As the pizza industry evolves, we notice the arrival of novel culinary trendsetters each year. At RiverCraftLoom, keeping up with the preferred flavors of pizza enthusiasts worldwide is our priority. Here's our curated list of the top pizza toppings for the current year that are stirring excitement.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented veggies have made a splash in the pizza scene due to the growing interest in digestive health. Tangy choices like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are infusing pizzas with zesty, complex flavors that perfectly offset the creamy texture of the cheese and the base sauce. These toppings are healthful with their probiotic attributes and introduce new, interesting textures to classic pizza profiles.
Our Fermentation Fiesta pizza brings together our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and a blue cheese variety, all harmoniously blended with a sweet touch of regional honey for just the right balance against the sour notes. It may sound unconventional, yet it has swiftly turned into one of the top requests from our clientele seeking specialty pizzas.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
Heightened interest in plant-based diets has led to an increased appetite for pizzas adorned with inventive meat substitutes. Now, pizza lovers have more to choose from than just garden-variety vegetables. Revolutionary plant-based proteins have launched, offering meat alternatives that astonish even hardcore carnivores.
We now feature a range of such protein options: Italian-flavored plant sausage bits, well-seasoned tempeh, jackfruit treated to mimic pulled pork, and a pea protein-based version of pepperoni. These toppings are gaining favor for their signature taste profiles and digestible qualities, not just among vegetarians but throughout our customer base.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those who enjoy a fiery kick are finding solace in specific regional chili varieties that have replaced the conventional red pepper flakes in the world of pizza. We've been seeing a sustained interest in chilies from Calabria, yet others such as the mellow Spanish ñora chilies, peppery Aleppo peppers, vibrant Peruvian aji amarillo, and the Korean gochujang are also gaining a foothold on pizzas.
Our Spicy Globe pizza is an eclectic mix of these unique regional chilies, making each sector of the pizza distinctively flavorful. The pie has especially been a hit with our clientele who are eager to take their tastebuds on a spicy excursion.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The pursuit of locally-sourced food has evolved into a trend of incorporating wild ingredients directly sourced from nature. Leading this foraging trend are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which are becoming prominent, aligning with their natural growing seasons.
We're also venturing beyond fungi, offering seasonal wild leeks known as ramps, various sea vegetables including dulse and nori, and even young spruce tips that impart a singular aromatic essence. These wild harvests create a robust connection to nature while offering distinct flavors that farmed variants simply can't emulate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The marriage of sweet and savory brought about by honey drizzles has solidified its place in the pizza world and is here to stay. This year, local honeys with a flair have made their mark. Specialty honeys such as truffle-infused, garlic-fermented, and mesquite-smoked are turning up on menus, while for a modern twist, we see CBD-infused honey as well.
These gourmet honeys are the concluding flourish added to pies right before they're served, enhancing the flavors and offering a gourmet edge to even the most simplistic of pizzas.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that have been making an impact but didn't make the top five include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately grated over pizza for a rich umami effect
- Pickled fruit, with stone fruits such as peaches and apricots coming to the fore
- Ancient grains for texture, like crunchy farro or popped sorghum
- Dollops of artisan butter, particularly varieties like cultured or mixed with herbs
No matter if your tastes veer towards the conventional or if you're inclined to experiment with bold, creative mixes, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and adored dishes worldwide. At RiverCraftLoom, we preserve the time-honored classics while also embracing novel creations — which is why both the quintessential Margherita and our state-of-the-art specialty pies have a place on our menu.
Have any of these topping trends caught your interest? Or perhaps you have an inventive combination in mind that you're eager to see on the menu? Do share your thoughts in the comments or during your next visit!