Every new year introduces a variety of food trends within the pizza industry, and 2023 is particularly noteworthy. At KnowLedgeisPower, we closely watch the trends that pizza aficionados around the globe are loving. Here is our guide to the most tantalizing and beloved pizza garnishes making a splash this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
With health-conscious eating on the rise, fermented vegetables have become an unexpected star topping in pizzerias. Garnishes like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing zesty flavors that enhance the creamy cheese and savory sauce. These fermented options don't just offer health benefits but also add new texture profiles to the classic pizza.
On our Fermentation Fest pie, we combine homemade sauerkraut and kimchi with rich gorgonzola, and top it off with a touch of local honey to counter the savory bite. It might seem like a strange mix, but it's turned into one of our most sought-after creations.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The rise in plant-based diets has led to an increased demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. Moving past traditional vegetable garnishes, the advent of plant-based protein options is now catering to the preferences of loyal carnivores as well.
On our menu, you'll now find options such as Italian sausage made from plant-based ingredients, marinated jackfruit as a pork substitute, and pea protein slices resembling pepperoni. These toppings attract not just vegetarians but numerous customers for their distinctive tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Variants
For those who prefer a pizza with a kick, 2023 has seen enthusiasts favor specific regional chilies over the commonplace red pepper flakes. Favorites like Calabrian chilies remain popular, while other types such as Aleppo pepper, Spanish ñora chilies, fruity aji amarillo from Peru, and Korean gochujang paste are starting to appear on pizzas.
Our Spice Tour pizza comes topped with a selection of these chilies, offering each sector of the pizza a unique flavor adventure. This piquant delight has quickly gained popularity among our patrons who love a challenge for their taste buds.
4. Seasonal Wild Foods
Farm-to-table has extended to the realm of pizzas through the incorporation of seasonal wild edibles. This trend is dominated by wild fungi such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are used atop pizzas in their peak seasons.
Apart from fungi, we've been experimenting with wild leeks known as ramps, oceanic greens like dulse and nori, and even spruce tip accents for an aromatic touch. These elements bring our customers closer to nature while offering flavors that can't be replicated in a farm environment.
5. Unique Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory that honey affords is now thoroughly entrenched in the pizza world as more than just a fad. Hot honey has been a fan-favorite, and 2023 has ushered in an array of distinctive honey options to drizzle over pizzas.
Honeys infused with truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and are just a few examples that have permeated the menus nationwide. These honey varieties offer a sophisticated finishing touch that can turn even the simplest pizza into a gourmet affair.
Honorable Mentions
Several other garnishes nearly made it onto our top list and are worth noting:
- Grated cured egg yolks that are sprinkled over the pizza like a fine dust
- Pickled fruits with a focus on stone varieties such as peaches and cherries
- Poppy grains including crunchy farro and popped sorghum for added texture
- Dollops of artisan butter, especially ones with cultured or herbed notes
Whether you're someone who sticks to the traditional favorites or someone eager to explore novel pairings, pizza remains an immensely versatile and universally cherished dish. At KnowLedgeisPower, we pay homage to classic flavors while also celebrating new culinary creations—which is why our menu offers everything from the evergreen Margherita to the avant-garde pies.
Have you had the chance to taste any of these new and exciting toppings? Or maybe you have your own distinctive favorite that you'd like to recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments, or drop a suggestion during your next visit!