With every passing year, new trends emerge in the pizza industry, and 2023 is no different. At SaltMarina, our keen eyes are always on the lookout for what's grabbing the attention of pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to present the toppings that are currently defining the pizza scene.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health has taken center stage in the world of pizza toppings, with fermented veggies becoming an unexpected favorite. Tangy delights like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are bringing a zesty complexity that perfectly balances out the creamy cheeses and savory sauces. Not only do these fermented options offer health benefits like probiotics, but they also add new textures to the classic pizza base.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pie showcases in-house fermented sauerkraut and kimchi along with rich gorgonzola, all balanced by a sweet drizzle of local honey. While it may sound atypical, it's swiftly become one of the top requests for our specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As eating plant-based continues to gain traction, there's been a noticeable uptick in the quest for meat substitute toppings. Moving beyond ordinary veggies, advancements in plant-based proteins have generated options that even staunch carnivores can enjoy.
We now offer plant-derived Italian sausage bits, herbed tempeh, jackfruit in a 'pulled pork' style, and pea protein 'pepperoni'. These toppings are not merely for those abstaining from meat—they’re chosen for their distinctive taste profiles and easier digestion by a wide demographic of our patrons.
3. Regional Chili Varietals
The quest for heat has led pizza lovers to seek out specialty regional chilies instead of the common red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies still keep their charm, yet now garnishes like Aleppo pepper, smoked Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and savory Korean gochujang are gaining traction as pizza toppers.
Our World of Spice pizza is a blend of four distinct regional chilies, giving each segment of the pie a distinctive kick. This globetrotting fiery experience has received rave reviews from our clientele who crave a taste of adventure.
4. Seasonally Foraged Ingredients
The connection from the wilderness to the pizza plate is stronger than ever with the rising trend of using foraged seasonal ingredients. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods which are gathered and used when in season.
In addition to mushrooms, our menu has seen the inclusion of foraged ramps (wild leeks), sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These ingredients offer a direct link to the wilderness while delivering irreplaceable flavors that can't be found in farm-raised produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The synergy of honey's sweetness with the savoriness of pizza has become a permanent staple. Expanding on the trend of hot honey, there has been a surge of specialty honey varieties used as a finishing touch on pizzas this year.
Our menus now feature truffle honey, aged garlic honey, mesquite honey, and even CBD-enriched honey. These final drizzles are not mere afterthoughts; they enhance and sophisticate the taste of our pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable toppings that narrowly missed our primary list but are still making an impact include:
- Grated cured egg yolks, sprinkled over the pizza for a rich umami essence
- Pickled orchard fruit varieties like peaches and plums
- Crunchy heritage grains such as crispy farro or puffed sorghum adding textural contrast
- Flavored butters, including those blended with herbs or cultured for depth
Pizza remains one of the most versatile and universally loved dishes whether you hold fast to time-honored toppings or embrace pioneering flavor pairings. At SaltMarina, we celebrate tradition as much as we endorse innovation—this is why our menu includes both the classic Margherita and avant-garde creations.
Have these trendsetting toppings graced your palate? Or perhaps you have a special topping combination in mind that you would love to see us introduce? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or during your next visit to our establishment!