With each new year, the pizza industry witnesses fresh trends, and 2023 is no different. At SoftHarbor, our team keeps a close eye on what pizza enthusiasts worldwide are finding irresistible. Here’s a list of the most talked-about and in-demand pizza toppings making a mark this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies are gaining popularity on pizzas as a boost to gut health. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with their sour notes that blend well with the creamy cheese and hearty sauce. Beyond their probiotic perks, these toppings are adding unconventional textures to the classic pizza experience.
Experience our “Fermentation Fiesta” pizza which combines in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, all balanced with a touch of local honey to counteract the sour taste. This combination, while unique, has swiftly turned into one of our most sought-after gourmet pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward diets leads to a higher request for pizzas adorned with inventive meat-free alternatives. Stepping beyond typical vegetables, advancements in plant-based proteins have presented options that even the most ardent carnivores appreciate.
Our menu now includes plant-based crumbled Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni.” It’s not just for vegans or vegetarians; many customers prefer them for their distinctive tastes and their less burdensome effect on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who love a bit of spice, 2023 has seen a specific preference for distinct regional chilies over generic pepper flakes. While Calabrian peppers continue their streak of popularity, this year has introduced Aleppo peppers, smoky Spanish ñora peppers, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Try our “International Spice” pizza that offers an assortment of these regional chilies, each lending a unique flavor to every slice. This fiery delicacy is particularly popular among our more daring customers.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The trend of farm-to-table has now morphed into forest-to-pizza via the growing popularity of foraged seasonal produce. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms, with chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods gracing pizzas in their peak seasons.
We’re also exploring other wild finds like spring ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for their aromatic presence. These ingredients provide a connection to nature and offer flavors that are impossible to find in cultivated forms.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The combination of sweet and savory has been further established by the use of honey. Following the success of spicy honey, the year has seen an array of unique honey variations making their way onto pizzas just before serving.
Options like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and cannabidiol-infused honey are making their rounds on menus nationwide. These novel drizzles are adding depth and sophistication to even the most simple pizza pairings.
Honorable Mentions
Some toppings that didn’t make it to our main list but are still noteworthy include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas like golden dust
- Marinated fruits, with a focus on pit fruits such as apricots and cherries
- Ancient grain toppings, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Specialty butter dabs, including cultured or mixed herb butters enhancing flavor
Whether you firmly stand by time-honored toppings or are eager to dive into creative new blends, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished foods worldwide. At SoftHarbor, we pay homage to time-tested traditions while also celebrating creativity—that’s why our menu features both the iconic Margherita and avant-garde specialty pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these new topping choices? Or do you have a distinct pairing in mind that you would want us to consider? Share with us in the remarks or the next time you dine with us!