Each year brings fresh ideas to the world of pizza, and 2023 is no exception. At SparkHarborMount, we keep a close watch on what’s capturing pizza lovers’ imaginations worldwide. Here’s our roundup of the most exciting and popular toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in gut health has found its way onto pies, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising hit on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions introduce complex tang that complements the richness of cheese and sauce. These tangy toppings not only offer probiotic benefits but also bring novel texture to traditional pies.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tang. The combination may seem unusual, yet it’s rapidly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise, we’ve seen a notable uptick in pizzas featuring inventive meat alternatives. Beyond standard veggie toppings, innovations in plant-based proteins offer options that satisfy even die-hard meat lovers.
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 guests choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Heat seekers rejoice! In 2023, pizza enthusiasts embraced specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have started appearing on pies as well.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each contributing its distinct flavor to different quadrants of the pie. It’s a spicy adventure that’s especially loved by adventurous diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with rising interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic note. These ingredients connect diners to the natural world while delivering flavors that can’t be cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has solidified itself as more than a fleeting trend. Building on the hot honey craze, 2023 has seen a surge in specialty honey varieties being drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet status.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, shaved 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-butters)
Whether you prefer the classics or enjoy bold, new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At SparkHarborMount, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why our menu features both timeless Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or is there a unique combination you’d like to see us offer? Share your ideas in the comments or next time you visit!