Does Pizza Ranch Have Gluten-Free Pizza? A Comprehensive Guide

According to official company statements, Pizza Ranch has been offering a certified gluten-free crust since at least 2019, responding directly to customer demand. For anyone asking, "Does Pizza Ranch have gluten-free pizza?", the answer is yes, though with important distinctions regarding preparation and availability compared to their standard menu.

Quick Summary

Pizza Ranch provides a certified gluten-free crust, prepared with precautions against cross-contact. This option is available for individual order, not on the buffet, and includes a variety of toppings.

Key Points

• Certified Gluten-Free Crust: Pizza Ranch offers a special, certified gluten-free crust made with rice flour and other gluten-free ingredients.

• Prepared with Precautions: Specific procedures, like using separate utensils and baking pans, are in place to reduce cross-contamination risk.

• Not for the Buffet: Gluten-free pizza is only available via individual order for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery—it is not part of the buffet.

• Create Your Own or Specialty: You can either build your own pizza with designated safe toppings or order a modified gluten-sensitive specialty pizza.

• Shared Kitchen Risk: The kitchen is not a 100% gluten-free environment, so a risk of cross-contact exists, especially for those with severe sensitivities like Celiac disease.

• Other Options: Beyond pizza, the salad bar and some hot bar items may be gluten-sensitive, but verification with staff is recommended.

The Pizza Ranch Gluten-Sensitive Menu

Pizza Ranch offers a gluten-sensitive menu featuring a certified gluten-free crust composed of rice flour, rice starch, cane sugar, canola oil, and potato starch. While the crust is certified, other ingredients are not, and cross-contact can occur in a shared kitchen.

Customers can order gluten-free pizzas in two ways:

• Gluten-Sensitive Specialties: Modified versions of standard menu pizzas.
• Create Your Own: Custom pizzas with over 20 gluten-free-friendly toppings and two sauces.

Preparing Your Gluten-Free Order

To minimize cross-contamination, Pizza Ranch follows specific procedures for gluten-sensitive orders:

• Sanitized utensils are used.
• The pizza is baked on a separate pan.
• Orders are placed in a special box.

Despite these steps, Pizza Ranch states they cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment due to shared kitchen operations. Individuals with severe gluten sensitivities should be aware of this risk and discuss it with staff.

Gluten-Free Pizza Options: Pizza Ranch vs. Competitors

Comparing gluten-free options across pizza chains helps those with dietary restrictions make informed choices. Here's how Pizza Ranch stacks up against some competitors based on available information:

Feature	Pizza Ranch	Pizza Hut (Udi's Crust)	Pizza 73	Domino's	Papa John's
Crust Certification	Certified gluten-free crust	Certified gluten-free crust	Certified gluten-free crust	Not certified gluten-free	No certified gluten-free crust
Cross-Contamination Prevention	Uses separate utensils, pans, and boxes. Shared kitchen disclaimer.	Prepared with specific protocols. Shared kitchen disclaimer.	Uses dedicated utensils and no dusting flour. Shared kitchen disclaimer.	Not recommended for Celiacs [Domino's Allergen Info]	Not recommended for Celiacs [Papa John's Allergen Info]
Available on Buffet	No, individual orders only.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Ingredient Safety	Crust is certified; other ingredients are not certified gluten-free.	Crust is certified; other ingredients are not certified gluten-free.	Some gluten-free ingredients listed.	No certified gluten-free options [Domino's Allergen Info]	No certified gluten-free options [Papa John's Allergen Info]
Availability	All locations offer the certified crust.	Most locations offer Udi's crust.	Some locations offer GF crust.	N/A	N/A

Beyond Pizza: Other Gluten-Sensitive Items

Pizza Ranch also offers non-pizza options for those avoiding gluten, though these are still subject to shared kitchen risks. Check the official menu or with your local restaurant for current information.

Potential Hot Bar Options (confirm locally):

• Campfire baked beans
• Carrots
• Cheesy mashed potatoes
• Corn
• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes
• Marinara sauce
• Ranch chips

Salad Bar:

The salad bar offers various naturally gluten-free items like vegetables and some dressings. Always check dressing ingredients.

Conclusion: A Satisfying Choice with Some Caveats

Pizza Ranch provides a certified gluten-free pizza crust with preparation measures to reduce cross-contamination. However, as the kitchen is not a certified gluten-free space, a risk of cross-contact exists, particularly for those with Celiac disease or high sensitivity. Ordering takeout may further reduce this risk. Always communicate dietary needs when ordering.

For comprehensive information, including allergen details, consult the official {Link: Pizza Ranch Nutrition and Allergens page https://pizzaranch.com/menu/nutrition-allergen-gluten-sensitive}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a gluten-free pizza on the buffet at Pizza Ranch?

No, gluten-free pizzas are not available on the buffet. They must be ordered individually for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery to ensure proper preparation and minimize cross-contamination.

Is Pizza Ranch's gluten-free pizza safe for people with Celiac disease?

While Pizza Ranch uses a certified gluten-free crust and specific preparation procedures, they cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment due to shared kitchen facilities. Individuals with Celiac disease should be aware of the cross-contact risk.

Does the gluten-free crust cost extra at Pizza Ranch?

Yes, ordering a pizza with the gluten-free crust typically incurs an additional charge. Pricing and availability may vary by location, so it is best to check with your local restaurant.

What kind of toppings can I get on a gluten-free pizza?

You can choose from a selection of sauces, meats, and vegetables that do not contain gluten in their ingredient statements. Options include specialty pizzas or building your own creation with over 20 available toppings.

Are the toppings for gluten-free pizza handled separately?

According to Pizza Ranch's procedures, the pizza and crust are handled with separate, sanitized utensils. However, toppings are typically sourced and handled in a mixed environment, so cross-contact with other toppings is a possibility.

What are the ingredients in the Pizza Ranch gluten-free crust?

The gluten-free crust is made from rice flour, water, rice starch, cane sugar, canola oil, potato starch, yeast, salt, leavening, extra virgin olive oil, and xanthan gum.

Does Pizza Ranch have any other gluten-free items besides pizza?

Yes, some options on the hot bar and the salad bar are naturally gluten-free, such as certain vegetables and sauces. Always check the official allergen information or confirm with the staff at your specific location for the most accurate details.