Each year, the pizza industry experiences new waves of flavour trends, and 2023 follows suit. At ClearBrookway, we keep a close eye on what's tantalizing the taste buds of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's a glimpse into the top pizza toppings that are currently the rage.
1. Pickled Veggies
The increased interest in digestive health has transitioned into pizza shops, with pickled veggies emerging as a fan favourite for pizzas this year. Kimchi, pickled cabbage, and marinated onions are bringing bright, acidic touches that contrast well with the creamy cheese and savory sauces. Not only do these toppings offer benefits for gut health, but they also add intriguing new textures to the classic pizza experience.
The specialty Fermentation Fiesta pie at ClearBrookway includes our homemade pickled cabbage, kimchi, and a bold gorgonzola, all topped off with a drizzle of local honey to smooth out the sour notes. It might seem like an odd mix, but it's winning over customers rapidly.
2. Plant-Based Meats
The surge of interest in plant-based diets continues to influence the pizza sector, leading to a notable uptick in plant-derived meat substitute toppings. Beyond typical veggies, innovations in plant-based proteins have provided options that can impress even ardent meat fans.
Options such as plant-derived Italian sausage bits, flavoured tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a permanent spot on our menu. These toppings aren't just for plant-based diners—many customers select them for their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Distinctive Chili Peppers
Those who enjoy a bit of spice are embracing unique chili peppers instead of the universal red pepper flakes in 2023. Although Calabrian chilies continue to be a favourite, we are now seeing a mix of Aleppian pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, aromatic Peruvian aji amarillo, and rich Korean gochujang spread on top of pizzas.
The International Spice pizza at ClearBrookway boasts a blend of four distinct global chilies, each lending its signature flavour to sections of the pizza. It's a piquant journey that is increasingly popular among our bolder customers.
4. Wild Foraged Toppings
The locavore trend has extended from farms to pizzas with the burgeoning popularity of wild-harvested ingredients. Leading this trend, various mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and maitake mushrooms are found on pizzas during their natural growing seasons.
We're also incorporating wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even spruce shoot tips to impart an aromatic element to our pizzas. These foraged items offer an authentic taste of the wilderness and bring flavours that farmed produce can't replicate.
5. Artisanal Honey Infusions
Honey's sweet and savory pairing has truly taken hold, becoming much more than a fleeting trend. Capitalizing on the hot honey trend of recent years, a variety of honey infusions have orbited into the pizza scene this year.
We're seeing infusions like truffle honey, honey spiced with fermented garlic, mesquite-flavoured honey, and even honey infused with CBD turn up on menus nationwide. These honey infusions serve as the grand finale to a pizza, adding layers of sophistication and turning basic pizzas into gourmet experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that are gaining attention, though not making our top five, include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza crust, resembling a dusting of gold
- Marinated fruits, notably stone fruits like apricots and plums
- Ancient grains for crunch, such as toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Specialty butter spots, like handcrafted or mixed herb butters
Whether you are someone who sticks to the traditional toppings or an explorer ready for novel flavour combinations, pizza remains one of the most flexible and endearing dishes worldwide. At ClearBrookway, we pay homage to the classics while also welcoming innovative creations—thus our menu showcases both timeless Margherita and boundary-pushing bespoke pizzas.
Have you sampled any of these buzzworthy toppings? Or maybe you have a one-of-a-kind topping mix you'd like us to feature? Share with us in the comments or on your next visit!