As each year passes, new trends emerge in the pizza realm, and 2023 is no different. At CalmEngine, we keep a close watch on global pizza trends. Below is our list of the top pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
This year, pizza has been influenced by the focus on digestive wellness, with fermented veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are introducing layers of sour, complex flavors, perfectly complementing the hearty taste of cheese and sauce. These toppings are not only tasty but offer health benefits through their probiotic qualities and unique textures.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza comes with homemade sauerkraut, tangy kimchi, and pungent gorgonzola cheese, all harmonized with a hint of local honey. It may sound atypical, yet it's turned into one of our most popular gourmet pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets continues to expand, leading to an increase in the selection of meat substitute toppings. Beyond basic veggies, new plant-based meat alternatives are satisfying even the hard-core carnivores.
Options like vegan Italian sausage bits, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit as a stand-in for pulled pork, and pea protein crafted into faux pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These choices are popular not only among vegetarians but also with customers who prefer them for their distinct tastes and ease of digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
This year has seen a trend towards specific types of chili peppers, moving beyond the typical red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have held their appeal, other varieties such as smoky Spanish ñora, the fruit-like Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are now frequently found gracing pizzas.
Our Spice Journey pizza presents an assortment of four distinct chilies, with each lending its characteristic flavor to a different part of the pizza—much to the delight of our spice-loving clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The migration from the farm-to-table concept to forest-to-pizza is growing, thanks to foraged ingredients that change with the seasons. Forest mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods have become increasingly common during their seasons.
In addition to these mushrooms, we're incorporating wild ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These components forage a connection with the wilderness while offering flavors unmatched by cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Using honey as a sweet contrast on pizzas has emerged as a much-loved pairing. This year, gourmets have been given an array of specialty honeys to top their pizzas right before indulging.
Varieties such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey have all made their way into the pizza scene, taking the culinary experience to new heights.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that are creating buzz, though they didn't make the top list, include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over the pizza for a hint of richness
- Tangy pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits like peaches and apricots
- Heritage grain additions, such as crunchy spelt or puffed sorghum for a textural twist
- Artisanal butter spots, especially cultured or herbed varieties for flavor enrichment
Whether you have a penchant for timeless classics or a desire for avant-garde flavors, pizza remains an incredibly versatile and beloved dish. At CalmEngine, we respect the classics while also exploring new flavor frontiers – that's why our menu features both the time-honored Margherita and innovative specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these top-trending toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinct combination in mind that you'd like us to offer? Drop a comment, or suggest it the next time you drop by!