Each year brings fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At LimeSpurResourceHub, we keep a close watch on what's captivating pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Attention to gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tangy notes that complement cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and add intriguing texture to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based dining grows, we've seen a notable rise in demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins introduce options that satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regulars on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many guests choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive impact.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers are in for a treat! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chilies rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza showcases a mix of four regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different zones of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more adventurous guests.
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, including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing in their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve explored spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinctive aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners with nature while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast of honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honeys drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are popping up on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
Several other toppings that narrowly missed the top five are still making waves:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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 blends)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater willing to try bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the globe’s most flexible and beloved foods. At LimeSpurResourceHub, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite pairing you’d like to see us offer? Tell us in the comments or during your next visit!