What Is Gluten-Free Pizza?

If you’ve recently ordered a delicious pizza or bought one from your local grocery store, you may have noticed several options for gluten-free pizzas. It’s a common phrase found on food at the grocery store, on restaurant menus and in online recipes. However, not many people truly understand what gluten is, let alone gluten-free food. So, if you’re curious about gluten-free pizza or where you can find your next delicious pizza without gluten, Green Lantern Pizza has you covered.

In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what gluten-free pizza is, how it’s made, and whether it’s a healthier option you might want to choose the next time you crave a delicious pizza.

Gluten-Free Pizza Defined

Is pizza gluten-free? The answer depends on the crust. As the name suggests, gluten-free pizza is made without gluten or any ingredients containing gluten. Traditional pizza crust typically contains gluten. 

Gluten can be found in wheat, barley and rye, and as a result, it often finds its way into many of the foods we eat every day. Most people overlook gluten-free options, but for those with gluten sensitivity, this menu option is essential and can usually change how they feel for the rest of the day.

Many people may choose a gluten-free diet if they have one of the following:

• Celiac disease: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten triggers an immune system activity that can damage the lining of the small intestine.

• Gluten sensitivity: Eating gluten could cause someone with gluten sensitivity to experience bloating or abdominal pain.

• Gluten ataxia: An autoimmune disorder that affects nerve tissue can contribute to problems with muscle control.

• Wheat allergy: A wheat allergy can cause the immune system to act like the gluten is a virus or bacteria, and as a result, the immune system will attempt to get rid of it.

With the proper diet, most people with gluten intolerance can still enjoy food of all varieties, including, you guessed it, pizza!

What Is Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Made of?

One of the core ingredients of any pizza is the crust. Pizza crust is also one of the most common places to find gluten. Fortunately, a carefully prepared gluten-free pizza crust lets you enjoy a delicious, fresh pizza without consuming gluten.

Gluten-free pizza made without wheat flour and prepared carefully to avoid cross-contamination is typically safe for people with gluten intolerance to consume. Wheat flour will usually be swapped out for another gluten-safe alternative. Some ingredients found in gluten-free pizza crust can include almonds, rice, corn and beans. Gluten-free crusts can also contain potato or tapioca starch in place of wheat flour.

How Is Gluten-Free Pizza Made?

The hardest part of making pizza is getting the crust perfect. Making a gluten-free pizza crust is even more challenging because alternative flours lack the natural elasticity that gluten provides.

Gluten-free pizza has a few extra steps involved. The standard way to make gluten-free pizza crust is to combine the flour with wet ingredients, such as oil and eggs. Some recipes call for adding yeast, which helps the dough to rise. Many bakers also incorporate binding agents, such as xanthan gum or psyllium husk, to help hold the dough together and improve texture.

Gluten-free flours tend to absorb more, so these recipes will require more liquid. If you don’t add extra liquid, the crust will turn out stiff, flat and dry. Adding the right amount of liquid will enhance the flavor of the gluten-free pizza crust and make it easier to shape. The dough often needs to rest before shaping, which allows the flour to fully hydrate.

These gluten-free crusts also get par-baked before adding the toppings. This pre-baking step creates a firmer base that prevents sogginess once the sauce and toppings are added, resulting in a crispier final product.

Is Gluten-Free Pizza Keto-Friendly?

Now that you know a little more about gluten-free pizza and how it’s made, you may be wondering if it’s keto-friendly. The short answer to this question is, unfortunately, no.

The goal of switching to a keto diet is to reduce carb consumption to spark ketosis in the body. Gluten-free pizza still has a large number of carbs.

When on a keto diet, one should take in more protein and healthy fats to counteract the lack of carbs in their diet. Gluten-free pizza has low levels of both, adding to the list of reasons this dish is not a good keto-friendly meal.

If you’re on a keto diet and still craving pizza, try looking for a veggie-based crust. This helps reduce the carb count, making it a keto-friendly option.

Is Pizza Sauce Gluten-Free?

Another essential ingredient for a pizza is the sauce. The pizza sauce will also need to be gluten-free to ensure the pizza is safe to eat for those wishing to avoid gluten. Rest assured, pizza sauce is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. However, it may be a good idea to check the label of store-bought pizza sauce to ensure that cross-contamination is not possible and that there are no gluten additives in the sauce.

Does Pizza Sauce Have Gluten?

Another essential ingredient for a pizza is the sauce. The pizza sauce will also need to be gluten-free and carefully prepared to ensure the pizza is safe for those who wish to avoid gluten. Rest assured, pizza sauce is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. However, it may be a good idea to check the label of store-bought pizza sauce to ensure there is no cross-contamination and that it contains no gluten additives.

Is Gluten-Free Pizza Healthy?

With the growing trend of gluten-free diets, there’s one important question to answer. Is gluten-free pizza good for you?

There’s no scientific link between losing weight and a gluten-free diet, but there are still some benefits that gluten-free options have to offer.

1. Improved energy levels: Gluten-free food is easier on your digestive system, which allows the nutrients in your body to be absorbed more efficiently into your bloodstream, providing you with more energy.
2. Decreased bloating: Gluten can increase bloating in your body. As a result, removing gluten from your diet can help you prevent bloating in the future.
3. Better Skin: Eating less gluten and processed food helps to reduce acne, red and inflamed skin. Gluten-free food can also help you with skin conditions such as eczema, hives and alopecia areata.

Overall, gluten-free food can help improve your health. This makes gluten-free pizza a healthier way to satisfy your pizza hunger cravings.

Experience Quality Gluten-Free Pizza in Metro Detroit

When you’re craving authentic gluten-free pizza made with care and quality ingredients, Green Lantern Pizza delivers an experience worth savoring. With locations throughout the larger Metro-Detroit area, we’ve been perfecting our craft since 1955. What sets our pizza apart is the same dedication to quality that’s made us a Detroit favorite for decades. Every morning, our team hand-cuts fresh ingredients, shreds real cheese and prepares dough and sauce from scratch. This commitment to freshness means you’ll enjoy a gluten-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Whether you’re managing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or simply prefer gluten-free options, you deserve pizza that tastes incredible. Browse our complete selection of pizzas, subs and appetizers on our full food menu, then place your order online for fast carryout or delivery. Not sure which location is nearest to you? Visit our locations page to find your closest Green Lantern Pizza. We also offer non-gluten pizza options that maintain the same authentic taste our customers have loved for decades.

Have questions about our gluten-free preparation or ingredients? Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you enjoy your next meal with confidence.