Each year introduces new pizza topping trends that captivate foodies worldwide, and HarvestSeedCafe is always on the lookout for the hottest flavors capturing the palates of pizza aficionados. Here is our curated list of the most sensational and in-demand toppings of the present year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Interest in digestive wellness has spread to the pizza industry, with fermented vegetables climbing the charts in pizza popularity. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending their tangy tastes to the creamy cheeses and sauces. These toppings not only boast probiotic health benefits but also add a new layer of texture to the classic pizza.
Our special Fermentation Festivity pizza is topped with in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and a rich gorgonzola cheese, with a hint of local honey drizzled on top for a sweet contrast. It’s an unconventional mix that has rapidly gained favor among our specialty pizza offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As the plant-based diet trend continues its ascent, our menu has expanded to accommodate the increasing demand for pizzas adorned with innovative meat substitutes. Beyond common veggie toppings, cutting-edge plant-based proteins are now offered that even staunch carnivores can appreciate.
Our menu now includes toppings like plant-based Italian sausage pieces, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni. These inventive proteins appeal to a broad clientele, thanks to their distinct tastes and easier digestibility.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Avid heat enthusiasts are celebrating the introduction of precise types of regional chilies on pizzas instead of the usual red pepper sprinkles. While Calabrian chilies continue to be a favorite, varieties such as the Syrian Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also gaining traction.
Our Global Heat pizza is a creation topped with a selection of four unique regional chilies, each bringing its individual heat and flavor, divided amongst the four slices. This spicy escapade is especially popular among our customers looking for an adventurous dining experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The connection of local sourcing has transitioned from the farm to the pizza with the growing appeal of foraged ingredients. Forest-harvested mushrooms, such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, are frequently featured on our pizzas in correspondence with their growing seasons.
We've also delved into spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips, taking our patrons on a gastronomic journey into the wilderness. These particular ingredients provide diners with a taste of nature that can't be replicated with cultivated produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The fusion of honey's sweetness with savory elements has taken hold in the pizza world. Following the success of spicy honey, new varieties have burst onto the scene, enhancing pizzas right before they're served.
Our chefs creatively decorate pizzas with truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey. These unique sweet drizzles contribute a multi-layered depth of flavor that transforms simple pizzas into culinary delights.
Honorable Mentions
A selection of other noteworthy toppings that have garnered attention include:
- Shaved cured egg yolks, which add a luxurious finish to the pizza's surface
- Pickled seasonal fruits, with a particular nod to stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Crispy heritage grains like farro or popped sorghum, introducing an extra crunch
- Spoonfuls of artisanal butter, especially those infused with cultured or compounded with herbs
Whether you're one to prefer tried-and-true classics or you're ready to venture into the realm of contemporary flavor profiles, pizza remains one of the most adaptable and cherished dishes globally. At HarvestSeedCafe, we respect time-honored recipes while also celebrating culinary creativity, evident through our offerings that range from the timeless Margherita to our avant-garde specialties.
Eager to sample one of these trending toppings? Have a unique favorite you think we should feature? Share your thoughts in the comments or drop by to discuss them in person!