Each year, the pizza industry sees new trends in flavors, and 2023 is no different. Here at MealGarden, we're keenly observing the flavors that are enchanting pizza aficionados worldwide. We're excited to share our list of this year's most engaging and sought-after pizza garnishes.
1. Fermented Vegetables
As the gut health trend prevails, fermented vegetables are emerging as a surprising trend on pizzas. The addition of kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions delivers a burst of tangy flavors, perfectly complementing the cheesy and saucy base of pizzas. They are a source of probiotics and introduce a new element of texture to the traditional pizzas.
The Fermentation Fiesta pizza we serve is topped with homemade sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, then finished with a drizzle of local honey, balancing the sharp flavours. It might seem like an odd fusion, but it's rapidly gaining traction as one of our go-to specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The trend of plant-based diets is gaining ground, and with it, a demand for pizzas topped with innovative meat substitutes. These new protein toppings go beyond the typical vegetable choices, offering selections that can impress even the most ardent carnivores.
Our menu regularly features plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit as a pulled pork substitute, and pea protein pepperoni. These proteins appeal not only to vegetarians but also to customers who prefer a distinct taste and a lighter meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who chase the heat, 2023 has seen a clear preference for specific regional chilies over the average red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies continue to be popular, while we now also find Aleppo peppers, Spanish ñora chilies, Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang featured on pizzas.
The International Spice pizza we offer has a mix of these regional chilies, each adding a distinctive taste to different parts of the pizza. It's proven to be a hit among those who like to explore daring flavors.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients are making their way from the forests to pizzas, as the farm-to-table movement expands. Varieties of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, appear during their growth seasons on our pizzas.
We also use other foraged ingredients like spring ramps (wild leeks), seaweeds including dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic twist. These natural elements offer unique flavors that cannot be found in commercially grown ingredients.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
As the sweet and savory combo wins fans, the topping of special honey varieties on pizzas just before serving has become firmly established. Truffle honey, garlic-fermented honey, smoky mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey are now found drizzled on pizzas across the nation. These sweet touches add a sophisticated layer and can transform a basic pizza into a gourmet treat.
Honorable Mentions
Other toppings that nearly made our top five but deserve a mention for their popularity include:
- Cured egg yolks, gracefully grated over the pizza like a shower of gold
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Grains with a heritage touch, including crispy farro or popped sorghum for added texture
- Gourmet butter dollops, specifically cultured or herbed compound butters
Whether you lean towards the timeless classics or are eager to sample the newest flavor combinations, pizza remains an infinitely adaptable and cherished dish. At MealGarden, we respect tradition but aren't afraid to innovate, which is why our menu features both the eternal Margherita as well as avant-garde gourmet pizzas.
Have these trending garnishes piqued your interest? Maybe you have a unique pizza topping idea that you'd love for us to feature? Drop us a comment or let us know during your next visit!