This year, as ever, pizza innovation continues to thrive, bringing new tastes to the forefront of the culinary scene. At CobaltGrove, we keep a close watch on the global pizza topping trends that entice and delight our customers. Below is a curated list of the top pizza toppings that have gained popularity in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzas are embracing the health-conscious trend with a variety of fermented vegetables, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions adding layers of tangy flavor and contributing to gut health. Besides their probiotic qualities, these ingredients bring an exciting twist of texture to the traditional pizza palate.
Introduced on our menu is the Fermentation Fiesta pie, expertly combining homemade kimchi and sauerkraut with sharp gorgonzola and a touch of local honey for a balance in taste that many are now frequently requesting.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The plant-based trend is increasingly popular, with a noticeable surge in the demand for creative meatless options topping our pizzas. Customers now regularly enjoy toppings like veggie-based Italian sausage chunks, flavorful tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a pulled pork substitute, and pea protein pepperoni, satisfying both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike due to their distinct flavors and ease on digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Chili lovers are in for a treat as this year emphasizes specific regional varieties instead of the common red pepper flakes. Chilies from Calabria continue to be popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, sweet Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are others that have found their way onto our flavorful pizzas.
Try our Global Heat pizza, adorned with a quartet of these distinct regional chilies offering a unique flavor experience in each slice—perfect for our daring guests.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Seasonal and foraged ingredients, such as diverse species of wild mushrooms including chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are blossoming in popularity on pizzas, arriving straight from nature's pantry during their peak seasons.
We also feature unique tastes from foraged spring ramps, oceanic delights like dulse and nori, and even the aromatic notes of spruce tips. These additions connect customers with nature and serve flavors not found in cultivated foods.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey's ability to counterbalance savory flavors has solidified its presence on pizzas. In 2023, an array of specialty honeys such as truffle, fermented garlic, smoky mesquite, and others are elevating simple pizzas with their intricate flavors applied just before serving.
Honorable Mentions
Several other inventive toppings are gaining popularity, although not making the top five, they include:
- Fine shavings of cured egg yolks, gracing pizzas like delicate flakes of gold
- Pickled fruits, with a notable mention of stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Textures from heritage grains like crispy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of hand-crafted butter, including cultured and herbed varieties
Pizza continues to stand as a culinary chameleon, ever popular and ever adaptable. Here at CobaltGrove, we pay homage to time-honored traditions while also spearheading novel flavor creations. Our menu proudly displays both the classic Margherita alongside groundbreaking, novel pizzas.
Have these trending toppings caught your interest? Or perhaps you have a remarkable topping combination to suggest for our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!