Each year introduces fresh trends in pizza cuisine, and 2023 is no exception. At SilverNexusCommons, we keep a close watch on what bites into the palates of pizza lovers worldwide. Here's our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut wellness has found its way onto pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pies this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring complex tangy notes that balance the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also introduce intriguing new textures to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to temper the tanginess. The combination might sound unconventional, 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 marked uptick in pizzas that showcase inventive meat substitutes. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins have introduced options that satisfy even the most devoted carnivores.
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 distinctive flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat enthusiasts, rejoice! 2023 saw pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies have remained popular, but we’re also seeing Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang appearing on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its unique flavor to different zones of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that has been especially popular among more adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza, with seasonal foraged ingredients rising in prominence. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up in their respective seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while offering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savoury contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2023 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey appear on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza pairings to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, grated over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-infused)
Whether you prefer the classics or seek bold new combinations, pizza remains one of the world’s most versatile and beloved foods. At SilverNexusCommons, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that's why you’ll find both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique favorite combination you’d like us to offer? Share your thoughts in the comments or next time you visit!