Each year introduces fresh trends in the pizza realm, and 2023 is no different. Here at MellowGarden, we're keenly observing the flavors that are tantalizing pizza aficionados worldwide. Without further ado, here are the topping trends that have dominated the pizza scene this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As the spotlight on digestive health shines ever brighter, fermented vegetables have found their way atop our pizzas and have proven to be a hit. Toppings like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are creating complex, zesty flavors that stand up well to the sumptuousness of cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings aren't merely flavorful—they're beneficial for gut health and bring intriguing new textures to the pizza experience.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza, topped with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and a type of blue cheese, and lightly drizzled with local honey to offset the sharpness, might seem unconventional, yet it has rapidly risen to be one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more people adopt plant-centric diets, we've seen plant-based proteins ascend in popularity on our pizzas as they go beyond the usual vegetable options. The likes of ground plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, marinated jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pepperoni made from pea protein are consistent fixtures on our menu. These proteins are appealing not just to vegetarians but also to customers who look for distinct flavors and less heavy options.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts who favor spice are now seeking out specific types of regional chilies over the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies remain a firm favorite from past years, diverse peppers like Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are beginning to feature on pizzas for a unique punch of heat.
Our Global Heat pizza boasts an assortment of four distinctive chilies from various regions, with each one offering its unique flavor notes across the pizza's quarters, making for an exotic, zesty journey that's a hit with those who like to experiment with their food.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The ethos of eating locally and seasonally has extended from farm directly to pizza. Foremost in this trend are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which make an appearance when in season.
We're also exploring flavors like wild ramps, seaweed varieties including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive, aromatic twist. These foraged ingredients draw a direct connection to nature and offer taste experiences unavailable through commercial cultivation.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's sweet-and-savory dynamic has secured a lasting place in the pizza world, with a particular boom in specialty kinds of honey used as a final drizzle on pizzas this year.
Flavors like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky varieties are enhancing pizzas right before serving. These honeys don't just add sweetness—they lend a gourmet touch, upgrading even the simplest pizzas to something special.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings are deserving of mention, even though they didn't make the top five:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza to add a touch of umami-rich luxury
- Pickled fruits, with stone fruits such as peaches and plums standing out
- Whole grains for texture, including crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Dabs of artisanal butter, like cultured or mixed with fine herbs, for added richness
No matter if you're someone who treasures the traditional flavors or you're willing to explore innovative combinations, pizza remains one of the most versatile and well-loved dishes across the world. At MellowGarden, we pay homage to the classics while welcoming the new, which is why you'll find both time-honored Margherita and avant-garde pies on our menu.
Which of these trending toppings have you sampled? Or do you have a distinctive topping idea you'd enjoy seeing us experiment with? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!