Each year introduces fresh pizza trends to the culinary world, and 2023 isn’t an exception. At SignalBriskSimple, we continually track what captivates pizza enthusiasts around the globe. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut wellness has landed in pizzerias, with pickled veggies becoming an unexpected favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with cheesy richness and tomato sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce new textural elements to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie showcases house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a touch of local honey to balance the acidity. While it may sound unconventional, it’s quickly becoming one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to grow, we’ve seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, clever plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even the staunchest meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular fixtures on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat-seekers, rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embrace specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular from prior years, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to distinct sections of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure especially popular with our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients gaining traction. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing across seasons.
In addition to mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners with nature while delivering flavors that aren’t easy to cultivate commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting fad. Building on hot honey’s popularity in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still turning heads 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-infused butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager to try bold new combos, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At SignalBriskSimple, we honor tradition while welcoming 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 do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!