Every year ushers in new culinary directions for pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At GladeCommonsLane, we continuously monitor what grabs the attention of pizza enthusiasts around the globe. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables turning into a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement the cheese and sauce’s richness. These fermented toppings deliver probiotic benefits and add new texture dimensions to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggies, innovations in plant-based proteins now offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza lovers embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from previous years, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s 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 take the lead, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey in 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate simple pizza combos to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-compounded)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At GladeCommonsLane, 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 to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or the next time you visit!