Every year introduces new trends in the pizza sphere, and 2023 has brought its own set of flavors to the fore. At HumbleOrbitLabs, our commitment lies in tracking the flavors that pizza aficionados worldwide are falling for. Here are the latest and most sought-after pizza toppings that have become the talk of the town this year.
1. Pickled Veggies
The emphasis on digestive wellness has spilled over into the pizza industry, with pickled veggies emerging as an unexpected favorite on pizzas. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled red onions are enhancing pizzas with their intricate sour notes that mesh well with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These zesty toppings aren't mere flavor enhancers; they also pack a probiotic punch while adding new textural elements to classic pizza fare.
Our Cultured Mingle pizza is adorned with a combination of in-house sauerkraut, spicy kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, all harmonized with a drizzle of regional honey. It may sound peculiar, but it's quickly climbing the charts as one of our most popular themed pizzas.
2. Meat-Free Alternatives
As the trend towards a plant-based diet persists, we've noticed a heightened interest in pizzas that showcase inventive meat substitutions. Far from the usual veggie garnishments, advancements in meat-free alternatives have brought about selections that impress even the most ardent carnivores.
Choices like crumbled plant-based Italian sausage, flavorful tempeh, spiced jackfruit presented as pulled pork, and pea protein slices mimicking pepperoni have become staples on our menu. These alternatives don’t just appeal to vegetarians but are chosen for their distinct tastes and gentle digestion-friendly benefits.
3. Unique Chili Flavors
Those with a penchant for fiery tastes are finding joy in the rise of distinct chili varieties from various regions, moving away from the generic red chili flakes. Calabrian chilies are holding their ground in popularity, joined by the likes of smoky Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity flavors of Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean fermented heat of gochujang.
Our Spice Odyssey pizza is topped with a selection of different regional chilies, each quadrant showcasing a distinct and authentic flavor profile, offering a scorching journey that’s been particularly well-received by our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Wild Edibles
The local-sourced food movement has branched out to include foraged delights, directly from woodland to pizza. Leading this trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, appearing on pizzas in their respective peak seasons.
Our menu has also featured edible foraged plants like wild leeks in spring, marine greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer customers a taste of the wilderness and bring irreplicable flavors that aren’t found in cultivated produce.
5. Distinctive Honey Infusions
Sweet and savory honey drizzles have cemented their place in the world of pizza, with an array of specialty honeys now gracing pizzas just before they're served.
Enriched honeys such as truffle-infused honey, honey fermented with garlic, honey with the smokiness of mesquite, and exceptional CBD-enriched honey are making their way onto menus everywhere. These refined final touches lend a sophisticated complexity and transform even simple pizza creations into refined experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that are garnering attention, though not making the top five, include:
- Salted egg yolks, delightfully grated over the pizza for a decadent effect
- Marinated fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain crunch, with textures like crispy farro or puffed sorghum
- Specialty butters used sparingly, especially those that are culture-rich or infused with herbs
Whether you lean towards old-school favorites or are excited to explore daring new combinations, pizza stays as one of the most transformative and cherished dishes worldwide. At HumbleOrbitLabs, we celebrate the classics while also championing the new—that's why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and the latest avant-garde varieties.
Have you indulged in any of these trendy toppings? Or perhaps you have a signature blend in mind that you'd like us to introduce? Share your thoughts below or during your next visit!