As each year unfolds, we're introduced to new pizza flavors, and 2023 has its own distinctive trends. At MossMeander, we pay close attention to the preferences shaping pizza enthusiasts' palate internationally. Here are this year's standout and favored pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Probiotic-rich fermented vegetables have become a surprising favorite atop pizzas for their ability to elevate flavors and contribute additional health benefits. The complexity of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions adds a unique tang that pairs perfectly with the creamy textures of cheese.
Fermentation Celebration pizza, our latest innovation, combines self-fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and intense-flavored gorgonzola cheese, with a sweet finish of local honey that provides a balance to the sour notes. Despite its unusual pairing, this pizza has rapidly gained popularity among our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend for plant-oriented diets doesn't miss a beat, as is evident with the rise in demand for pizzas adorned with meat-free alternatives. Plant-based Italian sausage, flavored tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea-protein-based pepperoni now proudly feature on our menus, appealing not just to vegetarians but those looking for diverse tastes and a less heavy dining experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those desiring a spicier slice are turning to distinctive regional chilies. While Calabrian chilies remain favorites, diverse peppers like the smokey Spanish ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and the savory Korean gochujang are being added to our pizzas for customers seeking that extra zing.
Our Global Heat pizza treats each quadrant with a unique regional chili for a spicy expedition, especially favored by our more daring clients.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal, foraged offerings have migrated onto pizzas from the wild, marking the evolution of the farm-to-fork philosophy. For example, during their growth periods, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and hen of the woods are snatched up for their earthy flavors.
We also have experience with wild ramps, marine greens like dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips, all connecting eaters to nature and presenting unmatched flavors.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's incorporation offers a delightful contrast of sweet to savory, and this year has seen an influx of specialized honey drizzles. Varieties like truffle honey, aged garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey bring a new dimension of complexity to simplistic pizzas, raising them to a gourmet experience.
Honorable Mentions
Not quite making our top list, but still notable mentions include:
- Fine-grated cured egg yolks, dusted over the pizza like a velvety blanket
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Grains of heritage like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum adding texture
- Pats of artisanal butter, with variants such as cultured or herb-infused butters
Pizza remains a universal favorite, capable of catering to either the conservative diner or the gastronomic thrill-seeker. At MossMeander, we respect tradition as we welcome culinary creativity, evidenced by the presence of the staple Margherita alongside avant-garde pies on our list.
Are there any trending toppings you've sampled recently? Or is there a particular combination you're craving that you'd like to see on our menu? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit.