How many carbs are in a slice of gluten-free pizza?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

The carbohydrate count in a single slice of gluten-free pizza can vary dramatically, ranging from as low as 3 grams for a keto-friendly crust to over 40 grams, depending heavily on the ingredients and toppings. Knowing how many carbs are in a slice of gluten-free pizza requires a closer look at what the crust is made from, as many alternative flours are surprisingly carb-heavy.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of gluten-free pizza varies widely based on ingredients. A single slice can contain anywhere from 3 to 40+ grams of carbs, depending heavily on the crust type and toppings used.

Key Points

Crust type is key: The carb count of a gluten-free pizza slice depends most heavily on the type of flour or base used, not just the absence of gluten.
Rice-based crusts are carb-heavy: Common gluten-free crusts made from rice flour and starches can contain 20-40+ grams of carbs per slice, similar to or sometimes higher than traditional pizza.
Cauliflower offers a moderate reduction: A cauliflower-based crust generally has fewer carbs (8-15g per slice) than starch-based versions, but check labels for added starches.
Keto options are lowest: For minimal carbs (3-6g per slice), look for crusts made with almond flour or cheese, which are suitable for keto diets.
Toppings matter: While the crust is the biggest factor, toppings like sugary sauces or certain vegetables can add to the total carbohydrate count.
'Gluten-free' doesn't mean 'low-carb': The label indicates the absence of gluten, not a low carbohydrate count, so it's vital to read ingredients if you are watching carbs.

The Surprising Truth About Gluten-Free Pizza Carbs

Many assume that choosing a gluten-free pizza automatically means a lower-carb meal, but this is a common misconception. In reality, the carbohydrate profile of gluten-free pizza is highly dependent on the crust's base ingredients. Traditional wheat-based flour is replaced with a variety of starches and alternative flours, many of which are high in carbohydrates themselves. This section breaks down the carb differences across various gluten-free crust options.

Carb Counts by Crust Type

Rice Flour and Starch-Based Crusts

These are some of the most common gluten-free crusts available in restaurants and frozen food aisles. They often use a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch to replicate the texture of traditional dough.

Carb Count: Slices from these crusts typically contain 20 to 35 grams of carbohydrates or more. For example, a slice from a commercial 10-inch cheese pizza can have around 21 grams of carbs.
Key takeaway: While eliminating gluten, these crusts do not significantly reduce carbohydrate intake and can sometimes even be higher in carbs than a standard wheat crust.

Cauliflower Crust

Cauliflower has become a popular, lower-carb alternative for pizza crust. It is primarily made from processed cauliflower, cheese, and eggs.

Carb Count: A slice of cauliflower crust pizza can contain around 8 to 15 grams of carbohydrates. However, some store-bought varieties may add rice flour or other starches, increasing the carb content, so always check the label.
Key takeaway: A good choice for those watching their carb intake, but vigilance is required to avoid versions padded with high-carb fillers.

Almond Flour or Cheese-Based (Keto) Crusts

For those on a ketogenic or very-low-carb diet, crusts made from ingredients like almond flour, eggs, and mozzarella cheese are the best option. These are typically homemade or found in specialty low-carb products.

Carb Count: A slice from a keto crust can have as little as 3 to 6 grams of carbohydrates, making it the clear winner for carb-conscious pizza lovers.
Key takeaway: Offers a significantly lower carbohydrate profile but has a different texture and flavor from traditional pizza.

Chicken-Based Crust

Innovative, extremely low-carb options, such as ZeroCarb LYFE's crusts, are made from just chicken, olive oil, and spices.

Carb Count: These crusts contain virtually no carbohydrates from the base, making them an excellent choice for a low-carb diet.
Key takeaway: An option for zero-carb enthusiasts, though it has the most different flavor and texture from conventional pizza.

How Toppings Influence the Carb Count

The crust is the primary determinant of a slice's carb content, but toppings also play a significant role. Adding ingredients can quickly increase the overall carb count, so it is essential to consider each addition carefully.

High-Carb Toppings: Sugary sauces, certain vegetables like onions and bell peppers in large quantities, and fruit toppings can all add to the total carb count.
Low-Carb Toppings: Meats like pepperoni, sausage, and bacon, as well as low-starch vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and olives, are generally low in carbohydrates.
Cheese: While cheese adds fat and protein, the amount of carbs it contributes is minimal.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts


Crust Type	Primary Ingredients	Average Carbs Per Slice (Approx.)	Texture	Best For...
Rice Flour/Starch	Rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch	20-35+ grams	Chewy, sometimes dense	Avoiding gluten, not carbs
Cauliflower	Cauliflower, cheese, eggs	8-15 grams	Lighter, can be crisp	Reducing carb intake moderately
Almond Flour/Keto	Almond flour, cheese, eggs	3-6 grams	Denser, more savory	Keto and very-low-carb diets
Chicken-Based	Chicken, spices	~0 grams	Unique, meat-like	Zero-carb diets

Choosing the Right Crust for Your Dietary Needs

Choosing a gluten-free pizza should be an informed decision based on your specific dietary goals. If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, any certified gluten-free option is suitable. However, if your goal is to reduce carbohydrate intake, a rice-based crust is not a direct substitute for a low-carb diet. Instead, opting for a cauliflower, almond flour, or chicken-based crust is the most effective strategy.

For those looking to make their own low-carb gluten-free crust at home, there are many recipes available. A recipe featuring almond flour can provide a satisfying, bread-like texture with a fraction of the carbohydrates of a starch-based crust. Visit this low-carb pizza recipe from Anna Vocino for a keto-friendly option.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to "how many carbs are in a slice of gluten-free pizza?" The number varies widely, primarily determined by the crust's ingredients. While a rice-flour crust can rival the carb count of traditional pizza, other options like cauliflower, almond flour, or chicken-based crusts offer significantly lower carbohydrate alternatives. When ordering or purchasing gluten-free pizza, always check the ingredients or ask about the crust type to align with your dietary goals. The label "gluten-free" is a health necessity for some but not an automatic shortcut to lower carbs for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Many gluten-free crusts are made with high-carb alternative starches like rice or potato flour, which can lead to a carb count equal to or even higher than a traditional wheat-based crust.

For a standard restaurant or frozen gluten-free pizza made with rice and starch flours, a single slice typically contains 20 to 35+ grams of carbohydrates.

The lowest-carb options are crusts made from ingredients like almond flour, cheese, or processed cauliflower. Zero-carb options are also available, which are typically made from chicken.

Toppings can significantly affect the carb count. Meats and low-starch vegetables add minimal carbs, while sugary sauces and large quantities of starchy vegetables can increase the total amount.

While often lower in carbs, some commercially prepared cauliflower crusts may contain added starches like rice flour, which increases the carb count. It is always important to check the nutritional label.

To mimic the texture of wheat dough, gluten-free pizza manufacturers often use starchy ingredients like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, which are high in carbohydrates.

Not all gluten-free pizzas are keto-friendly. You must choose one made specifically with low-carb ingredients like almond flour, cheese, or a chicken base to fit a ketogenic diet.