What Are the Top 5 Pizza Trends in 2024?
Fresh off yet another showstopping International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, pizza expert Colby Strilaeff, brand manager of Foodservice at Hormel Foods, shares the Top 5 pizza trends to watch out for in 2024.
1. Ribbon pepperoni
This topping needs no introduction in Canada, where shredded pepperoni is a staple, Strilaeff says. He expects the same trend to take off in the U.S., too. Inspired by the pizza stylings of Windsor, Ontario, he believes the introduction of Hormel Ribbon Pepperoni is already a game-changer for American foodservice operators, allowing for quicker pizza preparation with pepperoni that spreads as easily as shredded mozzarella. Ribbon pepperoni is also a foodservice-friendly option for non-pizza applications like pastas, subs and calzones.
2. Giardiniera
A condiment with deep Chicago roots, giardiniera is a celebrated tradition in many Italian American households. Giardiniera, which means “from the garden” in English, is a pickled assortment of vegetables like peppers, olives and cauliflower, submerged in a tangy mixture of vinegar and oil, Strilaeff explains. The result is a flavorful medley that perfectly complements a variety of dishes, especially pizza. Italian sausage and giardiniera is a particularly delicious and increasingly popular flavor pairing on pizza.
3. Global flavors
Culture continues to reveal itself in pizza. “New international flavors are always being introduced in pizzerias across the country,” Strilaeff adds. “It’s one of the fastest growing trends in the industry.” Flavor profiles from far and wide are featured on menus across the country, with familiar profiles like Mexican, Cuban and Indian flavors emerging as commonly sought-after favorites. Global ingredients like chimichurri, gochujang and miso are also adding a flavor twist to popular slices.
4. Post-bake creativity
Cooking a pizza isn’t the final step of the pizza-making process, especially these days. “We’re seeing a lot more people get creative with what goes on pizza after it is taken out of the oven,” Strilaeff says. Ingredients like chili-infused oils and hot honeys have emerged as popular post-bake pizza toppings. Shaved Parmesan is another commonly applied accompaniment, as are basil and other leafy greens; rocket, arugula, etc.
5. Sesame seed crust
Although it's not a traditional ingredient in pizza-making, sesame seeds are an increasingly popular addition for those craving an extra crunch in their pizza crust. “It adds a delicious, nutty undertone, which people really enjoy,” Strilaeff says. Whether garnished over a glistening, buttery crust or folded into the entire dough ball, look for the trend of sesame-seed crust to take off, he adds.
