Does Domino's Use Lactose-Free Cheese?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Lactose intolerance affects a significant portion of the global population, making a simple cheese pizza a dietary challenge. For these individuals, the question, "Does Domino's use lactose-free cheese?" is a crucial one, and the answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no, depending on your location.

Quick Summary

Domino's standard cheese is not lactose-free, as it is made from milk. However, some international locations offer plant-based, dairy-free cheese alternatives. There is a high risk of cross-contamination in all Domino's kitchens, so those with severe allergies or intolerances must exercise caution.

Key Points

Standard Cheese is Not Lactose-Free: Domino's uses a standard cheese blend made from milk, containing lactose.
Vegan Cheese is Region-Specific: Lactose-free, plant-based cheese is only offered in select international markets like the UK and Australia, not the US.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared kitchen space and equipment, there is a risk of dairy cross-contamination for all items, including cheeseless and plant-based options.
Not Recommended for Severe Allergies: Because of cross-contamination risks, Domino's advises against their pizzas for individuals with celiac disease and by extension, severe milk allergies.
Alternatives for Lactose Intolerance: Options for those with lactose intolerance include ordering a cheeseless pizza, using lactase enzyme supplements, or choosing a vegan option if available in your country.
Check Local Allergen Information: Always check the specific Domino's website for your location or ask in-store for the most accurate allergen information.

Does the Standard Domino's Cheese Contain Lactose?

Domino's standard pizza cheese is primarily a blend of mozzarella and other milk-based cheeses. Mozzarella, even the low-moisture, part-skim variety commonly used, contains lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. During the cheesemaking process, most of the lactose is removed with the whey, but some residual lactose always remains in the solid curd. For many with mild lactose intolerance, this might be manageable, but for those with more severe sensitivity, it can still cause symptoms. Domino's official allergen information confirms that their standard cheeses contain milk.

What About the Cheese Alternatives?

In some international markets, including the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe, Domino's has introduced vegan, plant-based cheese alternatives. These are specifically designed to be dairy-free and, therefore, lactose-free. The ingredients for these alternatives are typically made from a blend of ingredients like filtered water, coconut oil, modified starches, and other plant-based thickeners to achieve a cheesy texture and melt. However, this option is not universally available. As of late 2025, Domino's in the United States does not offer a vegan cheese option, though campaigns and market trends suggest this could change.

The Problem of Cross-Contamination

Even when ordering a plant-based or cheeseless option, the risk of cross-contamination is a significant concern for those with severe lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

Shared Kitchens: All Domino's pizzas, including those with specialty crusts and toppings, are prepared in a shared kitchen space. This means that utensils, hands, and surfaces used for preparing standard dairy-cheese pizzas are also used for dairy-free orders.
Equipment: Domino's own policies state that they use the same equipment and utensils for all pizzas. While some procedures are in place for gluten-free crusts, they do not guarantee separation for milk-based products.
Airborne Exposure: The potential for airborne particles of dairy cheese to land on other items is a real risk. A Domino's Reddit thread highlights the risk of contamination from the pizza maker's hands after stretching dough, which could then touch cheese and other toppings.
Allergen Disclaimers: The company openly states in its allergen and nutrition information that it cannot guarantee any product is free from allergens, even if specific ingredients are removed upon request. For individuals with a severe milk allergy, this risk is too high.

Comparison of Domino's Cheese and Alternatives


Feature	Standard Dairy Cheese	Plant-Based Cheese Alternative (Select Markets)
Lactose Content	Contains lactose.	Lactose-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Availability	Available in all Domino's locations worldwide.	Offered only in certain countries (e.g., UK, Australia, New Zealand). Not available in the US.
Primary Ingredients	Pasteurized milk, cultures, enzymes, and salt.	Coconut oil, modified starches, yeast extract, and seasonings.
Texture & Melt	Classic, stretchy, and creamy melt.	Designed to replicate the texture, but some reviews mention a different melt profile.
Taste	Traditional savory, rich cheese flavor.	Flavor profile is plant-based, mimicking traditional cheese.

What are the options for lactose-intolerant individuals?

If you have lactose intolerance and are ordering from a US Domino's, the options are limited. The safest route is to order a pizza without any cheese at all. Many people opt for a cheeseless pizza with extra sauce and a variety of vegetables. You could also ask for a pizza with only the sauce and a garlic oil blend. If you have a mild intolerance, you can also take a lactase enzyme supplement beforehand.

For those in regions where vegan cheese is available, ordering a plant-based pizza is a direct solution, provided you are not concerned about cross-contamination. If you have a severe milk allergy, however, no Domino's pizza can be considered truly safe due to the risk of cross-contamination in the shared kitchen environment.

Conclusion

To definitively answer the question, "Does Domino's use lactose-free cheese?", the answer depends entirely on your geographical location. In the US, the standard cheese contains lactose, and no lactose-free alternative is available. In contrast, some international markets have successfully implemented a vegan, plant-based cheese alternative. However, in all cases, the risk of cross-contamination remains a major factor. For individuals with severe milk allergies, Domino's is not recommended, and those with lactose intolerance should take extreme caution and consider alternatives like a cheeseless pizza or using lactase enzyme supplements.

Alternative Domino's Orders for the Lactose-Intolerant

Cheeseless Pizza: A vegetable pizza ordered without cheese is a safe and simple option.
Extra Sauce and Toppings: For added flavor, ask for extra pizza sauce and a generous amount of vegetable or meat toppings.
Lactase Supplements: For those with mild intolerance, taking a lactase enzyme pill before eating a standard pizza can help mitigate symptoms.
Garlic Oil Blend: The garlic oil blend used on some crusts can be an excellent flavor base for a cheeseless pie.
Check Local Availability: In certain countries, vegan cheese is offered. Always confirm the availability in your specific region when ordering.

How to Check Allergen Information for Domino's

Visit the Website: Navigate to your country's official Domino's website and find the "Nutrition" or "Allergens" section.
Use the App: The official Domino's app also provides detailed allergen information for each menu item.
Ask In-Store: Team members can provide a leaflet with allergen information upon request.
Confirm Vegan Options: If you are in a country with vegan cheese, confirm this option is available and that it is dairy-free before ordering.
Be Explicit: When ordering, explicitly state that you have a milk intolerance to ensure maximum care is taken, though remember that cross-contamination is still possible.

This article and the following sections are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the regions where it is offered, Domino's plant-based, vegan cheese alternative is lactose-free. It is made from coconut oil and starches, not dairy.

As of late 2025, countries including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have rolled out vegan cheese options. The US does not currently offer a dairy-free cheese alternative.

No, the garlic parmesan sauce contains milk, as it is made with parmesan cheese. Some other sauces, like the tomato sauce, may be dairy-free, but always check the ingredients list for your specific region.

Domino's officially states that while their gluten-free crust is manufactured separately, the risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchens is significant. Therefore, they do not recommend it for customers with celiac disease.

The safest option is to order a cheeseless pizza with sauce and vegetables. However, due to the high risk of cross-contamination in the shared kitchen environment, no item can be guaranteed free of milk allergens.

Yes, you can request a pizza without cheese. This is the best option for those in countries without vegan cheese who have lactose intolerance.

For those with mild lactose intolerance, a lactase enzyme supplement can help digest the lactose in the cheese and reduce symptoms. It will not work for a milk protein allergy.