Being gluten free in the US is more common than you might think. In fact, a study conducted by CivicScience found that:
Recognizing this need, the food industry has begun to create more gluten free friendly options, especially in the realm of pizza pies. From Domino’s gluten free pizza to Pillsbury gluten free pizza dough, a lot of high-power brands are clamoring to earn the loyalty of the gluten exclusion market. But try as they might, many gluten free pizza crust options don't rise to the occasion.
So, who has the best gluten free pizza crust? The answer to this question is different for everyone. That's why ZeroCarb LYFE put together this ultimate guide to help you understand what makes a gluten free pizza crust truly healthy and delicious. We'll answer some of the most common questions, including:
What’s the Difference Between Gluten Free Pizza Crust and Regular?
The main difference between regular and gluten free crust is fairly straightforward—gluten free pizza crusts don’t contain gluten. According to Celiac.org, gluten is the general name for the proteins found in wheat products. In the past, gluten free options were startlingly limited. But now, there is a wide variety of crusts out there to enjoy. Although, some are tastier (and healthier) than others.
What Is Gluten Free Pizza Crust Made Of?
Gluten free crusts are made of various gluten free grains, vegetables, legumes, and more. Here are some popular examples.
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Is gluten free pizza crust made from cauliflower, really? Yes, it’s actually one of the most popular options available, especially for vegans and vegetarians. Many choose cauliflower pizza crusts because they are low in calories, low in cost, and high in fiber compared to other options. However, they aren’t the tastiest option out there. Textural and taste issues run rampant with cauliflower crusts, especially those of the premade variety. Put simply, they fall apart. They can also be a bit soggy, especially if you aren’t making your own crust by hand, and who has the time for that?
Potato Flour Pizza Crust
Some people choose to use potato flour to make their own pizza dough. This pizza crust tends to hold up better than the cauliflower crust and can taste similar to regular pizza crusts, if you find the right recipe. Many people add whole wheat flour into their potato flour mixture, but you can use other gluten free flour options—like almond or tapioca flour—to create your dough. Even though potato flour crusts are lower in calories than some gluten free pizza crusts, they aren’t a low carb option. Additionally, the glycemic index (GI) of potato flour (starch) is 95, which classifies it as a high GI food. Potato flour crusts are also rarely sold at grocery stores, so you are largely on your own if you want to try this gluten free option. If you are a natural baker, and are willing to put in the effort, then potato flour pizza crust can be worth it if eaten in moderation.
Chickpea Pizza Crust
Different from the potato flour options, chickpea pizza crusts are fairly low on the glycemic index. In terms of texture, chickpeas bind better than cauliflower, but are not as sturdy as potato flour. Chickpeas also offer a high amount of nutrients including fiber and iron. However, this pizza crust option is high in carbs, which may not be ideal for people with diabetes or other dietary restrictions. Various brands offer premade chickpea crusts, which can be found at most grocery stores.
Quinoa Pizza Crust
Quinoa is a powerful little grain packed full of nutty flavor. Usually mixed with an additional starch like tapioca, quinoa can mimic the texture of traditional pizza crusts fairly well. But if you’re on the hunt for premade quinoa crusts, expect to search for a while. This option is rarely available in grocery stores or online. If you want to take a DIY approach, be warned, quinoa crust takes a fair amount of prep time—especially if the gluten free pizza dough recipe you choose requires raw quinoa.
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust
Spaghetti squashes themselves are packed full of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, and potassium. Their natural color also makes the crust more appetizing! However, due to their moisture content, it can be tricky to master the perfect squash pizza crust when you attempt to make your own. You can occasionally find premade squash pizza crusts at stores like Trader Joes. Though, premade spaghetti squash crusts still have the tendecy to be on the mushy side.
Chicken Pizza Crust
Sure, the options above all offer different benefits, but none of them have zero carbs and high protein. Enter: chicken crust pizza. At ZeroCarb LYFE, our pizza crusts are made of four simple ingredients:
We don’t add any fillers or binders—unlike many pre-made gluten free crusts—and you don’t need to go through the hassle of making crust on your own. Our chicken crusts look and feel like regular pizza crusts without gluten, carbs, sugar, or dairy. Basically, you get the great taste and health benefits you deserve without the hassle.
How Do You Choose the Perfect Gluten Free Crust?
So, with all of these different options how do you know which one is the best? It all comes down to these three items:
Let’s explore each of these points in greater detail.
Does Gluten Free Pizza Crust Taste Different?
Gluten free crust will always taste different from traditional pizza crusts, but that isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes they taste better. It all depends on how the crust is made and what ingredients are used.
Seasoning is an extremely important factor when it comes to the taste of gluten free pizza. Without the proper seasoning, any kind of gluten free crust will taste bland. Texture is also a game changer in the taste of a pizza crust. As we mentioned in the above section, many gluten free options have the tendency to crumble or be soggy—which can ruin anyone's appetite.
At Zero Carb LYFE, we’ve put a lot of thought into our crusts—not only to make them the healthiest option, but also the tastiest. Our special spice blend is packed with flavor and—if you’re a crispy pizza lover—you can simply stick our untopped frozen crust in the oven to heat for 6-8 minutes and enjoy a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Is Gluten Free Pizza Healthier Than Regular Pizza?
If a gluten free crust is truly a healthy alternative, it should check all of these boxes:
Is Gluten Free Pizza Good for Diabetics?
Gluten free pizza benefits many groups of people with dietary restrictions, including those with diabetes. In general, foods low in sugar and carbs are ideal for diabetic individuals. Fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains are great options. Considering the specific health needs of people with diabetes, gluten free pizza crusts made using vegetables, nuts, chicken, and gluten free grains that are low on the glycemic index, are all healthy options.
Is Gluten Free Pizza Crust Less Carbs?
Typically, gluten free pizza has less carbs than traditional enriched flour pizza crusts. However, not all gluten free options are equal in this instance. Here is a brief comparison:
As you can see, whole wheat pizza crusts actually have less carbs than the average gluten free flour-based crust. But if you truly want to limit your carb intake, chicken crust is the way to go.
Is Eating Gluten Free Pizza Convenient?
In the past, the answer to this question would have been a resounding “no.” But, as the food industry has continued to evolve, more gluten free pizza options have become available. Even fast food pizza chains offer gluten free pizza pies and will deliver them straight to your door. However, those pizza options are not the healthiest choices, and the same can be said for many premade gluten free pizzas stocked in grocery stores. You can try to make your own healthy crusts at home, but many of those recipes are complicated and the ingredients can be hard to source.
This presents an interesting conundrum. Should you compromise health for convenience? Although it may seem like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, you can have the best of both worlds. Consider Zero Carb LYFE!
Our crusts are a healthy carb-free option that don’t compromise when it comes to flavor. What’s more, our frozen gluten free pizza crust can be delivered straight to your door or bought in the store! All you have to do is fill it with your favorite toppings, pop it in the oven, and enjoy. We also offer frozen premade pizzas with different toppings if you want ultimate convenience.
Really, our goal is to help you make healthier choices without having to compromise! Ready To live more deliciously? Check out what Zero Carb LYFE has to offer today!
