Each year introduces new exciting trends within the pizza industry, and this year at NectarPlate, we stay ahead of the curve by following the flavors that grab pizzaficionados' interests globally. This list captures the most captivating pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Increased attention to digestive wellness has fueled the emergence of fermented vegetables atop pizzas in this period. Varieties such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring their unique zestful notes that mingle well with the creamy cheese and hearty sauce. These fermented toppings go beyond taste, offering probiotic health merits and a new textural character.
The Festival of Ferments pie on our menu boasts a blend of homecrafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and pungent gorgonzola cheese, rounded off with a swirl of fresh, local honey that harmonizes the zestful flavors.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-forward diets is reflected in the upswing of plant-based meat substitutes on pizzas. At our shop, we offer a variety of innovative toppings including plant-based Italian sausage substitutes, spiced tempeh, tender jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These options are a hit not just among vegetarians but also with customers looking for a new taste experience and a less heavy meal.
3. Special Chili Varieties
Enthusiasts who prefer their pizza with a kick are now reaching for specific types of regional chilies over standard crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies are still a favorite, we are also seeing the rise of distinct flavors from Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang on pizzas.
Our International Flames pizza offers a selection of these regional chilies, each adding its distinct burst of flavor to different pizza sections. This fiery culinary journey is particularly well-liked among our more daring clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Additions
The local-sourced culinary approach extends from farm to pizza slice with the growing fondness for seasonally foraged edibles. Leading the way, a range of wild mushrooms like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods grace our pizzas during their peak seasons.
We didn't stop at mushrooms; our experiments have included wild ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even the fragrant tips of spruce trees. These natural items offer diners a connection to the wild and flavors that can't be found in farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory flavors using honey has continued to delight, and we've witnessed an array of distinctive honey varieties being used as a final flourish on our pizzas lately.
Our menu now includes pizzas finished with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, pungent mesquite honey, and even CBD-enhanced honey. These drizzles contribute an extra layer of sophistication, turning even the simplest pizza into a premium experience.
Honorable Mentions
Although not making our top five list, other toppings that are garnering attention include:
- Delicately shaved cured egg yolks, sprinkled over the pizza for a rich umami flavor
- Tangy pickled fruits, with a special nod to stone fruits like peaches and cherries
- Ancient grain sprinkles, including crunchy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- A touch of artisanal butter, featuring cultured or infused herb varieties
Be you a purist who treasures the standard toppings or a culinary explorer eager to venture into unusual flavor territories, pizza remains among the global favorites for its versatility. At NectarPlate, we respect pizza traditions while also wholeheartedly embracing new concoctions, which is why you'll spot both the timeless Margherita and contemporary specialty pizzas on our menu.
Have any of these modern toppings graced your palate recently, or is there a particular combination you're craving? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit to NectarPlate.