Crafting Your Vegan Pizza
While Little Caesars may not have a dedicated vegan pizza on its standard menu, building your own is a straightforward process. The key is to know which ingredients are plant-based and how to customize your order correctly.
Vegan-Friendly Crust and Sauce
Your pizza journey starts with the foundation: the crust and sauce. Fortunately, two of Little Caesars' most common crusts are safe for vegans. For the sauce, the classic option is also compliant with a plant-based diet.
Vegan options include:
- Crust: The standard Classic Round Crust and the Thin Crust are both vegan. They do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Be aware that the Deep! Deep! Dish crust is not vegan as it contains butter flavor.
- Sauce: The signature marinara, also known as Crazy Sauce, is vegan. It is made from a blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, without any animal products.
Selecting Your Toppings
This is where you can get creative and build a flavorful, fulfilling pizza. Little Caesars offers a variety of fresh vegetable toppings that are naturally vegan. The available selection allows for plenty of customization to prevent your cheese-less pizza from being boring.
Vegan vegetable toppings typically include:
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Green Peppers
- Black Olives
- Jalapeño Peppers
- Pineapple
Some locations, like in Canada, may also offer green olives. Additionally, in recent years, Little Caesars has introduced plant-based pepperoni, like the Field Roast brand "Planteroni," at select locations, offering a mock meat option for your pizza. It's always best to check with your specific store for availability.
Side Dishes and Sauces
Beyond the main pizza, there are a few other items to be aware of when rounding out your meal. Some popular choices are surprisingly not vegan, while others can be easily modified.
What's Vegan and What's Not
| Menu Item | Vegan Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy Bread | Not Vegan | Contains dairy in both the butter and parmesan cheese. |
| Crazy Bread (No Cheese) | Potentially Vegan | The buttery spread is oil-based in the U.S., but ask for no parmesan cheese. Confirm the spread is dairy-free. |
| Crazy Sauce Dip | Vegan | The tomato-based dipping sauce is vegan and a great companion for a cheese-less Crazy Bread. |
| Cinnamon Bites | Vegan (No Icing) | The bites without the icing can be vegan, but availability and recipe may vary by location. |
| Wings | Not Vegan | All wing varieties, including BBQ and Buffalo, are not vegan as they contain animal products. |
| Standard Drinks | Vegan | Sodas from the fountain or bottles are generally vegan. |
Important Ordering Tips
- Specify "No Cheese": This is the most critical instruction for your order. If you're building a custom pizza, simply ask for no cheese. If you're ordering a standard Veggie pizza, explicitly state that you want it without cheese.
- Communicate Clearly: Inform the employee you are ordering a vegan pizza. This ensures they are aware of your dietary needs and can minimize the risk of cross-contamination in the preparation process.
- Check for Plant-Based Meats: While Planteroni was a regional test item, it's worth asking if it has become a permanent feature at your location.
- Beware of Hidden Ingredients: Items like the Deep! Deep! Dish crust and traditional Crazy Bread contain dairy, so it’s essential to be specific with your order to avoid non-vegan products.
Potential Cross-Contamination
When ordering at any fast-food chain, it's important to be mindful of potential cross-contamination. While Little Caesars employees will do their best, they use shared ovens and prep surfaces for all menu items. If you have severe allergies, it's a good practice to inquire about their kitchen procedures. You can politely ask if they can change gloves or use a fresh pizza cutter to minimize the risk.
Conclusion
Ordering a vegan meal at Little Caesars is entirely possible with the right knowledge. The classic round and thin crusts, along with the signature Crazy Sauce, form the perfect base for a customizable, veggie-packed pizza. By remembering to hold the cheese on your pizza and Crazy Bread (and confirming the status of the garlic spread), you can enjoy a quick and affordable vegan meal. Communication is key to ensuring a satisfying experience, so don't hesitate to clearly state your dietary preferences when you order.
For more information on the chain's nutritional details, you can visit their official nutrition guide, which can help in making informed decisions for your order.
