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Does Little Caesars offer gluten-free pizza?

3 min read

In 2024, Little Caesars initiated a test of a gluten-free pizza option in select locations, yet a significant warning concerning those with Celiac disease accompanied this introduction. Despite the potential for some options based on location, a definitive answer to the safety of Little Caesars' gluten-free pizza requires a careful evaluation of the associated risks.

Quick Summary

Little Caesars offered a gluten-free crust in specific test markets but warns of high cross-contamination dangers due to shared kitchen environments. Options aren't safe for those with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

Key Points

  • Limited Availability: Little Caesars' gluten-free pizza is only available in select test markets and was previously offered via a discontinued fundraising kit.

  • High Cross-Contamination Risk: The company warns that their gluten-free pizza is not suitable for Celiacs due to shared kitchen spaces and equipment.

  • Not for Celiac Disease: Anyone with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should avoid Little Caesars pizza because of cross-contamination risks.

  • Check Local Menus: Availability of even the test-market gluten-free pizza is not widespread, and customers must check with their specific location.

  • Consider Alternatives: For a safe gluten-free pizza, individuals with sensitivities should explore other pizza chains or make their own at home.

  • Non-Pizza Options: The un-sauced Caesar Wings are a potential gluten-free option, but caution regarding cross-contamination is still necessary.

In This Article

Little Caesars' Gluten-Free Pizza Availability

The availability of gluten-free pizza from Little Caesars is not a standard offering. It has varied based on franchise location and has primarily been known through limited test markets and a specialized fundraising program.

For most customers, visiting a regular Little Caesars restaurant will not yield a gluten-free pizza option. This contrasts with competitors who have integrated gluten-free options more widely into their permanent menus.

The Fundraising Pizza Kit

A notable option has been the Little Caesars fundraising pizza kit. This kit, sold separately from in-store products, contained two 10-inch gluten-free crusts and other standard toppings. The gluten-free crusts were manufactured and sealed in a dedicated gluten-free facility, minimizing cross-contamination during production.

It was reported in May 2025 that these fundraising kits were slated for discontinuation, which presented a major setback for those who relied on this safe, at-home option. This highlights the ongoing challenge of finding reliable gluten-free products from large, wheat-heavy chains.

The Denver Test Market

In February 2024, Little Caesars tested a new gluten-free pepperoni pizza in specific Denver, Colorado locations. While this initiative showed potential for future offerings, it was explicitly marked as not safe for individuals with Celiac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination in the shared kitchen environment.

The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination

For anyone with Celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, the biggest hurdle at Little Caesars is the risk of cross-contamination. Their standard pizza preparation area is a high-risk environment, with flour and wheat-based ingredients constantly handled in the air and on surfaces.

  • Flour in the Air: Flour particles are airborne and can settle on surfaces and ingredients.
  • Shared Equipment: Surfaces, utensils, and conveyor belts are not isolated. Gluten-free items can easily come into contact with gluten-containing ones during preparation and cooking.
  • No Dedicated Kitchen: Little Caesars does not operate a separate, dedicated gluten-free kitchen, which is the only way to completely eliminate the risk of cross-contact in a pizza restaurant.

Even with a pre-packaged, off-site-produced crust (like the one in the fundraising kit), the assembly and baking process inside the store's regular kitchen would compromise its integrity for a Celiac patient.

Non-Pizza Gluten-Free Options at Little Caesars

Beyond pizza, there are very few other menu items that do not contain wheat. The most consistently mentioned are the Caesar Wings.

  • Oven Roasted Wings: Plain, oven-roasted wings are typically a safe bet, as they are not breaded.
  • Flavored Wings (Caution): While the seasonings and sauces for the flavored wings (like Buffalo Mild, BBQ, or Garlic Parmesan) may not contain gluten ingredients, they are still prepared in a shared kitchen, so cross-contamination remains a high possibility. Customers with sensitivities should always ask about preparation methods, especially if a fryer is involved, and exercise caution.
  • Crazy Sauce: The Crazy Sauce dip is also typically gluten-free and can be used with the wings, but again, check with the specific store for confirmation.

Comparing Gluten-Free Options: Little Caesars vs. Competitors

For those seeking safer gluten-free pizza options, comparing policies across major chains is essential. Little Caesars has consistently trailed competitors in offering truly safe options.

Feature Little Caesars Domino's Pizza Hut
Availability Very limited (test markets) or discontinued (fundraiser) Wide availability of gluten-free crust Wide availability of Udi's certified crust
Cross-Contamination Risk Very High. Warns against ordering for Celiacs High. Explicitly states not for Celiacs High. Explicitly states not for Celiacs
Crust Sourcing Internally-made test crust or third-party (fundraiser kit) Third-party, certified gluten-free crust Third-party, certified Udi's crust
Non-Pizza Options Caesar Wings (caution advised) Wings, salads, drinks (verify at location) Wings, salads (verify at location)

Conclusion

In summary, the question of "Does Little Caesars offer gluten-free pizza?" comes with a clear answer for those with serious gluten restrictions. While the company has experimented with a gluten-free crust in limited markets and via a fundraising program, these options are not safe for individuals with Celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity due to the high risk of cross-contamination in their standard kitchen environment. The best advice for Celiac patients is to avoid ordering pizza from Little Caesars entirely. For reliable, dedicated gluten-free options, consumers are better off seeking alternatives from competitors or preparing their own pizza at home with dedicated gluten-free mixes, which eliminates the risk of cross-contact entirely.

For authoritative information on Celiac disease and food safety, refer to the Celiac Disease Foundation's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Little Caesars has explicitly stated that their gluten-free pizza is not recommended for people with Celiac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination from a shared kitchen and preparation equipment.

A gluten-free pizza option was tested in a limited market in Denver, CO, but it is not a standard national offering. Availability is dependent on the specific franchise and is not widespread.

No, the gluten-free pizza kit offered through the Little Caesars fundraising program was planned for discontinuation in the fall of 2025.

The oven-roasted wings and their flavors are listed as not containing gluten ingredients, but they are prepared in a shared kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible. The Caesar Dips are also generally considered safe.

The main risk is cross-contamination. With wheat flour and standard dough processed throughout the facility, gluten particles can easily contaminate any item, including those prepared with gluten-free ingredients.

Chains like Pizza Hut (using Udi's certified crust) and Domino's offer gluten-free crusts, but still carry a cross-contamination risk. Papa Murphy's may also offer gluten-free options. Always verify with your local store and understand their preparation methods.

While the nutritional and allergen information on their website is based on standard formulation, it cannot account for individual store preparation or the inherent risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen, especially for severe allergies.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.