The realm of pizza witnesses fresh taste trends each year, and the story is no different in 2023. At NeutralKey, our commitment is to keep a close eye on what's resonating with pizza aficionados worldwide. Here are the top toppings that are currently redefining the pizza experience.
1. Pickled Vegetation
As gut health becomes a priority, an interesting twist occurs in pizza kitchens where pickled items become stars. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and marinated onions are offering a zesty taste contrast that pairs well with the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings not only boast probiotic advantages but also inject new textures into the usual pizza fare.
Try our Fermentation Fiesta pizza, a base adorned with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bold gorgonzola, all harmonized with a touch of local honey for a smooth finish. This peculiar mix is rapidly climbing the charts as a fan favorite.
2. Proteins of the Plant World
The surge in plant-forward diets has created a stronger presence for plant-based meat analogs on pizza. Beyond the usual veggies, the advent of plant-derived proteins is achieving the impossible, winning carnivores over.
Expect to see toppings such as vegan Italian sausage, flavourful tempeh, jackfruit pork, and pea protein pepperoni now gracing our pizzas. These aren't exclusively for plant-eaters; many patrons prefer them due to their distinct flavors and ease on the stomach.
3. Chilies by Region
Those who chase the fiery pleasure of spice are discovering a variety of chilies sourced from distinct regions, preferring them over conventional pepper flakes. Calabrian chili holds its ground, yet now we also find Aleppo pepper, smoky ñora chili, tangy aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang adding flair to our pizzas.
Global Heat pizza offers a blend of these four distinct chilies, bringing a unique spiciness to each slice of the pie. It's a heat-filled voyage particularly loved by our more daring customers.
4. Wild Seasonal Finds
The path from the woods to our pizzas is becoming well-traveled with the rising allure of foraged, seasonal ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, featured during their seasonal best.
But it doesn't stop there; we're delving into spring ramps, maritime greens including dulse and nori, and even fragrant spruce tips to add a truly distinct note. These wild picks link eaters to nature while delivering uncompromisable taste that's not found in farmed produce.
5. Infused Honey Variations
The delightful combo of honey on pizza has branded itself as a mainstay. The recent trend takes a step further with a burst of specialty honeys adorning pizzas just before they're served.
Honeys infused with truffles, aged garlic, mesquite smoke, excluding any mention of CBD, are dotting menus nationwide. These final drizzles contribute a layer of sophistication and can transform the simplest of pizzas into a gourmet treat.
Distinguished Mentions
Some toppings narrowly missed our list but deserve recognition for their distinctiveness:
- Preserved egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza creating a rich dusting
- Pickled fruits such as peaches and plums, especially from the stone fruit family
- Ancient grains for crunch, crispy farro or sorghum pops are good examples
- Dollops of artisanal butter, featuring either cultured or herb-infused varieties
Whether you savor time-honored classics or embrace the brave new world of flavors, pizza's ability to adapt and charm remains unmatched. At NeutralKey, we salute tradition and welcome innovation, evident from our menu that boasts both the quintessential Margherita and avant-garde specialty pies.
Are there any of these trendy toppings you've already enjoyed? Or perhaps there's a singular combo you're eager to see on our menu? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!