Each year introduces fresh culinary movements to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At EvenKeelAccess, we continuously track what delights pizza enthusiasts globally. Here is our roundup of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The emphasis on gut health has made its way into pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions contribute layered tangy notes that complement the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings offer probiotic benefits while adding new textural dimensions to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination might sound unusual, but it's quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen a notable increase in pizzas showcasing creative meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their distinct flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat lovers rejoice! 2023 has seen pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than 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 pizza showcases a medley of four different regional chilies, each bringing its unique flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has especially appealed to our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the rising popularity of seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods making frequent appearances in their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that simply can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has firmly established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from 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 are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to a gourmet level.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed the top five but are still making an impact include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned 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 (particularly cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or are eager to try bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At EvenKeelAccess, we honor tradition while embracing 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 us to offer? Let us know in the comments or next time you visit!