Each passing year introduces fresh pizza topping trends, and 2023 has its own set of game-changers. Here at LatchGrove, we're keen on keeping an eye on what excites pizza aficionados worldwide. We're pleased to present the toppings receiving the most acclaim and enthusiasm this year.
1. Fermented Veggies
Pizzerias are now targeting gut health aficionados by offering fermented veggies as a surprising new favorite topping choice. The addition of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions brings an intricate, sharp taste profile that enhances the deep flavors of the usual cheeses and sauces. These toppings don't just offer probiotic health perks; they also integrate new textural contrasts into the classic pizza experience.
Our Fermentation Festivity pizza includes a signature blend of in-house glazed sauerkraut, homemade kimchi, and rich gorgonzola cheese, with a hint of local honey to even out the sharpness. It may seem eccentric, but its rapidly growing popularity affirms its appeal.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The ascent of plant-based diets sees a corresponding surge in plant-centric protein toppings for pizzas to cater to the taste of vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike. We've moved beyond standard veggie toppings to introduce plant-based Italian sausage, flavoured tempeh, marinated jackfruit substituting pulled pork, and a pea protein version of pepperoni.
Guests are picking these not only for their dietary preferences but also for the distinctive taste and lighter feel they leave post-meal.
3. Exotic Chili Peppers
Those who like their pizzas fiery are embracing unique chili peppers from various regions, moving beyond generic crushed red pepper. Calabrian peppers continue to be a hot favorite, while we're also seeing the likes of the fruity Aleppo pepper, the smoky Spanish ñora, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang.
Our International Hotspot pizza offers an array of these diverse peppers, allowing each to shine in different sections of the pie, which has been especially well-received by our daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Finds
The trend of sourcing straight from nature has found its way into pizzeria kitchens with the increased interest in wild, seasonal, and foraged ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which appear consistently throughout their growth periods.
We've also been experimenting with early harvest ramps, oceanic herbs like dulse and nori, and even the distinct aromatic taste of spruce tips, bringing diners closer to the wilderness and offering flavors hard to replicate in commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Combining the sweet with the savory, specialty honey has garnered a permanent place as a trendy finishing touch. Varieties like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, mesquite smoked honey, and even CBD-infused honey are laced over the pizza for that final touch of complexity that transforms any pizza into a gourmet treat.
Special Acknowledgments
A few additional toppings that have been popular but didn't make the cut for our top picks include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated across the pizza for a luxurious topping
- Acidic fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain accents, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum adding texture
- Gourmet spreads of artisanal butter, especially cultured or compound varieties
Whether you lean towards time-honored classics or are open to exploring innovative flavors, pizza remains a global favorite for its versatility. At LatchGrove, we maintain a balance of respecting tradition and fostering culinary creativity—which is why our menu boasts both the staple Margherita as well as trailblazing fusion pizzas.
Have these trending toppings piqued your interest? Perhaps you have a personal preference that you'd like to see on our menu? Do tell us in the comments section or during your next visit!