Every year brings fresh culinary movements to the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At CoveCommonsNetwork, we continuously track what captures pizza lovers' palates worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has found its place on pizzerias’ menus, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute tangy, complex notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits plus new textural depth to traditional pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pie features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combo may sound unconventional, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most popular specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen strong demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, advances in plant-based proteins provide options that satisfy even committed 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 customers choose them for their distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice enthusiasts rejoice! In 2023, pizza fans embraced specific regional chili varieties over generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but we’re now seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pie features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its own flavor profile to distinct sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure especially loved by our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods appearing throughout their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic touch. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be grown commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has become more than a fleeting fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey in recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add complexity and elevate even simple pizza combos to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (notably cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you prefer classic traditions or are eager to explore bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world's most adaptable and beloved foods. At CoveCommonsNetwork, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why our menu features both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies.
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!