As the calendar turns, new flavor frontiers emerge in the pizza-sphere, and 2023 is bursting with innovation. At CalmGlowStudio, we constantly track what's delighting the palates of pizza aficionados worldwide. Here's a list of the top pizza toppings that are gaining popularity this year.

1. Fermented Veggies

Pizza has invited probiotics to the party with fermented veggies taking a star role on the pie. The zesty flavors of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions enhance the creamy cheese and sauce. These toppings do more than just tantalize taste buds, they deliver probiotics and add a new layer of texture to the classic pizza template.

Our Fermentation Fiesta pie boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and blue cheese, crowned with a hint of local honey to balance the sour notes. The combination is novel, yet it's fast becoming a top pick for specialty pizza aficionados.

2. Plants as Protein

The plant-based diet trend has not missed the pizza industry, with a spike in pizzas adorned with meat substitutes. Way beyond basic veggies, the newest wave in plant-based proteins has brought forth items that even carnivores are enjoying.

Options like crumbled vegan Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a permanent place on our menu. These proteins cater to more than just vegans; numerous guests opt for them for their distinct flavors and ease on the stomach.

3. Specialty Chilies

Those who love their pies with a kick are in luck as 2023 is embracing chilies with a specific regional flair over the common red pepper crush. Though Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, we're also seeing a rise in varieties like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, brightly flavored Peruvian aji amarillo, and the intense Korean gochujang finding their way onto our pizzas.

International Heat is our pizza that gives each of the four different chilies its own space, bringing an adventurous journey through flavor profiles and spiciness that's been well received by our daring customers.

4. Wild Harvested Add-Ins

What started as farm-to-table has forayed into the pizza scene with wild foraged ingredients grabbing attention. Leading this category are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas when they're in season.

We're also exploring wild ramps, oceanic accents with dulse and nori, and even the pine-fresh tang of spruce tips. These ingredients bring a connection to nature while offering unattainable flavors in the cultivated world.

5. Exclusive Honey Varieties

Honey's role in creating a delightful sweet and savory profile on pizza has transcended passing fad status. Continuing from the hot honey craze of recent years, 2023 has seen the advent of unique honeys like truffle-infused, fermented garlic, mesquite-flavored, and even those enhanced with CBD.

Such honey drizzles are becoming the coup de grâce on menus nationwide, adding a sophisticated flair that transforms straightforward pizzas into gourmet creations.

Honorable Mentions

Other toppings that are gaining attention, although not making it to our top five, include:

  • Cured egg yolks finely grated over pizzas for a rich umami pop
  • Pickled fruits, with a focus on stone varieties such as peaches and cherries
  • Ancient grains for crunch, with options like crispy farro or popped sorghum
  • Gourmet butters, including those infused with herbs or cultured for depth

No matter if you're one for classic tastes or eager to embark on taste adventures, pizza's versatility makes it a global favorite. At CalmGlowStudio, we merge respect for tradition with a zest for novelty, which is why our menu features the enduring Margherita alongside the most avant-garde pies.

Have any of these on-trend toppings made their way to your plate? Or maybe there's a distinctive topping blend you'd love to see us offer? Share your thoughts below or on your next stop by!