As each year unfolds, the pizza industry witnesses new taste trends, and the year 2023 follows the pattern. Over here at StewGarden, keeping a pulse on what flavors entice pizza aficionados internationally is our forte. We're excited to share our compilation of the top pizza toppings that have gained traction this year.
1. Preserved Vegetables
As gut health garners more attention, preserved vegetables have emerged as a surprisingly popular boost for pizzas. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are contributing sophisticated sour notes that enhance the savoriness of cheese and tomato base. Apart from their gut-friendly probiotics, these pickled additions are revamping the conventional pizza with new textural layers.
On our unique Preserved Delight pizza, you will find a homemade mix of pickled cabbage and kimchi along with gorgonzola cheese, topped with a touch of local honey to soften the sour flavor. Initially perceived as unconventional, this pizza is swiftly becoming a sought-after choice.
2. Proteins from Plants
The plant-based diet wave is not slowing down, resulting in a noticeable uptick in pizzas adorned with alternative meat varieties. Beyond just traditional veggies, progress in plant-based proteins has led to options that are winning over steadfast carnivores.
We offer a variety of such proteins, including crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit with a pulled pork flair, and pepperoni derived from pea protein. These aren't solely for vegetarians; plenty of customers are drawn to their distinctive tastes and the lightness they offer after consumption.
3. Distinctive Chili Flavors
Enthusiasts who enjoy heat on their pizza are now reaching for special, distinct chili varieties instead of generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be favorites, this year we’ve also seen an increase in options like Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, sweet aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang.
Our Global Heat pizza assembles a selection of four unique chilies, each adding its distinct taste to different sections of the pizza. It has been particularly well-received by those looking for a fiery culinary journey.
4. Wild Seasonal Pickings
The trend of sourcing directly from nature, or forest-to-pizza, has gained momentum with the interest in wild, seasonal picks. The spotlight is on wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods when they're in season.
We've also incorporated wildspring leeks, various sea greens including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips to add a singular piney fragrance. These wild items not only connect our customers to nature but also offer tastes that can’t be replicated in cultivated products.
5. Artisanal Honey Drizzles
Sweet and savory contrasts on pizzas are heightened by specialized honey varieties, a trend that is especially pronounced in 2023. Riding on the trend of spicy honey, the current year has introduced a burst of honey types such as truffle-infused, garlic fermented, mesquite flavored honey, and honey infused with CBD.
These gourmet drizzles are serving as the final flourish on pizzas, introducing an extra layer of sophistication to even the simplest of pizzas, ushering them into gourmet territory.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed the cut but still deserve mention include:
- Dried egg yolks, grated finely over the pizza for a dusting of rich flavor
- Marinated fruits, especially tart stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Ancient grain garnishes, using crunchy grains like farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Specialty butter spots, notably cultured or mixed herb butters for a burst of flavor
No matter if you are someone who sticks to classic flavors or a culinary explorer ready to experience innovative combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and endeared foods globally. At StewGarden, we revere the classics while also being at the forefront of culinary advancements—that's how our menu features both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have any of these topping trends piqued your interest? Or perhaps you have a distinctive combination in mind that you’d like us to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!