Each year bestows new flavors to the pizza scene, and the year 2023 is filled with fresh trends. At UniversalConnectHub, our passion is to stay attuned to the flavor trends captivating pizza fans worldwide. This is a collection of the year's trendiest and most sought-after pizza garnishes.
1. Lacto-Fermented Veggies
Pizzerias are now harnessing the health wave by incorporating lacto-fermented veggies on their pizzas. Fermentation powerhouses such as kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are lending pizzas a sophisticated sour taste that contrasts delightfully with creamy cheese and bold sauces. These probiotic-rich toppings also introduce a new layer of texture to traditional pizzas.
Try our Ferment Fiesta pizza, which is adorned with in-house fermented cabbage, spicy fermented condiments, and pungent gorgonzola cheese, all tied together with a swirl of local honey to soften the acidity. It may appear an unconventional blend, but it's swiftly turning into one of our most in-demand specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Meats
As the trend towards plant-based diets persists, we've noted an uplift in the popularity of pizzas decked with ingenious meat substitutes. Surpassing simple vegetables, leaps in plant-based meat technology have birthed alternatives that even enthrall the staunchest meat enthusiasts.
Vegan versions of Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, jackfruit concocted as pulled pork, and pea protein imitating pepperoni are a staple on our menu. These meat substitutes aren't exclusively for vegans—our patrons opt for them due to their distinct taste profiles and gentler feeling after consumption.
3. Distinctive Pepper Varieties
Those with a penchant for spiciness are in for a treat in 2023, as pizza aficionados are embracing unique pepper varieties instead of generic chili flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be fan-favorites, we're also observing the uptake of unique peppers like the aromatic Aleppo, smokey ñora from Spain, zesty Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Firestorm pizza is a patchwork of four distinctive peppers from various regions, each contributing its individual flavor notes to the pizza. It's a flavor-packed journey loved by those craving some culinary adventure.
4. Seasonally Gathered Elements
The path from forest to pizza is the latest evolution in the farm-to-table movement, thanks to a surge in seasonal wild ingredients. At the forefront are wild mushrooms, with sought-after kinds like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing during their natural harvesting times.
Additionally, springtime sees foraged wild leeks, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips making their way into our kitchen. These ingredients draw consumers closer to their untamed origins and deliver tastes that are unattainable in cultivated produce.
5. Gourmet Honey Infusions
The intrigue of honey's sweet-against-savory character has certainly cemented its place well beyond a fleeting craze. Recent years' fascination with spice-infused honey has blossomed into a variety of artisanal honeys drizzled over pizzas before they're served.
Introducing the opulence of truffle honey, aromatic fermented garlic honey, the sweet smoke of mesquite honey, and the novelty of CBD honey, which are now gracing menus nationwide. These unique honey infusions contribute an added layer of sophistication, transforming even the simplest of pizzas into elite culinary delights.
Notable Mentions
Although not making the top list, these toppings are still creating ripples of excitement:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza's crust like a dusting of yellow treasure
- Pickled stone fruits, with a preference for peaches and plums
- Ancient grain embellishments - think crispy spelt or puffed sorghum for added crunch
- Dollops of unique butters, especially ones that are naturally soured or blended with herbs
Whether you're someone who honors the timeless classics or a daring eater in search of new experiences, pizza remains the world's most versatile and cherished dish. At UniversalConnectHub, reverence for tradition goes hand in hand with the spirit of innovation—that's why our offerings range from the treasured Margherita to the avant-garde creations.
Have these trendy toppings caught your taste, or is there a distinctive pizza topping combination you'd wish to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!