Every year introduces new culinary directions for pizza, and 2024 is no exception. At StudioHarborSystem, we continuously track what captivates pizza enthusiasts around the world. Here's our rundown of the most exciting and popular pizza toppings making waves this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The focus on gut health has reached pizzerias, with fermented vegetables becoming a surprising favorite on pizzas this year. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bold tangy notes that complement the cheese and sauce. These fermented toppings offer probiotic benefits and introduce fresh texture to classic pizza.
Our new Fermentation Celebration pizza features house-made sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, finished with a drizzle of local honey to balance the tanginess. The combination may sound unusual, but it’s quickly becoming one of our most requested specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As plant-based eating continues to rise in popularity, we’ve seen growing demand for pizzas with inventive meat alternatives. Beyond traditional veggie toppings, breakthroughs in plant-based proteins now offer options that satisfy even devoted meat lovers.
Plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea protein “pepperoni” are now regular features on our menu. These proteins aren’t just for vegetarians—many customers choose them for their unique flavors and lighter digestive footprint.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Spice seekers rejoice! 2024 has pizza fans embracing specific regional chili varieties rather than generic red pepper flakes. Calabrian chilies remain popular, but Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora chilies, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are making appearances on pies.
Our Global Heat pizza features a medley of four different regional chilies, each delivering a distinct flavor to different sections of the pizza. It’s a spicy adventure that’s particularly popular with our more daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The farm-to-table movement has evolved into forest-to-pizza with the growing interest in seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead this trend, with varieties like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods showing up during their seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve experimented with spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a unique aromatic quality. These ingredients connect diners to nature while delivering flavors that aren’t easily cultivated commercially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The sweet-savory contrast created by honey has established itself as more than a passing fad. Building on the popularity of hot honey from recent years, 2024 has seen a surge of specialty honey varieties drizzled on pizzas just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are appearing on menus nationwide. These finishing touches add depth and elevate even simple pizza combinations to gourmet levels.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that just missed our top five but are still making waves include:
- Cured egg yolks, microplaned over pizza like a golden snowfall
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits like peaches and plums
- Heritage grain toppings, like crispy farro or popped sorghum for texture
- Artisanal butter dollops (particularly cultured or herb-butters)
Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors the classics or an adventurous eater eager for bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the world’s most adaptable and beloved foods. At StudioHarborSystem, we honor tradition while embracing innovation—that’s why you’ll find both classic Margherita and cutting-edge specialty pies on our menu.
Have you tried any of these trending toppings? Or do you have a unique favorite combination you’d like to see us offer? Tell us in the comments or next time you visit!