Pizza Trends Taking Over the UK: From Detroit Style to Hot Honey

The Rise of Gourmet & Artisanal Pizza

For years, pizza was associated with quick, cheap eats—something you ordered at the end of a night out or grabbed from the frozen aisle. But times have changed. Consumers are now looking for quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship when it comes to their pizza.

This shift has led to the rise of gourmet and artisanal pizzas, which are now dominating the UK market. Premium ingredients, wood-fired cooking, and slow-fermented dough are no longer reserved for high-end restaurants; they’ve become expected. Many pizzerias are now:

• Using buffalo mozzarella, heritage tomatoes, and organic olive oils to elevate flavours.
• Sourcing locally milled flour and letting dough ferment for up to 72 hours for better texture.
• Embracing authentic Italian techniques, particularly Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas.

But it’s not just about Italian authenticity anymore. Chefs are putting their own spin on traditional styles, creating hybrid pizzas that blend influences from American, Middle Eastern, and even Asian cuisines. Expect to see more pizzerias experimenting with unexpected fusions.

Detroit-Style Pizza

If you haven’t tried Detroit-style pizza yet, you’re missing out on one of the fastest-growing popular pizza trends in the UK. This thick, square, cheesy-crusted masterpiece is taking over menus, and for good reason.

Unlike traditional deep-dish or pan pizzas, Detroit-style pizza is known for its crispy, caramelised edges, light and airy dough, and layered toppings. It’s big, indulgent, and Instagram-friendly, which is why 2 in 5 UK consumers are eager to try it when dining out.

What makes it special?

• The cheese is layered all the way to the edges, creating a crunchy, golden crust.
• It’s baked in a rectangular steel pan, originally used in Detroit’s automotive factories.
• The sauce goes on last, keeping the dough light and fluffy while preventing sogginess.

With many pizzerias now offering their own take on Detroit-style pizza, this trend is more than just a passing phase—it’s here to stay.

Toppings Are Getting Bolder, Sweeter, and More Unexpected

The classic pepperoni and margherita will never go out of style, but there’s a growing demand for unique flavour combinations. Pizza chefs are taking inspiration from global cuisines, leading to a wave of unconventional yet delicious toppings.

One of the biggest shifts? The rise of sweet and savoury pairings.

Take hot honey, for example, which has cemented itself as a must-have ingredient on modern pizza menus. It's spicy-sweet kick pairs effortlessly with everything from classic pepperoni to creamy burrata for a flavour contrast that’s both bold and accessible. Many craft pizza restaurants have embraced it as a signature drizzle, proving that diners are more open than ever to adventurous flavour combinations.

The experimentation doesn’t stop there. Blueberries on pizza? Yes! This unexpected pairing is gaining traction. Pizzerias are finding that sweet, tangy fruit can enhance the richness of cheese and the saltiness of cured meats, pushing the boundaries of what defines a great pizza.

Pizzerias are using fruit-based elements to enhance the umami of cheese and cured meats.

Other emerging pizza topping trends include:

• Middle Eastern influences: Sumac, za’atar, and lamb kofte.
• Korean flavours: Gochujang-infused sauces, bulgogi beef.
• Luxury ingredients: Truffle oil, wild mushrooms, and aged Parmesan.

As chefs push creativity, expect pizza menus to become even more dynamic and adventurous in the next few years.

Health-Conscious Pizza

It’s no secret that consumers are making more health-conscious choices, and pizza operators are taking notice.

• Gluten-free bases are now a menu essential, moving beyond tasteless alternatives to crispy, flavourful options.
• Vegan cheeses and plant-based meats are more advanced than ever, with brands like Violife and Beyond Meat making it easier for pizzerias to offer dairy-free and meat-free alternatives.
• Lower-calorie, high-protein pizzas are appearing, catering to fitness-conscious diners.

The demand for nutrient-dense, allergen-friendly, and gut-health-focused pizzas is only growing.

Sustainability and Zero-Waste Innovation in Pizza

As food sustainability becomes a hot topic, many pizzerias are looking for ways to cut waste and source responsibly.

Some of the biggest shifts include:

• Using pizza crusts for other dishes, such as garlic bread and croutons.
• Repurposing dough scraps to create small batch baked goods.
• Sourcing ingredients locally to reduce food miles and carbon footprints.

With customers becoming more eco-conscious, pizza operators who prioritise sustainability will build stronger brand loyalty.