Each year ushers in fresh ideas for pizza, and 2024 is no different. At Ember & Olive Pizzeria, we keep a close watch on flavors winning over pizza fans worldwide. Here’s our take on the most intriguing and in-demand toppings making headlines this year.
1. Cultured Vegetables
With digestive wellness in the spotlight, cultured vegetables have unexpectedly become a pizza favorite. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions bring bright, tangy complexity that pairs beautifully with rich cheese and sauce. Beyond their probiotic perks, these toppings add new layers of texture to a classic pie.
Our new Culture Craze pizza showcases house-fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, finished with a drizzle of local honey to round out the acidity. It might sound unconventional, but it’s fast becoming one of our most requested signature pizzas.
2. Plant-Forward Proteins
As plant-centered eating continues to surge, demand for pizzas with inventive meatless options has climbed. Moving past standard veggies, advances in plant-based proteins now satisfy even devoted carnivores.
We feature plant-based Italian sausage crumbles, seasoned tempeh, marinated jackfruit “pulled pork,” and pea-protein “pepperoni.” These choices appeal not only to vegetarians—many diners pick them for distinctive flavor and easier digestion.
3. Chilies by Region
Spice lovers, rejoice! In 2024, pizza enthusiasts are seeking out specific regional chilies instead of generic flakes. Calabrian chilies remain a favorite, while Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are showing up more often on pies.
Our Global Blaze pizza highlights four regional chilies, each bringing its own character to a different quadrant. It’s a fiery journey that’s a hit with adventurous eaters.
4. Wild, Seasonal Finds
Farm-to-table has evolved into forest-to-pie with the growing love for seasonal foraged ingredients. Wild mushrooms lead the pack—think chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods during their peak seasons.
Beyond mushrooms, we’ve tried spring ramps (wild leeks), sea vegetables like dulse and nori, and even spruce tips for a distinct aromatic note. These elements connect guests to nature while delivering flavors that can’t be mass-produced.
5. Signature Honey Finishes
The sweet-meets-savory magic of honey has firmly moved from fad to staple. Building on the boom of hot honey, 2024 has welcomed a wave of specialty honeys drizzled just before serving.
Truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, smoky mesquite honey, and even CBD-infused honey are popping up nationwide. These final touches add depth and turn even simple pies into something gourmet.
Honorable Mentions
A few other toppings that narrowly missed our top five but are still making noise:
- Cured egg yolk, shaved over the pie like a golden flurry
- Pickled fruits, especially stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Ancient grains for crunch, like toasted farro or popped sorghum
- Small dollops of specialty butter (particularly cultured or herb-studded)
Whether you’re a purist who loves the classics or an explorer chasing bold new pairings, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished foods. At Ember & Olive Pizzeria, we respect tradition while pushing boundaries—that’s why our menu spans from timeless Margherita to innovative, cutting-edge creations.
Have you sampled any of these trending toppings? Or have a distinctive favorite you’d like us to add? Share your thoughts in the comments or tell us on your next visit!