Domino's Vegan Options: A Regional Breakdown
The availability of vegan options at Domino's is not uniform across all countries. While locations in the UK and Australia offer specific vegan-friendly products, US customers must rely on customizing a standard menu item to make it plant-based. The key differences lie primarily in the availability of vegan cheese and dedicated plant-based protein options.
The UK and Australia: The Vegan-Friendly Menus
In the UK, Domino's offers a dedicated vegan menu that has expanded over time to include several pizzas featuring a plant-based cheese alternative and vegan-friendly dough.
- Vegan Cheese: A proprietary plant-based alternative that melts similarly to dairy mozzarella.
- Dough: A specifically developed vegan dough for their plant-based range.
- Pizzas: Offerings like the Vegan Margherita, Plant-Based Vegi Supreme, and even plant-based pepperoni have been rolled out.
- Dips: The famous Garlic & Herb dip is available in a vegan version.
Similarly, Domino's Australia features vegan-friendly pizzas and cheese, making it straightforward for customers to find a plant-based meal.
The US: The Customization Challenge
In the US, the approach to ordering a vegan pizza from Domino's is very different. There is no vegan cheese, so the standard procedure involves ordering a cheeseless pizza. This requires careful consideration of every ingredient to ensure it is plant-based.
To build a custom US vegan pizza:
- Crust: The only reliably vegan crust is the Crunchy Thin Crust. The Hand Tossed and Brooklyn Style may be vegan in some locations, but verification is necessary, while the Handmade Pan and Gluten Free contain dairy.
- Sauce: The Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce is vegan, but the Hearty Marinara contains milk. Some dipping sauces like the Garlic Dipping Sauce are also vegan.
- Toppings: All standard vegetable toppings are vegan, including mushrooms, onions, green peppers, spinach, and pineapple.
- No Cheese: This is the most crucial step. You must order the pizza with no cheese unless you add your own vegan cheese at home.
Vegan-Friendly Ingredients at Domino's
Understanding the components of your pizza is key to a successful vegan order. Below is a list of common ingredients and their vegan status, though confirmation with your local store is always recommended.
Crusts
- Vegan-Friendly:
- Thin Crust (US and globally, check for whey locally)
- Classic Crust (UK, Australia)
- Italian Style (UK, Australia)
- Not Vegan:
- Handmade Pan (US)
- Gluten Free Crust (US)
- Original/Classic Dough (UK before vegan options)
Sauces
- Vegan-Friendly:
- Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce (US, check for local variations)
- BBQ Sauce (Global, check for honey)
- Domino's Signature Vine-Ripened Tomato Sauce (UK, Australia)
- Not Vegan:
- Hearty Marinara Sauce (US)
- Alfredo Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan White Sauce
Toppings
- Vegan-Friendly:
- Vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, pineapple, etc.)
- Plant-Based Pepperoni (UK, check local menu)
- Plant-Based Chicken (UK, check local menu)
Comparison of Vegan Options (US vs. UK)
| Feature | United States (US) | United Kingdom (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Cheese | Not available | Available (proprietary alternative) |
| Vegan Crusts | Limited to Crunchy Thin Crust; others may be vegan locally | Multiple vegan dough options available |
| Pre-built Vegan Pizzas | None, requires customization | Dedicated vegan pizza menu |
| Vegan Meats | Not available | Available (e.g., PepperoNAY, Chick'n) |
| Vegan Dips | Robust Inspired Tomato, Garlic Dipping Sauce | Vegan Garlic & Herb dip, BBQ dip |
| Sides | Limited options (check potato wedges locally) | Potato wedges, plant-based nuggets |
How to Order Your Vegan Pizza at Domino's
Navigating the menu can be a little tricky, especially in regions with limited options. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your order is vegan-friendly.
- Check Local Availability: Before ordering, visit the Domino's website or app for your specific location. Look for a dedicated vegan menu or allergen information. In the US, check the nutritional information for crust ingredients.
- Select the Right Crust: Choose a known vegan crust. In the US, this is the Thin Crust. In the UK and Australia, select a plant-based dough option.
- Choose a Vegan Sauce: Opt for the Robust Inspired Tomato Sauce in the US. In other regions, a specific vegan tomato sauce or BBQ base may be available.
- Add Vegan Toppings: Load up on all the vegetable toppings you desire. Common options include onions, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, and pineapple. Where available, add vegan meat toppings.
- Remove Non-Vegan Ingredients: This is the most important step for US orders. Always request NO CHEESE. Also, confirm that no dairy-based sauces or flavorings are added, such as a garlic butter glaze on the crust.
- Verify the Order: Double-check your order before completing the purchase to ensure all customizations are noted. Consider mentioning your vegan preference in the notes section for clarity.
Conclusion
While the process and options vary by country, it is absolutely possible to order a delicious vegan pizza from Domino's. Customers in the UK and Australia have it easiest with dedicated plant-based menus featuring vegan cheese, meats, and dips. In the US, a little more effort is required, but a satisfying, cheeseless vegetable pizza can be built using the crunchy thin crust and robust tomato sauce. With a careful approach to customization, vegans worldwide can enjoy a convenient pizza night from this popular chain.
Ordering Vegan at Domino's: Common Issues
- Cross-Contamination: Domino's explicitly states that while they endeavor to provide vegan products, traces of meat and dairy may be present due to cross-contamination in store operations. Those with severe allergies should be aware.
- Limited Options: US menus lack vegan cheese and meat alternatives, relying heavily on customization.
- Regional Differences: What is vegan in one country is not guaranteed to be vegan in another. Always check the local menu and ingredients.
For more detailed nutritional information and ingredient lists, always refer to the official Domino's website for your specific country before ordering.
