Every year brings fresh culinary influences to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At CoastAlcomMonsGate, we continuously track what resonates with pizza lovers across the globe. Here’s our rundown of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has reached pizzerias, with pickled veggies becoming a surprising favorite on pies. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute complex tang and texture, complementing the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits while introducing new mouthfeel to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unusual, yet it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
With plant-based dining on the rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas that showcase creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard vegetables, innovations in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even committed meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular menu fixtures. These proteins aren’t only for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chilies rather than generic pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appear on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza pairs four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to a different quadrant of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead the way, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners with nature while offering flavors unattainable through conventional cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has become a lasting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 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 appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate straightforward pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, notably stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (especially cultured or herb-flavored blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater keen on bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At CoastAlcomMonsGate, 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 is there a unique favorite combination you’d like us to feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!