Are Domino's plant-based pizzas vegan?

A growing number of people are adopting a vegan lifestyle, and in response, Domino's has been expanding its plant-based offerings. However, the vegan status of Domino's plant-based pizzas varies greatly depending on the region. This article explores these regional differences.

Quick Summary

The article examines whether Domino's plant-based pizzas are vegan, and the menu differences between the UK and the US. It covers specific vegan-friendly crusts, sauces, and toppings, while also addressing cross-contamination risks.

Key Points

• Regional Differences: Vegan options vary by country, with the UK having dedicated vegan pizzas and the US requiring customization.

• US Cheese is Non-Vegan: Domino's US does not offer dairy-free cheese.

• Cross-Contamination Risk: All locations carry a cross-contamination risk.

• US Customization Required: US customers must build a custom pizza, using the Crunchy Thin Crust, Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce, and vegetable toppings, while explicitly requesting no cheese.

• UK Offers More: The UK menu includes vegan cheese, doughs, and meat alternatives like 'PepperoNAY' and 'Chick-Ain't'.

Regional Differences: UK vs. US Offerings

Domino's approach to plant-based and vegan menu items varies substantially depending on the country. Consumers need to know their local options before ordering.

United Kingdom's Vegan-Friendly Menu

Domino's UK has made significant progress in catering to the vegan market, offering several items designed to be fully vegan.

• Vegan Cheese Alternative: A plant-based cheese is a standard topping for all vegan pizzas, providing a texture similar to dairy mozzarella.
• Vegan Dough: Domino's UK uses vegan dough for the plant-based pizzas.
• Vegan Toppings: Options include vegetables, and plant-based alternatives like 'PepperoNAY' (pepperoni) and 'Chick-Ain't' (chicken).
• Vegan Dips: The UK menu offers a plant-based version of its Garlic & Herb dip.

United States' Limited Vegan Options

In the US market, there are fewer options for vegans at Domino's. Building a custom pizza is the only way forward.

• No Vegan Cheese: Domino's US does not offer a dairy-free cheese option.
• Limited Vegan Crust: The only vegan crust option is the Crunchy Thin Crust. Other crusts contain milk or other non-vegan ingredients.
• Vegan Sauces: A few sauces are vegan, including the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce, BBQ Sauce, and Garlic Dipping Sauce (depending on region).
• Customization: Vegans must build their own pizza, choosing the thin crust, a vegan sauce, and vegetable toppings, and requesting no cheese.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

The risk of cross-contamination is a key consideration at fast-food chains.

• Shared Preparation Surfaces: Dairy cheese, meat, and other non-vegan ingredients are handled on the same surfaces.
• Cross-Contact with Shared Containers: Ingredients may be transferred between different containers.
• Official Disclaimer: Domino's states that it cannot guarantee its products are free from allergens, including milk, due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Comparison of Vegan Options by Region

Feature	UK Domino's	US Domino's
Vegan Cheese	Yes, available on plant-based pizzas.	No, no dairy-free cheese option available.
Vegan Crusts	Vegan doughs (Classic, Italian-Style).	Crunchy Thin Crust.
Plant-Based Meats	Yes, options like 'PepperoNAY' and 'Chick-Ain't'.	No, no plant-based meat substitutes are regularly offered.
Vegan Dips	Plant-Based Garlic & Herb Dip available.	Some dipping sauces are vegan, but options vary.
Ease of Ordering	High—choose from dedicated vegan menu items.	Low—requires careful custom-building.
Cross-Contamination	Risk acknowledged due to shared prep areas.	Risk acknowledged due to shared prep areas.

How to Order a Vegan Pizza at Domino's

Follow these steps for a vegan meal:

1. Choose the Right Crust: Select the Crunchy Thin Crust.
2. Pick a Vegan Sauce: Stick to the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce.
3. Add Your Toppings: Add vegetable toppings.
4. Confirm No Cheese: State "NO CHEESE".
5. Mention Cross-Contamination: Request employees change gloves to avoid cross-contamination.

Domino's Other Vegan Options (US)

Beyond pizza, Domino's offers other vegan items:

• Pasta: "Build Your Own Pasta" with Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce and vegetables is vegan (specify no cheese).
• Salad: The Classic Garden Salad can be made vegan (omit cheese and croutons).
• Dipping Sauces: The Hot Buffalo Sauce and BBQ Sauce are typically vegan.

Conclusion

Whether Domino's plant-based pizzas are vegan depends on location. In the UK, vegan pizzas with plant-based cheese, meats, and dough are available. In the US, there is no dairy-free cheese, and vegans must build a custom, cheeseless pizza. The risk of cross-contamination is a universal concern. Vegan consumers must be vigilant in their ordering, particularly in the US.

For information, check the Domino's website for specific nutritional information.

Key Takeaways

• Regional Differences: Domino's vegan options vary by country, with the UK having dedicated vegan pizzas and the US requiring customization.
• US Cheese is Not Vegan: Domino's in the US does not offer a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• UK Offers More: The UK menu includes vegan cheese, doughs, and meat alternatives like 'PepperoNAY'.
• Cross-Contamination Risk: All locations carry a risk of cross-contamination.
• US Customization Required: American customers must build a custom pizza, using the Crunchy Thin Crust, Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce, and vegetable toppings, while explicitly requesting no cheese.
• Vegan-Friendly Dips: Some dipping sauces are vegan, but options differ between the US and UK menus.

FAQs

Question: Does Domino's offer vegan cheese in the United States? Answer: No, Domino's in the US does not offer a dairy-free or vegan cheese option.

Question: Which Domino's pizza crusts are vegan in the US? Answer: In the US, the Crunchy Thin Crust is the only reliably vegan crust. Other crusts contain milk.

Question: Does Domino's UK offer vegan cheese? Answer: Yes, Domino's UK offers a plant-based cheese alternative.

Question: Is there a risk of cross-contamination with non-vegan products? Answer: Yes. Domino's states they cannot guarantee their vegan-friendly products are free from allergens, including milk.

Question: How can I order a vegan pizza from Domino's in the US? Answer: You must build your own pizza with a Crunchy Thin Crust, Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce, vegetable toppings, and ask for no cheese.

Question: Are any of Domino's dipping sauces vegan? Answer: Yes, certain sauces like the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce and BBQ Sauce are often vegan, but offerings can vary by region. In the UK, a vegan Garlic & Herb dip is available.

Question: Does Domino's US have any plant-based meat toppings? Answer: No, Domino's US does not currently offer plant-based meat toppings. This differs from other regions, like the UK, that have options like 'PepperoNAY' and 'Chick-Ain't'.

Question: Can I order vegan pasta at Domino's? Answer: In the US, you can order a custom pasta bowl with the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce and vegetables, specifying no cheese.

Question: Are Domino's plant-based pizzas suitable for people with dairy allergies? Answer: Domino's advises that its plant-based products may not be suitable for those with milk allergies due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Question: What's the difference between 'plant-based' and 'vegan' at Domino's? Answer: 'Plant-based' describes a product made without animal-derived ingredients. 'Vegan' implies a stricter standard, which is complicated by Domino's shared kitchens.

Question: Do I need to make any special requests when ordering a vegan pizza? Answer: Yes, in the US. You must request "no cheese" and select the vegan crust and sauce. You can ask for extra care regarding cross-contamination, but it is not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Domino's offer vegan cheese in the United States?

No, Domino's in the US does not offer a dairy-free or vegan cheese option.

Which Domino's pizza crusts are vegan in the US?

In the US, the Crunchy Thin Crust is the only reliably vegan crust. Other crusts contain milk or other non-vegan ingredients.

Does Domino's UK offer vegan cheese?

Yes, Domino's UK offers a plant-based cheese alternative.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination with non-vegan products?

Yes. Due to shared preparation areas, Domino's states they cannot guarantee their vegan-friendly products are free from allergens, including milk.

How can I order a vegan pizza from Domino's in the US?

You must build your own pizza with a Crunchy Thin Crust, Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce, vegetable toppings, and explicitly ask for no cheese.

Are any of Domino's dipping sauces vegan?

Yes, certain sauces like the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce and BBQ Sauce are often vegan, but offerings can vary by region. In the UK, a dedicated vegan Garlic & Herb dip is available.

Does Domino's US have any plant-based meat toppings?

No, Domino's US does not currently offer plant-based meat toppings. This differs from other regions, like the UK, that have options like 'PepperoNAY' and 'Chick-Ain't'.

Can I order vegan pasta at Domino's?

In the US, you can order a custom pasta bowl with the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce and vegetables, specifying no cheese.

Are Domino's plant-based pizzas suitable for people with dairy allergies?

Domino's explicitly advises that its plant-based products may not be suitable for those with milk allergies due to the risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen environment.

What's the difference between 'plant-based' and 'vegan' at Domino's?

The term 'plant-based' often describes a product made without animal-derived ingredients, but it does not account for potential cross-contamination. 'Vegan' implies a stricter standard, which is complicated by Domino's shared kitchens.

Do I need to make any special requests when ordering a vegan pizza?

Yes, especially in the US. You must explicitly request "no cheese" and select only the appropriate vegan crust and sauce. You can also ask for extra care regarding cross-contamination, but it is not guaranteed.