Domino’s Pizza is one of the largest and most popular pizza chains in the world, known for its wide range of pizza options, sides, and desserts. However, for those following a vegan lifestyle, determining which menu items are plant-based can be tricky. One of the biggest concerns for vegans is whether Domino’s pizza crust is vegan-friendly.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into Domino’s pizza crust ingredients, analyze its vegan status, explore plant-based options at Domino’s, and provide alternatives for vegans craving pizza. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s available for vegans at Domino’s and whether their pizza crust is suitable for a plant-based diet.
Understanding What Makes a Crust Vegan
Before we analyze Domino’s crust, it’s important to understand what makes a pizza crust vegan. A vegan pizza crust must not contain any animal-derived ingredients, such as:
- Dairy products (milk, butter, or cheese)
- Eggs
- Honey
- L-cysteine (a dough conditioner sometimes derived from animal sources)
A truly vegan pizza crust should be made with simple plant-based ingredients like flour, water, yeast, salt, and vegetable-based oils. Let’s examine how Domino’s crust compares to this standard.
Analyzing Domino’s Pizza Crust Ingredients
Domino’s offers different types of pizza crusts, including:
- Hand Tossed Crust
- Thin Crust
- Brooklyn Style Crust
- Handmade Pan Crust
- Gluten-Free Crust
Now, let’s analyze whether each of these is vegan-friendly.
1. Hand Tossed Crust
The Hand Tossed Crust is one of Domino’s most popular options. According to Domino’s ingredient list, the Hand Tossed Crust contains:
- Enriched flour
- Water
- Sugar
- Soybean oil
- Yeast
- Salt
This crust does not contain milk, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients, making it vegan-friendly. However, there is a possibility of cross-contamination since it is prepared in the same kitchen as non-vegan items.
2. Thin Crust
Domino’s Thin Crust is another popular option, often chosen by those who prefer a crispier pizza. The ingredients typically include:
- Enriched flour
- Water
- Sugar
- Soybean oil
- Salt
- Yeast
Just like the Hand Tossed Crust, the Thin Crust does not contain any dairy, eggs, or other animal-derived ingredients. This means it is suitable for vegans.
3. Brooklyn Style Crust
The Brooklyn Style Crust is thinner and crispier than the Hand Tossed Crust but still slightly thicker than the Thin Crust. The ingredients include:
- Enriched flour
- Water
- Sugar
- Soybean oil
- Salt
- Yeast
There are no dairy or animal-based ingredients in the Brooklyn Style Crust, making it another vegan-friendly option at Domino’s.
4. Handmade Pan Crust
The Handmade Pan Crust is one of Domino’s thickest options, offering a soft and chewy texture. However, this crust contains butter as part of its ingredients, making it not vegan-friendly.
5. Gluten-Free Crust
Domino’s offers a Gluten-Free Crust for those who need a gluten-free option. However, this crust contains dairy, making it not suitable for vegans.
Summary of Vegan Crust Options at Domino’s
Based on our analysis, here’s a quick breakdown of Domino’s pizza crusts:
| Crust Type | Vegan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Tossed Crust | ✅ Yes | No dairy or eggs |
| Thin Crust | ✅ Yes | No dairy or eggs |
| Brooklyn Style Crust | ✅ Yes | No dairy or eggs |
| Handmade Pan Crust | ❌ No | Contains butter |
| Gluten-Free Crust | ❌ No | Contains dairy |
As seen in the table above, three crusts at Domino’s are vegan-friendly: Hand Tossed, Thin Crust, and Brooklyn Style Crust. However, the Handmade Pan and Gluten-Free Crusts are not vegan due to the presence of dairy.
Vegan Pizza Topping Options at Domino’s
Now that we know which crusts are vegan, let’s explore which toppings you can add to make a delicious plant-based pizza.
Sauces
Some sauces at Domino’s are vegan-friendly, while others contain dairy or animal products. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ Vegan-Friendly Sauces:
- Robust Tomato Sauce
- BBQ Sauce (varies by location, so check ingredients)
❌ Non-Vegan Sauces:
- Alfredo Sauce (contains dairy)
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce (contains dairy)
- Ranch Sauce (contains dairy)
Vegetable Toppings
Domino’s offers a variety of vegetable toppings, which are all vegan-friendly, including:
- Onions
- Green Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black Olives
- Pineapple
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Banana Peppers
Cheese Options
Currently, Domino’s does not offer vegan cheese in most locations. This means vegans will need to order a cheese-free pizza or add their own plant-based cheese at home.
Seasonings and Condiments
- Crushed Red Pepper – Vegan
- Garlic Dipping Sauce – Not Vegan (contains dairy)
- Marinara Dipping Sauce – Vegan
- BBQ Dipping Sauce – Check ingredients, varies by location
How to Order a Vegan Pizza at Domino’s
To ensure your order is completely vegan, follow these steps:
- Choose a vegan crust: Hand Tossed, Thin Crust, or Brooklyn Style.
- Opt for the Robust Tomato Sauce as your base.
- Skip the cheese (Domino’s does not have a vegan cheese option).
- Add plenty of vegetable toppings for flavor and texture.
- Avoid non-vegan dips and sauces that contain dairy.
Example of a Custom Vegan Order
- Crust: Thin Crust
- Sauce: Robust Tomato Sauce
- Toppings: Spinach, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes, and jalapeños
This combination ensures a flavorful and satisfying pizza that is completely plant-based.
Vegan-Friendly Alternatives to Domino’s
While Domino’s does offer a few vegan options, some pizza chains provide even better choices for vegans. If you’re looking for more variety, consider these alternatives:
- MOD Pizza – Offers vegan crusts, sauces, and dairy-free cheese.
- Blaze Pizza – Has a vegan crust and plant-based cheese.
- Papa John’s – Their Original Crust is vegan, and they offer dairy-free dipping sauces.
Conclusion
So, is Domino’s pizza crust vegan? The answer is yes, but with limitations. Domino’s Hand Tossed Crust, Thin Crust, and Brooklyn Style Crust are all vegan-friendly, while the Handmade Pan and Gluten-Free Crusts are not. However, since Domino’s does not offer vegan cheese, you will need to customize your order to make it fully plant-based.
If you’re craving pizza, you can still enjoy a delicious vegan meal from Domino’s by choosing the right crust, sauce, and toppings. Hopefully, as plant-based diets become more popular, Domino’s will expand its vegan offerings, including plant-based cheese. Until then, a well-customized veggie pizza remains the best option for vegans ordering from Domino’s.
