly become a crowd favorite.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-centric diets continue to capture hearts, the desire for meat-free pizza options has also grown. Not limited to ordinary veggies, today's plant-based proteins are satisfying even the most devout carnivores.
Examples like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein 'pepperoni' have made a home on our menu. These aren't solely for those following vegetable-based diets—they're a hit for their distinctive tastes and easier digestion too.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those whose palates crave spice are now seeking out distinct regional chilies rather than settling for generic pepper flakes. Hot favorites include Calabrian chilies, while others like the smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are gaining traction.
Our Global Heat pizza is a mosaic of these regional chilies, rewarding each slice with its own explosive flavor. It's a hit among our customers who dare to explore the spicier side of life.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table wave has transitioned into the forage-to-pizza trend, thanks to the soaring interest in wild, seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which showcase themselves during their natural growing seasons.
Apart from mushrooms, we've included wild ramps, aquatic plants such as dulse and nori, and fragrant spruce tips in our recipes. These foraged items offer a connection to the natural environment and flavors that farmed produce cannot match.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrast of sweet and savory brought by honey has established its lasting presence on pizza. Building on the success of spicy honey, this year has welcomed a variety of fancy honeys as finishing drizzles right before serving up the slices.
Options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have been introduced. These drizzles bring an additional layer of complex flavors, transforming a basic pie into a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings just outside our primary list, yet still making a mark, include:
- Cured egg yolks delicately grated over the pizza like a shower of sunshine
- Pickled fruits, namely stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Grains with heritage, like crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, especially varieties infused with culture or herbs
Whether you're someone who clings to time-honored favorites or a culinary adventurer eager to sample novel flavors, pizza remains an infinitely versatile and cherished dish. At DriftValley, we're dedicated to honoring tradition while also embracing the new, which is why our menu boasts both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Eager to sample any of these contemporary toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive favorite that you'd wish to find on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or when you next visit us!