With each new year, fascinating trends emerge in the pizza domain, and 2023 stands out. At LowBankTrail, we continually track the evolving preferences of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our compilation of the year’s most captivating and in-demand pizza toppings.
1. Cultured Vegetables
Emphasis on digestive well-being has extended into pizza parlors, with cultured vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and brined onions are infusing pizzas with elaborate zesty flavors that perfectly accentuate the creamy cheese and sauce. These cultured garnishes deliver not only probiotic goodness but also intriguing new textures to the timeless pizza.
Our Tangy Ferment Fiesta pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a final touch of local honey to temper the sourness. This unique blend has swiftly ascended to a top spot among our specialty pizzas.
2. Alternative Plant Proteins
As plant-centric diets gain traction, there has been a notable increase in pizza selections that feature innovative non-meat toppings. Beyond the usual array of vegetables, breakthroughs in plant proteins have brought forth alternatives that even the sharpest carnivore cravings can't resist.
Options like plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit treated as pulled pork, and pea-based pepperoni are now staples in our offerings. These plant proteins are chosen not only by vegetarians but for their distinct tastes and agreeable impact on digestion.
3. Local Chili Flavors
Those with a penchant for spice are celebrating! This year, pizza lovers are choosing specific regional chili peppers over general red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to enjoy their standing popularity, we're also seeing inclusion of Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, the vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizza.
Our Spice Voyage pizza is an adventurous blend of four distinct regional chilies, with each providing its singular taste profile to different sections of the pizza. This pie has become notably favored among our thrill-seeking clientele.
4. Handpicked Seasonal Additions
The connection from the farm to the dinner plate has now stretched to a forest-to-pizza phenomenon, thanks to the growing interest in handpicked seasonal ingredients. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms, with sorts like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing our pizzas in their peak seasons.
We've also explored wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the addition of spruce tips for their distinctive aromatic essence. These elements bring patrons closer to nature, offering tastes which are difficult to replicate in a commercial environment.
5. Gourmet Honey Drizzles
The dynamic contrast of honey has solidified its standing, advancing beyond a mere trend. Capitalizing on the prior success of spicy honey, 2023 has witnessed the burst of specialty honeys applied to pizzas as a final touch before serving.
Exquisite varieties like truffle-infused honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and honey infused with CBD are gracing menus nationwide. These gourmet drizzles introduce another layer of sophistication, transforming everyday pizzas into culinary delights.
Other Noteworthy Toppings
Several other toppings have garnered attention despite not making our top five, including:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a rich flourish
- Preserved fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains as toppings, like crunchy farro or sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter dots, especially those cultured or mixed with herbs
Regardless of whether you swear by time-honored toppings or are open to avant-garde pairings, pizza maintains its reputation as one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At LowBankTrail, we respect the classics while also championing novel creations, which is why our menu offers everything from the quintessential Margherita to pioneering specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or perhaps you have an inventive favorite mix you’d like us to consider? Chime in on the comments or during your next visit!