Gluten-Free Crust: Yes, But Consider Cross-Contamination
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza does offer a gluten-free crust option. A 12-inch gluten-free pizza crust is available for an extra charge. This is a good choice for those needing a gluten-free diet, but a shared environment poses challenges. The official website and staff state that all pizzas, including gluten-free versions, are prepared in a shared environment. This shared environment means a high risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
Understanding the Cross-Contamination Risk
Anthony's makes it clear that cross-contact is possible, stating that their gluten-free pizza is "not recommended for guests with Celiac Disease, as pizzas may be exposed to gluten during preparation". The kitchen environment contains airborne flour and other gluten-containing ingredients. The high-heat, coal-fired oven is a shared space for all pizzas. There is no separate oven or cooking surface for the gluten-free crust. This raises the risk of cross-contamination. Servers at some locations have reportedly informed customers about this, one explaining, "there's flour everywhere back there". For those with a milder sensitivity or who avoid gluten by choice, this may not be an issue. However, for those where even a small amount of gluten can cause a reaction, this is important.
Taste and Ingredients
Many find the gluten-free crust to be a tasty option despite the risk of cross-contamination. Reviews show that the taste and texture are often well-received. The crust is known for its crispy and chewy qualities because of the high-temperature coal-fired cooking process. The dough is made from rice, potato, pea, and tapioca starch, which provides a good alternative to cauliflower-based crusts. Toppings should be chosen carefully. While many are naturally gluten-free, some, like the Italian sausage, may contain gluten. Always check with the server to ensure toppings are safe.
Other Gluten-Free Options at Anthony's
If pizza isn't an option, Anthony's offers other gluten-free menu items. Their coal-fired wings are often considered gluten-free because they are roasted, eliminating shared fryer contamination. Salads can also be prepared without croutons, and the menu offers gluten-free toppings like grilled chicken. Communicate clearly with your server about dietary restrictions. Inform them of the severity of your allergy if you have celiac disease so they can inform kitchen staff. Requesting grilled items to be cooked in a separate pan minimizes risk.
Comparing Anthony's Gluten-Free Pizza
| Feature | Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (GF) | Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility | Mainstream Chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available at all locations. | Variable, depends on location. | Widely available. |
| Cross-Contamination | High risk due to shared kitchen and oven. | Minimal to none; separate areas and equipment. | Varies by location; some use dedicated prep areas/ovens. |
| Safe for Celiac | Not recommended. | Yes. | Possible, but requires careful verification. |
| Flavor/Taste | Praised for crispy, chewy texture. | Quality varies. | Varies by chain and crust. |
| Other Menu Items | Wings and salads are potential options. | Often a wider range of GF dishes. | Limited non-pizza GF options. |
How to Order Safely
If you dine at Anthony's and have a gluten intolerance (but not celiac disease), or are avoiding gluten, follow these steps:
- Inform your server: State that you are ordering gluten-free to ensure attention to detail.
- Order the 12-inch crust: Specifically ask for the gluten-free crust.
- Confirm toppings: Ask the server to confirm if toppings are gluten-free, especially for ingredients like sausage.
- Consider other options: Explore the wings or salads if you are concerned about cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza provides a gluten-free crust, but the high risk of cross-contamination means it is not a safe option for those with celiac disease. For those with less severe sensitivities, the crust is often praised for its taste and quality. Alternatives like the roasted chicken wings and salads offer safer, naturally gluten-free choices. Transparency with staff is key. For a guaranteed gluten-free dining experience, a dedicated gluten-free restaurant or a pizza place with stricter protocols would be a better choice.
For more information on the menu and policies, consult the official Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza website.
Further Reading
For more details on specific gluten-free offerings and dining guidelines, refer to their official FAQ.
